Chiang Mai is one of my favorite place to be in Thailand. Many years back, I had the opportunity to travel and stay with a host in Chiang Rai. Since then, Chiang Rai/Chiang Mai holds a very special place in my heart. I even met my best friend during that trip and the rest is history. This trip, I manage to explore more attraction with H & friends. From the national park to staying in treehouse, I love them all. Even the airport has the perfect backdrop.
“An Open Heart is an Open Mind”
Summary of the trip
Day 1: Chiang Mai Airport - Rabeang Pasak Treehouse Resort
Day 2: Explore around Rabeang Pasak Treehouse Resort - Bua Thong Waterfalls - Check in Hotel @Chankran Boutique - Sense Massage and Spa – Dinner at Tong Tem Toh - Sunday Night Market
Day 3: Doi Inthanon - Grand Canyon Chiang Mai - Sukontha Buffet - Central Festival Mall
Day 4: Warorot Market - Kiyora Spa - Chiang Mai Airport
Day 1: Chiang Mai Airport - Rabeang Pasak Treehouse Resort
The journey to the treehouse was a 2 hours ride away from airport. We watch the sun set while the driver heads up north of chiang mai. Looking at the pink skies, it remind me the trip back then. I spent 2 weeks in Chiang Rai doing YEP community service with Ngee Ann Poly. Those were the carefree days! Soon, it was pitch dark when we arrived at the tree house. We settle down and went for dinner, play card games and call it a day.
Rabeang Pasak Treehouse Resort
Luang Nuea, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai 50220, Thailand
Day 2: Explore around Rabeang Pasak Treehouse Resort - Bua Thong Waterfalls - Check in Hotel @Chankran Boutique - Sense Massage and Spa – Dinner at Tong Tem Toh - Sunday Night Market
The next morning, we woke up before the sky light up. We borrowed bicycles and explore the neighbourhood. It was cold and dark but fun! We managed to visit the bat cave and ride along the red sand! I love riding along the empty streets. Especially when we go down! With wind blowing against your face! #perfectmorning
Later in the afternoon, we visited Bua Thong Waterfalls aka as sticky waterfall . What makes this waterfall so special is that the mineral deposit makes it a grippy surface for people climb up the waterfall. There are rope to assist you too. Just avoid the dark patch – “algae”. Afterward, we stop by a market to grab a quick lunch before heading back to Chiang mai city
Bua Thong Waterfalls
Address: Mae Ho Phra, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand
We decided to go for massage just minutes away from the hotel. For 300b, you get a 1 hour Thai massage. My masseuse is pretty good but H don't think so. The down side of this place is the noise pollution along the road. Plus you can hear customer chatting loudly at the reception
Sense Massage and Spa
23/ Amphoe Mueang Arak Rd, Sriphum Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Dinner was spent at Tong Tem Toh for Northern Thai food. Unlike the usual Thai food we had, Northern Thai food are more flavorful and exotic. We choose this place because it had the highest rating – go with the safe options. It turn out to be pretty food but expensive. Also, the portion are generally small. Nonetheless I love the grilled blade pork shoulder! Second to the list is the “Tom Yum Soup” aka "spicy and sour soup". By the way, most of the dish is really spicy! If you can’t handle spice too well, you might want to choose the safer option such as Egg omelette and grilled blade pork shoulder!
Also i realise they like to add fried pork skin to many dishes! It taste like cracker but a lot tastier and unhealthy. If you like it, you can buy them from the supermarket or Ton Lamyai Flower Market. 5 packet for 100b. I wouldn’t say that place is the best because I didn’t had much chance to try the food but I thought this place is a safe choice.
Also i realise they like to add fried pork skin to many dishes! It taste like cracker but a lot tastier and unhealthy. If you like it, you can buy them from the supermarket or Ton Lamyai Flower Market. 5 packet for 100b. I wouldn’t say that place is the best because I didn’t had much chance to try the food but I thought this place is a safe choice.
Tong Tem Toh
Address: Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
We end the night at Sunday night market. The market was filled with lots of goodies for tourist. If you want to get your elephant pants, this is the place. Although there isn't much things for me to buy, i enjoy walking the super long stretch with thai ice tea.
Sunday Night Market
Address: Rachadamnoen Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Day 3: Doi Inthanon - Grand Canyon Chiang Mai - Sukontha Buffet - Central Festival Mall
Hired a driver for the day and we went on to explore the outskirt of chiang mai city. First stop was to Doi Inthanon. We went up to the highest point of thailand then to the Giew Mae Pan Nature Trail and finally to the highlight – Royal Twin Pagodas.
The Royal Twin Pagodas, also know as a paradise to many, is indeed gorgeous! Initially I was still being skeptical to visit this place but I am really glad that we came here! Blue skies and beautiful garden (with tourist of course!)
Doi Inthanon
Entrance Fee: 300 b
Address: Ban Luang, Chom Thong District Chiang Mai 50270
We spent some time there taking photos before heading to next stop Chiang Mai Canyon. This place started as a soil mine and later turn to a huge pond. The initial plan was to visit the canyon and spent 30 minutes there. However when we got there, they guys were excited and wanted to go for the 8m cliff jump. As a scary cat, I went down by the safe route and swim over to meet them. Haha! We cool ourselves down in the cold water and chill on the raft . Soon the sun went down and it was time to go back to Chiang mai city.
Tip: There is a water park beside Chiang Mai Canyon that cost 300b . Unless you are planning to spent a whole day there, I suggest you to visit the cheaper option 50 b just to have some fun.
Chiang Mai Canyon
Entrance Fee: 50 b
Address: 202 Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand
Dinner was spent at Sukontha Buffet mookata. This place can seat up to 1000 people. Honestly, I think they have really good spread of food that you can choose. From Salad bar to Dessert, there are so many things to eat! Plus its really affordable! Everything for 209 b. There is live band at night too! Although the meat are not marinated, you can eat it with the sauce. Value for money buffet spread but don't expect much in terms of quality.
Sukontha Buffet
209 b/pax
Address: Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
After dinner, we went to Central Festival Mall to catch Logan – Imax movie. A little pity that we got the front seat. Nonetheless, the movie is good! Central Festival Mall is a new shopping mall in the town and you can find international brands like Adidas, Uniqlo, H&M and etc.
Tip: The mall provide shuttle service to the airport. Check out here for schedules and concierge to confirm.
Central Festival Mall
Website: http://www.centralfestival.co.th/index.php
Address: Mae Khao Mu 4 Alley Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
Day 4: Warorot Market - Kiyora Spa - Chiang Mai Airport
The last morning was spent visiting morning market - Warorot Market. A market where you can find local snacks as well as affordable clothes.I love visiting market in foreign country because the vibe is similar but different. Located along the streets of Chang Wat and Chang Moi, there are a few markets. We explore that area and found many shops selling goods in bulk. I missed out the morning market and thought of adding it to the list next time!
Ton Lamyai Flower Market
Address: Wichayanon Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Afterwards, we walk to other market and found this traditional stall selling noodles. where you find H has been wanting to try Khao Soi and was so happy that he manage to find one! This was hidden at some alley with very few reviews but it was pretty crowded on a Monday morning at 10am. We see streams of customer coming in very often.
ตลาดวโรรส ตำบล aka noodle shop
Address:Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Before the flight back home, H & I thought of going for another round of massage. After reading reviews online, we decided to go for Kiyora Spa. I love the ambience there! Plus the masseuse are pretty good too, they cater to your need instead of doing the the standard Thai massage. Although the price is double of what I paid at sense massage, I thought it's pretty worth it.
Tip: book online to get 30% off the original price. They will confirm with you through email. Plus they offer free pick up available from hotel. 700 b for 90 mins.
Kiyora Spa
Website: https://kiyoraspa.com/
Address:Chang Moi Rd Soi 2, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Get your downloadable PDF itinerary here ! Feel free to drop me a comment or an email to hello.ourtravelitinerary@gmail.com if you have any question! Hope it helps!
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