Doi Suthep Chiang Mai

The Three Kings

Chiang Mai is a nice & suitable place to use as a hub for your Thailand Northern Excursion.The most exciting loop is the Western loop, thousand turns of the Mae Hong Song Loop which has beautiful scenery and full of laid back environment for you to enjoy. Pai is one of the popular stop, half way to Mae Hong Song then further down the loop to Mae Sariang. Others include the Sourthern loop to Lamphun - Doi Inthanon and Lampang. And the Northern loop,  Phu Cha Fa - Phayao, Chiang Rai - Doi Angkhang, or Golde Triangle . No traveler will understand the Thai culture if they do not pay a visit to Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is the heart . This city offer visitors Histories, Cultures, Ancient Temples (Wat), Nature Trails, Waterfalls, Rivers, Handicrafts, Festivals ...etc...etc.

This City was established in 1296 by King Mengrai reign in 1239-1311. Lanna kingdom was originally from South-Eastern China called Tai Yuan who practiced Mon Buddhism. The Lanna name for Chiang Mai "Nophaburi Sri Nakhon Ping Chiang Mai"
King Mengrai the son of Chiang Sean who was a southern Chinese Princess. The King noticed the threats from Burma and subsequently he built a square mile of moats which still exist.
Within the square mile you will witness the many ancient Wats from different era,the notable and venerated wats are Wat Phra Sing, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Jed Yod, Wat Chediluang all are from the 14th century.Others Kings that captured Chiang Mai include King Naresuan of Ayutthaya, King Narai, King Taksin and even the Burmese.
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during November - January and is also the peak time, therefore, for those whom like to visit during the peak season it is advisable to book your lodging in advance.
The notable festivals in Chiang Mai are April 12-15 "Songkran", November Loy Krathong (Yi Ping Festival) full moon of 12 Lunar month (Thai Calendar) November, and the countdown in Chiang Mai is celebrate in a grand scale.
Most cities are not spared from new and robust development, but the ancient city of Chiang Mai was very much intact, we can just rent a bicycle and roam the city easily. Lorries, Buses, or any big vehicles are prohibited in the old city.  During December you will be spared from the blazing sun and the mild weather will allow you to enjoy cycling.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

White elephant legend

In 1368, with Dharmmaraja's permission, Sumanathera took the Buddha relic from Lamphum. A larger piece of the Lord collar bone was enshrined at a temple in Suandok. The other piece was placed by the king on the back of a White Elephant which was released into the jungle. The elephant is said to have climbed up Doi Suthep, at that time called Doi Aoy Chang, stopped, trumpeted three times, then dropped dead. This was interpreted as an omen. King Nu Naone immediately ordered the construction of a temple at the site.The wat can be reached by road from Chiang Mai. From the car park at the temple's base visitors can climb 309 steps to reach the pagodas or take a tram. Once at the temple grounds visitors must appropriately dressed and remove footwear. The original copper plated chedi is the most holy place. Within the site are pagodas, statues, bells, a museum, and shrines. 

The Replica Of The Emerald Buddha

Hmong's Home

If you happen to visit Doi Suthep there are two other places worth to visit. This wooden shed the Hmong Tribe they called home. You can reach this village by the same road that lead you to Wat just after the Wat continue your journey further down another about 3 km.

Hmong Ladies Performing Dance at Wat Phra That 

Hmong's Costume The Hmong are an ethnic group from the mountainous regions of China, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand Hmong are also one of the sub-groups of the Miao in Southern China. They began a gradual southward migration in the 18th century due to political unrest. Most of the Hmong are very independent, laid back, friendly and introvert. They are the poorest Minority Group in Thailand.

Hmong Children

Other than these two popular tourist attractions there is another called Buphing Palace. This is the winter palace for the Royal family and guest. They are famous for their Roses and many other types of flowers. It is very unfortunate for me because my visit was during the winter and the rain was so heavy. 

Locals Pay Homage at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

   

The Garden Of Roses Bhuping Palace Chiang Mai

Bhuping Palace is a winter palace for Queen Sirikit's retreat, cultivating special Roses and many others types of beautiful flowers. There is also a small dam at the top of the Doi, I could not get a nice picture because there was rain and very misty.

Tips:     Bhuping palace is in the same vicinity of Among Village and Phra That Doi Suthept . It is advisable to visit the Bhuping Palace  first because it  close during lunch hour, it open at 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.only. entrance fees BHT80, then  proceed further up the main road to Hmong Village and have lunch there, when on your way back you visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This trip is best visit with a motor bike. Look for Huay Kaew Road  the road behind the Chiang Mai University. From Chiang Mai Town 10-12 Km, It is at the junction of Arak Road and Sri Poom. A straight road on Huey Kiew Road. When renting a motorcycle ask for rain coat and contact phone number.

"The Bustling City Of Bangkok"

Golden Buddha Temple Bangkok

Heart of Asean Tourist Destination. If you start your Thailand trip from Bangkok then make it Two Days first then explore out of Bangkok, when you finished out of Bangkok then budget your remaining days in Bangkok, it also a heaven for shoppers. The first two will allow you to visit Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and take a boat to Wat Arun all in a day. For a budget traveler staying around Kao San Road then look for Chak Kraphong Road and head west and you will see a big field (Ratchadamnoen Nai Road) about 2 km or just hail a Tuk Tuk Bht 50-60 to the Grand Palace. Plan this trip early, 8.00 am, wear long pant or knee length skirt with sleeve shirt or blouse. Entrance cost Bht 400. to the Grand Palace, incl. Queen Sirkit Museum of Textiles (highly recommended), Vimanmek Mansion Museum, Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, Sanam Chandra Palace. (The ticket will allow you to visit all other places within 7 days from date of issued).Wat Pho (Sleeping Buddha) just behind the Palace.

Wat Arun

After the Grand Palace tour, walk west side of the Palace (out of the main exit keep left) a  pier called Tha Tien (which is the opposite Wat Pho "Reclining Buddha") to Wat Arun. All these 3  places can be visit in a day. If time permit, you can go to China Town by bus at Phra Ar Thit Road Bus 53. Bht 8,(North-West of Kao San Road).                           

Solid Golden Buddha 

The nerve center of Bangkok is Yawarat Road. The oldest town in Bangkok. Most of the business are monopolized by the Chinese in this area and many elderly folks still speak Chinese or Teow Chiew. When I was there I noticed that the business in this city is very robust. Even during Sunday the Gold shop are open for business and crowed. Just a walking distance there is the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit) with the 5 Tons of solid gold. When Bangkok was established as the new capital, Chakri King order that the Golden Buddha statues abandoned in Ayutthaya be placed in Bangkok. The statues were transported to Bangkok through Chao Phraya River. In the reign of King Rama III (1825 – 1851),the statue apparently covered with brown clay was installed in Wat Phraya Krai in Charoen Krung Road, Yannawa district near the Taksin Bridge. On 25 May 1955, when the old temple had to be vacated, the statues were moved to Wat Traimit. By accident, when the statue was hoisted up and slipped from the straps fell to the ground.The lacquer shattered on impact revealing a Buddha statue cast in solid gold. A closer examination revealed that the statue dated back to the Sukhotai period in the 12th to 13th centuries. Since then, the Golden Buddha has been placed in Wat Traimit, Yaowarat, Chinatown Bangkok. Today hundreds of devotees visit the temple daily to pay homage and pray at the feet of the Golden Buddha.

The Place for the Traveler Kao San Road

Most of the Backpackers or budget travelers will make Kao San Road their choice for lodging. Staying around Kao San Road will allow you to meet fellow travelers and exchange info or get more tips from other travelers. Having more info is always an added advantage to plan for other destinations and future travels. And the nightlife around here is lively and there is also a night market too. By walking around and look for affordable & delicious foods are plenty and nightlife too. Nowadays, elder and middle age travelers tend to stay away from Kao San Road because they feel that it is too crowded and seasoned travelers prefer somewhere up the Chao Phraya River, travelling is much easier compare to land travelling in Bangkok. Prices & Environment are more attractive with quiet surroundings.  

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak Weekend Market Map

 Chatuchak weekend market is the most famous market in Bangkok because many of worlds low end retailers will come to this place to look for products. It has about 15,000 stalls all sort of things. The above clock tower is the main point and is a good place for meet-up if one get lost inside the market. Casual and light clothing is recommended it is very hot at the market. If you travel by BTS stop at  Mo Chit or MRT Chatuchak Park or Kamphaeng Phet.

  

                                

                                 

 After visiting the Chatuchak Week End Market you can head over the road to Oo Tor Kor market. There are plenty of choice for lunch.

Lumphini Park

                               

                               

                               

                               

                               

Lumphini Park  is named after Buddha birth place in Nepal.  The park is in the center of Bangkok where you will find many Embassy around this area. In the morning and evening you will see many people doing their daily exercise and children enjoying in the park.

Other then these, there is one famous restaurant near the park called Soi Polo Fried Chicken at the junction of  Wireless Road, just near the police station. Just exit the main gate at Wireless Road and 

cross over the road on your left

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HOW TO GET THERE: BEST TO TAKE MRT TO MRT SILOM STATION. TAKE EXIT TO LUMPHINI PARK. YOU WILL SEE KING CHULALONGKORN STATUE OUTSIDE THE PARK ENTRANCE. TAKE A STROLL IN THE PARK UNTIL YOU REACH THE LUMPHINI EXIT.FROM EXIT WALK ALONG WIRELESS ROAD TO SOI POLO [ABOUT 10 MINUTES] FOR DINNER AT THE POPULAR FRIED CHICKEN OUTLET - SOI POLO FRIED CHICKEN [OPENS FROM 7.00 AM TO 10.00 PM DAILY] TRY TO HAVE EARLY DINNER BECAUSE THE PLACE MAY BE CROWDED. PRICES OF FOOD HERE ARE VERY REASONABLE AND FOOD IS GOOD.


       

Terminal 21 Complex

The crowd will tell you how popular the Food court.

These are the popular foods that served in this complex. We were told that the food sold here are popular and the Thai food are prepared by chefs who have learned to cook them using the best receipt. You can get to savour 3 different kinds of foods with 100 Baths. It is food paradise for tourist because foods is fix price, clean, delicious and small portion which allow us to try more varieties in  good, nice and relaxing environment.

HOW TO GET THERE: 

 TAKE MRT TO SUKHUMVIT OR DIRECT ACCESS VIA SKY WALK BTS  ASOK.

      Tips:     
              Or Thor Kor Market is best visit during lunch time. Plan your                                                                Chatuchak visit early morning then hop over to Or Thor Kor for lunch.