Chiang Mai

aussie45 · #1 04-09-2007, 11:14

I am going to Chiang Mai on the 1st November and leaving about the 7th. I have heard there are Sunday markets there but can't find any information on them. I was also planning to drive to Chiang Rai and stay the last night there before returning to catch the overnight train back to Bkk.
Can anyone give me some up to date info on a nice hotel with pool for my wife and I in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and must see things around those areas. Thanks in anticipation

sanuk21 · #2 04-09-2007, 20:07

Sunday Markets are called also called Walking Street Markets and are on late afternoon until late evening. They are located on Thapae Road in the Old Town and start by Thapae Gate and go for about 500 metres into the Old Town. Great Shopping ! I think better than the Night Bazaar.

Good accommodation with pool in Chiang Mai is Manathai a boutique hotel close to all the action and Lotus Suan Kaew part a large shopping centre 10 mins from City Centre....has a 50 metre pool. I can recommend both these as I have stay there.

Good accommodation or food for that matter in Chiang Rai was something I never found so good luck there!

Good sights in Chiang Mai...Doi Suthep, Doi Pui and Doi Inthanon National Park

Good sights in Chiang Rai...ride on longtail to Mae Nam Kok to Elephant Camp you can ride elephant in river! One day trip to Golden Triangle , Laos and shopping in Burma at Mae Sai and visit to Long Neck village.

There is excellent VIP Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai....takes about 3 1/2 hours has aircraft chairs and movies....might be better and cheaper alternative to car hire.

Cheers

Sanuk

Nanook · #3 04-09-2007, 21:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by aussie45

I am going to Chiang Mai on the 1st November and leaving about the 7th. I have heard there are Sunday markets there but can't find any information on them. I was also planning to drive to Chiang Rai and stay the last night there before returning to catch the overnight train back to Bkk.
Can anyone give me some up to date info on a nice hotel with pool for my wife and I in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and must see things around those areas. Thanks in anticipation

Last time I was up north, I stayed in the Empress in Chiang Mai and the Dusit Island in Chiang Rai. Both were good, especially the one in Chiang Rai. I must addd that it was quite a few years ago.

Most of the things Sanuk mentioned, I saw as well and are worthwhile. Especially Wat Doi Suthep. Also you can visit the Hill Tribes.

Enjoy.

aussie45 · #4 05-09-2007, 18:08

Thanks Sanuk and Nanook for the information, much appreciated

aussie45 · #5 06-09-2007, 15:16

Thaks Nun, It says weekend market but I thought it was only Sunday, can you confirm for me please. Also today Chineese government confirm they will send two giant panda's to Adelaide Zoo, I do not think it will be intime for your Bosses kids.

sanuk21 · #6 07-09-2007, 17:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuntanabkk

The information above is from other website, i think my information is up to date...Saturday and Sunday is a weekend market.

Sunday or Walking Street Market is only on Sunday!

aussie45 · #7 08-09-2007, 12:58

Thanks Sanuk and Nun, i'll make sure I'm there for Sunday.

barflyrex · #8 10-09-2007, 16:48

Hi aussie45.

I just spent 3 weeks up there, here a few options you may like to consider.

White water rafting.
Mountain bike riding.
Motorbike tours.
Rock climbing.
All run by professional foreign managed company's.

Hire a motorbike and ride up to the To Doi Suthep temple, there's a lot to see on he way, great views of the city. Try and pick a clear day.
You could also spend a day on the the samoeng loop, its a great ride, the loop is 100kms, great scenery, elephant parks, snake farms, hill tribes etc etc.
Riding in these areas is no problems at all, there's not much traffic (if any) and everyone rides slow, not like most of thailand. Get the "GT-rider map" for the loop, ask around town you'll find them. (book stores, motorbike shops) I wouldn't do it with out one.

Theres some great restaurants over looking the river (on the other side) just get a tuk tuk, chiang mai has the same tuk tuks as Bangkok.

Ferry trips up the river.

The flower markets good. Also check out "buak haad park" on sundays, Maybe before you go to the sunday market.

One thing that stands out is chiang mai is a very tourist friendly place, theres information on day trips etc every were.

I got the train back to BKK 800baht second class sleeper and it was very good, the first class 1500baht but gets booked out quickly, so if up want 1st class book early, but seconds fine. Eat before you get on....dont eat the food on the train, its shocking.

Thats all I can think of right now...Cheers Barflyrex.

jaffaman · #9 05-10-2007, 16:47

While in Chiang Mai check out
The night zoo
The hot springs
The king and queens pagodas, the pagodas are on a mountain peak surrounded by botanical gardens... very impressive. but make it a clear day.. cool weather clothing is a must.. its near the highest peak in Thailand.