Chiang Mai is the biggest metropolis in Northern Thailand. It’s identified for its gorgeous mountain backdrop, picturesque villages, and beautiful temples. Apart from being a tremendous metropolis that has so much to do and see, it’s additionally an excellent vacation spot to take day journeys from.
Right here’s a listing of nice day journeys from Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Rai
- Karen Lengthy Neck Tribe
- Pai
- Phupha Elephant Sanctuary, Mae Wang waterfall, and bamboo rafting
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is a metropolis identified for its temples and The Golden Triangle. There’s a lot to discover in Chiang Rai on a day journey.
Temples
White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
The White Temple is likely one of the hottest temples in Chiang Rai. It’s identified for its large construction, design, and colour. The white base of the temple represents the purity of the Buddha and the mirrors characterize the shining of Buddha’s knowledge. The White Temple nearly seems to be like a phenomenal porcelain constructing lined in mirrors.
To enter the White Temple it’s a must to buy a ticket. The ticket price is 50 baht. Whenever you buy a ticket for the White Temple, additionally, you will have entry to the opposite stunning constructions close to the temple, and the gold bathroom. The gold bathroom is difficult to overlook because it’s the one gold constructing within the space. It’s important to stroll over the bridge to get to the White Temple’s entrance. On each side of the bridge are palms protruding; a few of them are holding skulls and bowls. Images are allowed on the bridge however aren’t allowed inside.
I might suggest spending an hour on the temple. It takes about 5 minutes to stroll via the temple and about 40 minutes to stroll round and take images of the entire constructions close to the temple. There’s additionally a procuring space that sells meals, garments, and different merchandise. It’s an excellent spot to take a look at after the temple.
Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)
The Blue Temple has no entry price. There are two methods to enter and exit the temple. Earlier than coming into it’s a must to take away your footwear, sun shades, and hat. When within the temple, identical to some other temple, be respectful of others as a result of there could also be folks praying and meditating.
Whenever you’re completed exploring the temple, there are a selection of eating places and retailers close by to take a look at. One place I like to recommend is “Coconut Ice cream- Un Chan.” They serve the favored blue coconut ice cream. Not solely is the show stunning however it tastes refreshing. The blue coconut ice cream is served in a coconut shell, together with a cup of blue coconut water.
Baan Dam Museum (Black Home)
The Baan Dam Museum is named the Black Home. It’s an artwork set up with a set of 40 constructions of various sizes and styles. The doorway price to the museum is 80 baht and provides you entry to all 40 constructions. All the constructions are black and scattered round a big peaceable backyard. A few of the constructions can solely be considered via the doorways and home windows.
The Baan Dam Museum is the exact opposite of the White Temple. Whereas the White Temple is named being heavenly, the Baan Dam Museum is often often known as the imaginative and prescient of hell. There are animal bones and pores and skin displayed all through the museum. Just a bit observe for households, some constructions painting male genitals.
There are a couple of cafes near the museum. Just like shopping for blue coconut ice cream close to the blue temple, you should buy black ice cream close to the Baan Dam Museum.
Just a few suggestions to your temples day journey:
- Deliver socks, there aren’t any footwear allowed within the temples (you’ll be able to go in barefoot)
- Gown appropriately (no tank tops, crop tops, low reduce shirts, cowl shoulder, cleavage, and knees, no sun shades and hats within the Blue Temple)
- Temples which have an entry price may be paid on the temple
For extra details about visiting temples, take a look at what to not do when visiting a temple in Thailand.
Singha Park
Singha Park is a family-friendly park. Entry into the park is free, you solely must pay for the actions you wish to do. On the entrance of the park you will notice a big gold Singha brand, and fairly near that’s the data counter. Whenever you get to the data counter, you’ll be able to e book a mode of transportation to take you thru the park. You possibly can e book the tram, which takes guests to varied elements of the park, or you’ll be able to reserve a golf cart or bicycle. You’ll additionally obtain a map of the park, which is able to make it simpler to get round.
I like to recommend giving your self no less than 90 minutes to discover Singha Park as a result of it’s large and there’s a lot to do and see. Singha Park has a tea plantation that grows Oolong tea, flower gardens, ziplining, lakes with white swans, a petting zoo, mountain climbing, sizzling air balloon rides, and tenting.
Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is a novel place to go to. It’s the world the place the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Speak about being in three nations on the similar time. Whereas on the Golden Triangle, you may as well hire a ship on the Mekong River, and go to the assorted temples and Opium Museums.
Karen Lengthy Neck Tribe
Historical past
The Karen Lengthy Neck Tribe are a tribal group of ladies refugees from Burma, who now dwell in Northern Thailand. They’re identified for the brass rings they put on on their necks. Women begin carrying the rings across the age of 5 after which add extra rings once they become older. They take the rings off yearly for less than 3-4 hours.
Excursions
There are excursions out there the place you’ll be able to meet girls from the Tribe and study their tradition. Earlier than reserving a tour take into accout what the tour provides. There are some excursions the place the information will solely take you to a market the place the ladies from the tribe are promoting equipment. For these excursions, the ladies normally appear like their simply placed on show to get vacationers to buy merchandise.
I like to recommend reserving a tour the place you’ll be able to meet girls from the tribe, study their tradition, historical past, language, how they dwell and what they eat, probably cook dinner and eat with them, and spend a day indulging and immersing of their tradition. That tour may have you leaving the village with data, superb tales to inform, and a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
Just a few suggestions to your Karen Lengthy Neck Tribe day journey:
- Be open-minded and, above all, respect the ladies and their tradition.
- Gown appropriately
Pai
Pai is a city situated within the Pai District, surrounded by mountains, mountain climbing trails, and waterfalls. It’s identified for its canyon, sizzling springs, and enjoyable vibe. There’s additionally a wide range of eating places to eat at, together with some vegan ones. Pai is a well-liked vacation spot amongst backpackers. There’s simply one thing about being in Pai and the sluggish tempo that makes it really feel like time stops.
There are a number of methods to get to Pai from Chiang Mai. You possibly can hire a motorcycle, take a taxi or a bus (minivan). The bus leaves Chiang Mai and Pai a number of occasions a day.
Mountain climbing Pai Canyon
Pai Canyon is a well-liked vacationer attraction and nice for journey seekers. It has slim mountain climbing trails that present stunning views of the valley. One of the best ways to get to Pai Canyon is by bike. There are many bike retailers in Pai, the place you’ll be able to hire a motorcycle for the day or weekend.
Mountain climbing Pai Canyon can take round two hours. There are benches on the canyon, which is nice for anybody that will must take a break.
Pai Strolling Road
When you’re on the lookout for a spot with a number of eating places, bars, and nightlife, Pai Strolling Road is the place to be. This road is blocked off from automobiles, giving folks more room to stroll and really feel safer. Whereas strolling down Pai Strolling Road, you’ll odor meals from completely different eating places, hear music, and listen to folks chatting and laughing. Each night time from 6- 10 pm it turns into Pai Evening Market.
Hire motorbikes
Motorbikes are a well-liked mode of transportation in Thailand. Virtually in all places you go in Thailand you will notice locals in addition to some vacationer driving on motorbikes. When you go to a fuel station, you will notice the fuel value for automobiles after which the fuel value for motorbikes. There are a selection of outlets in Pai which have motorbikes for hire. To hire a motorcycle it’s worthwhile to present a sound driver’s license. The store will maintain your license till you come the bike.
When you’ve by no means pushed a motorcycle or moped earlier than, I do warn you that it might be a bit of difficult to start with. I recommend driving slowly at first as a result of the streets in Pai are normally occupied by motorbikes and pedestrians strolling. When you occur to panic or lose management, it could simply trigger an accident. When you’re away from the city, the roads are much less congested and it’s simpler and safer to drive sooner.
I extremely suggest renting a motorcycle if there are a number of belongings you wish to do in Pai and out of doors of Pai throughout your day journey. The bike will make it handy to get from place to put and rapidly.
Sai Ngam sizzling spring
Sai Ngam sizzling spring is situated in a calming setting surrounded by forest. It is a nice cease after an extended day of mountain climbing, strolling, driving, and exploring Pai.
Take photos with the “I’m Pai” signal
The “I’m Pai” signal is situated subsequent to the “Espresso in love” cafe. It’s an excellent relaxation cease when driving from Pai Strolling Road to Pai Canyon. After taking photos with the signal, you may as well seize one thing to eat from the cafe and use the restroom. Then proceed in your journey exploring Pai.
Tha Pai Memorial Bridge
Tha Pai Memorial Bridge is a bridge comprised of wooden and metal. The bridge is accessible to the general public and solely carries pedestrians. Strolling from one finish of the bridge to the opposite is a pleasant little stroll. There are additionally distributors on all sides of the bridge.
Just a few suggestions to your Pai day journey:
- Deliver your driver’s license, simply in case you wish to hire a motorcycle.
- Deliver mountain climbing sneakers if you happen to’re planning to hike Pai Canyon.
- Create an itinerary primarily based on what you wish to do whereas in Pai. There are a number of issues to do in Pai and having an itinerary might help with time administration.
- When you plan on taking a bus from Chiang Mai to Pai, you’ll be able to both purchase your ticket on-line or purchase it on the bus terminal.
Phupha Elephant Sanctuary, Mae Wang waterfall, and bamboo rafting
Phupha Elephant Sanctuary is a couple of 3-hour drive from Chiang Mai. The most effective methods to go to this Sanctuary is to e book a tour on-line. When visiting the sanctuary you get the chance to spend time with the elephants, by feeding them, occurring a trek via the forest with them, after which bathing with them. Earlier than interacting with the elephants, you’ll obtain Karen Hill Tribe clothes, like those elephant caretakers put on.
To be so shut to those majestic animals is such a tremendous expertise and also you’ll study a lot about them. I like to recommend this Chiang Mai waterfall elephant sanctuary and bamboo rafting tour.
After spending time with the elephants, you’ll then be taken to Mae Wang waterfall. As soon as on the waterfall, you’ll be able to chill out and take a dip within the water. Being near the waterfall you’ll really feel the stress from the water and the way sturdy it’s. You can even climb up the big boulders to get nearer to a different a part of the waterfall. When climbing up the boulders watch out as a result of they’re very slippery.
After having fun with the Mae Wang waterfall, you’ll then float on the river on a bamboo raft. Bamboo rafting is a well-liked exercise that’s additionally fairly enjoyable. After a busy day of actions, bamboo rafting is a good way to finish it.
I recommend a combo tour like this one as a result of you’ll be able to expertise three completely different actions and get essentially the most out of your day journey. When you solely wish to e book the Phupha Elephant Sanctuary tour, it’ll nonetheless be a tremendous day journey. All of it is dependent upon your desire.
Just a few suggestions to your Phupha Elephant Sanctuary, Mae Wang waterfall, and bamboo rafting day journey:
- Deliver sneakers to trek within the forest with the elephants.
- Deliver sandals, a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a water-proof telephone pouch to wash with the elephants, and benefit from the waterfall and bamboo rafting.
There’s something for everybody on these day journeys from Chiang Mai. Additionally, there are lots of different Thailand articles you shouldn’t miss if this nation is in your listing.
Maintain studying:
Sparkle Bennett is a traveler from NYC. Within the hopes of encouraging folks to step out of their consolation zones, she shares her experiences in her journey weblog SoTravelish.
Pha Chor canyon in Maewang Nationwide Park, Chiang Mai
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