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| Chiang Mai, Thailand |
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What Is a Memorable Chiang Mai Vacation?
If you are looking to sample part of Thailand culture, and yet stay away from the most populated and congested cities then Chiang Mai is a good choice. This city has a population of over 170,000 and is surrounded by mountains and a beautiful countryside. The city is known to be a quieter and "greener" place than its neighbors. In fact, many residents have decided to relocate from Bangkok to this peaceful city, known as the "Rose of the North." What is the best of Chiang Mai, in accommodations, dining and attractions?
Hotel and Resorts
Hotel and resorts in the area are notably cheap, and that's considering the already inexpensive cost of living in Thailand. That's not to say that there are no luxurious accommodations available-tourists have their choice of staying in affordable guesthouses to elaborate garden resorts. There are boutique resorts located near the center of the area that offer small accommodations and much Thai style décor. Keep in mind that cheaper hotels may refuse guests who are not booking a trekking package; so in this case it might be a good idea to shop moderately or affluently for a hotel room. Some of the lowest priced hotels in the area include the Backpacker House, the Baan Kwanta and the Banilah Guesthouse.
If you are looking for midrange class hotels then try the Affordable Chiang Mai on Huay Kaew Road, which offers a clean quarters and convenient location, or the Baan Orapin on Charoenrat, with a beautifully restored house built Thai style, and with a gardenlike setting. The Pornping Tower offers guests a pool as well as a "bubbles disco" and is among the more popular choices in the city, along with the Tower Wing, which is far less noisy. If you have saved enough to splurge in cheap-living Chiang Mai then try the Chedi Chiang Mai Hotel, a stylish hotel on the banks of the Mae Ping River and with 84 deluxe rooms. Other notable high-priced options include the D2 on Chang Klan Road, the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi. Expect spa treatments, fitness centers and Thai cooking classes with a stay in these high priced hotel resorts.
Dining and Nightlife in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai cuisine is arguably the best attraction of the city, as it offers a wide variety of food rivaled only by Bangkok-the much noisier alternative. Chiang Mai is an excellent place to sample authentic northern Thai food, including khao soi, wheat noodles in curry, and broth made with chicken, beef or seafood, or a vegetarian alternative, which is quite common in the country. If you miss home already, then you can sample some of Chiang Mai's western restaurants featuring a large selection of international foods.
Some of the most popular dining spots include the Anusarn Market on Chang Khlan Road, the Brick Road Café on Ratchadamneon Road. For Thai food try restaurants like Huen Phen or Just Kao Soy, both reasonably priced restaurants with excellent authentic Thai food. Don't miss Khun Churn if you are a vegetarian, but try the Baan Rom Mai Garden Restaurant or the Galae Garden Restaurant if you want first class treatment.
What about the nightlife in Chiang Mai? While not as rowdy as Bangkok, there are still plenty of discos, karaoke bars and live music all over the area. The busiest spots are around Tapae Gate, Loi Kroh Road and Charoenrat Road. Moon Muang Road also has an impressive collection of sports bars and go-go bars. Some of the most popular bars include the Crank Tavern, the Elephant Café and the Half Moon Pub. For more relaxing location seek out the Café Souvannaphoum or for a common student hangout search for the BangRak on Nimmanhaemin Road. There are also clubs, bars and restaurants that play live music such as the La Brasserie and the Chiang Mai Riverside Restaurant. Want a more fast-moving and rowdy crowd? Look for Bubbles at the Porn Ping Tower or the Spicy, which heats up after dark. Remember that while prices in Chiang Mai are cheap, the people are very distinguished and pride themselves on a clean appearance. If you show up not dressed to impress, you may be given one of the poorer seats of the establishment.
The Best Attractions in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai has just as much history as it has interactive fun for tourists. The Walled City refers to Chiang Mai's historical center, which contains over 30 ancient temples. There are also many museums of interest, including the Hilltribe Research Institute Museum and the Chiang Mai University Art Museum. When it comes to contemporary fun, look for the Elephant Nature Park just north of Chiang Mai, which is a sanctuary for rescued elephants. Additionally, you can enjoy the Chiang Mai Zoo at Doi Suthep, as well as other Chiang Mai favorites such as cave exploring, night safaris, orchid farms and puppet shows.
The best way to travel is by a "songthaew", which is covered pick-up truck with two backbenches, or a "tuk-tuk" which is the equivalent of a Thai taxi. You can also cycle your way around the city by bicycle or motorcycle. A vacation in Chiang Mai is a great way to experience the exciting Thai lifestyle without venturing to the congested city. |
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