Chiang Mai, Thailand

Upon arrival at Chiang Mai, we were treated with a wide varieties buffet lunch in Park Hotel. I like the spicy pamelo shown below.

Wat Phratat Doi Suthep was built 3,520 feet above sea level in year 1383 . This mountain top temple has a chedi (pagoda) that houses holy Buddha relics. The gold-plated chedi lies in the middle of a square marble-tiled courtyard. The four corners of the chedi are adorned with parasols which represent royal regalia. The temples courtyard is lined by a cloister, which contains images and murals depicting Buddhas life.

Thais believe that dreams will come true when they walk round the chedi 3 times while making wishes sincerely. Erm...doesn't seem so true!!

It is the perfect place to get a birds eye view of the city. The temple can be reached via a steep Naga staircase comprised of 290 steps or cable. For us, we choose to go up by the cable car and walk down from the Naga staircase. As normal, there are some local fruit and souvenir stalls along the street.

We have our dinner at Gia Tong Heng Restaurant. They actually served TeoChew cuisine. The dinner is really delicious, especially the suckling pig.

We stayed in Central Duangtawan Hotel which is stractegically located in the shopping district. I can find all kind of stalls nearby, as well as Thai massage centers.

After check-in to the hotel, we spent our leisure time at the night bazaar nearyby. For me, i don't really crazy about shopping when i travel. Perhaps i like to discover something fresh and new to me i.e. unique local food. See what i got !!...

Stallholders line both sides of the street and prices are really competitive.

After tired of walking, i enjoyed my massage. The massage is so relaxing and the price is cheap! Well, since the night is still young, the members suggested to patron one of the pubs for drinks. After unwind ourself in the pubs, we went for supper. We ordered some fresh oysters. I like it very much! The weather in Chiangmai is cooling at about 18c. After breakfast, tour proceeds to visit Maesa Elephant Champ. The elephants are trained to demonstrate their skills to tourists in the form of a show ie. football game and drawing.

One of the most delightful experiences for most tourists to Thailand is their experience riding in a safe howdah on the back of an elephant. For me, this is not the first time, yet i felt excited to walk through the jungle with the elephant.

After the show, we embarked to Orchid and Butterfly Farm.

At night, we have our dinner at Khantoke Restaurant. This is the place that i would like to highlight. Khantoke-style dinners is a Lanna Thai tradition and it became a social gathering in 1953. The wonderful of the Khantoke dinner is the combination of the classical Thai dance and food with excellent music.

Fried banana served before meal as appetizer. Food served as the fixed set with free refill. There are a few different dishes are served along with a basket which include Thai soup, Pork curry Northern style, sticky/boiled rice, fresh vegetables, crispy fried pork skin, fried chicken, spicy chilli sauce northern sytle and fresh fruits. After that, sweet crispy rice and tea or coffee is served after meal.

In Chiang Mai, the Sky Lanterns are known as "Khoom Loy". Traditional Northern Thai (Lanna) people use Sky Lanterns for Spiritual celebrations and other special occasions, one particular festival, the Loi Kratong festival or Yipeng Lantern festival in which; couples and loved ones gather on the riverbanks to float handmade flower arrangements (Kratong), and release 'Khom Loy' together.

It is considered good luck to release a 'Kratong' and 'Khom Loy', as many Thai people, especially Buddhists, believe they are symbolic of your problems and worries floating away. When a Sky Lantern is lit, the heat generated from the fuel cell creates lift (like a hot air balloon), and causes the lantern to rise into the sky.

On the way to Chiang Rai, the coach stopped at the famous Hot Spring. The water comes from a deep source and is 100 degrees at the surface. You can even boil an egg in the water within 3 minutes.

From my research, i understand that the hot air balloon is available in Chiang Mai. Unfortunately, i can't experience it due to the fixed tour schedule. I strongly hope one day i can experience the sensation of flying over trees, lakes and streams, spotting wildlife and enjoy the paranomic view before and after sunrise. Let the winds embrace me... soft and tender!

For me, I think, a marry proposal in the hot air balloon will be unforgetable!