Although Chiang Mai is also called the ‘Rose of the North’, this post will visit some surrounding areas (not Chiang Mai itself), Pai, Chiang Dao, Chiang Rai, Doi Tung and the Golden Triangle border point between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.
Around Chiang Mai
About half an hour north of Chiang Mai is the Huai Tung Tao lake (50 bath entry fee for foreigners). A road is running around the lake, approximately 4km, so it is easy to visit the different sights or find a quiet spot for a picnic. There are also a number of restaurants along the shore with huts along or floating in the water.
One of the main attractions are the straw sculptures and rice paddies at he north-west end of the lake.
A further hour north is the Bua Tong Waterfall, also known as the ‘Sticky Waterfall‘. It is nicknamed ‘the sticky waterfall’ because minerals have made the limestone porous which creates enough friction, to stop feets slipping. There are also robes to hold onto. The limestone is slightly rough and forms an interesting bubbly pattern. There are 5 different levels to explore and steps on the side of the waterfall leading to the bottom. Most people walk to the bottom and then climb up the waterfall to the top. Bring your swimmsuit and towel.
Whilst there, the Nam Phu Chet Si is only a 5 minute stroll away. It is the spring of the river and there is an incredible 7 coloured pool (depending on weather).
About 30km east of Chiang Mai in the San Kamphaeng District, are the Muang On caves. The road up the hill may a bit difficult to find, but well worth the effort. There is some parking at the bottom of the large Naga staircase (about 200 steps) to the entrance of the cave. A larger carpark is just below (and there are some monkey you can feed there too). A small ‘donation’ is asked for towards the upkeep of the caves.
Through the door, a steep staircase will lead you down into the cave. There are about 180 steps and some areas are a bit narrow, mind your head. Whilst there is sufficient light in the cave, if you want to explore more details, bring a torch, or rent one at the entrance.
Once inside, we were surprised by the size of the different sections. You can explore the cave freely along the winding concrete path. A number of shrines have been setup in grottos and some wall paintings (Australian tourists copying aboriginal hand paintings..?). The main attraction of course are the natural rock formations: stalactites and stalagmites.
Take your time and explore the caverns as there are some fascinating sights along with lots of nooks and crannies to be found. Once finished exploring the caverns be prepared for the long climb back up the staircases to the cave entrance and down the Naga staircase.
A short drive from the caves are the San Kampaeng Hot Springs. You can boils some eggs in the hot water or sit with your feet in the hot water. The further away from the spring, the cooler the water…
Pai
About 3 hours north-west of Chiang Mai is the town of Pai. What used to be a sleepy town is now bustling with backpackers and nature lovers. Besides a relaxed lifestyle, there are water rafting and hiking in the surounding hills. With just a day, we picked a couple of sites to visit before enjoying the evening streetmarket in the centre of Pai.
Pai Canyon is a fantastic maze of narrow ridges into a stunning mountain view. Must be steady on your feet as some parts are narrow with drops of 20m on either side.
Not far away is the Land Split. The “land split” a geological feature caused by seismic activity/earthquake in 2008. One morning the hillside ripped open and formed a large split in the earth. Subsequent quakes in 2009 and 2011 have added additional rifts along the original line. To date, the ground movement and their consequential geological evidences have confirmed that “The Land Split” is indeed an active Fault line.
Chiang Dao
Just a night in a simple hut in a local village in Chiang Dao to enjoy nature. To stay overnight in the Chiang Dao National Park, pre-registration was required.
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is the most northerly city in Thailand has a population of about 200,000. We did run out of time to visit the famous White Temple etc. We kept busy visiting street markets during day as well as the Night Market, Clock Tower and festive illuminations, and of course a visit to a Wat. The area is rural and rice fields with water buffalos can be seen everywhere. Also just out of town is the Singha Park with its tea plantation.
The Annual Flower Festival was in full swing on our stay. Besides the stunning flower displays, there was plenty of food along the way as well as live entertainment to go along with a cold beer.
Doi Tung Villa & Garden
On the way to the Golden Triangle, close to the border to Myanmar, we made a stop to the Royal Villa and Garden in Doi Tung.
Doi Tung Royal Villa was built under the royal remark of H.R.H Princess Srinakarindra. In late1987, she moved to work here. This villa can therefore be counted as the first home of the Princess Mother. Doi Tung Royal Villa was built on the hill, giving a magnificent view of the vast landscape. It features a combination of Lanna architecture (a northern Thai slab wood house with Kalae Top) and the Swiss-style Chalet.
The Royal Villa is overlooking the beautiful Mae Fah Luang Garden.
Golden Triangle
The final stop on this trip was the border point where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand join, the Golden Triangle. The name for this area which used to me an opium growing area was coined by the CIA. The best place to get all information on opium, from the history, use in medicine and of course the history of opium in Thailand and Asia, visit the Golden Triangle Park Hall of Opium. about 10 minutes back from the iconic Golden Triangle Photo spot. From there heading to the best view point by the river…
There is of course always a lot more to see and do, but with limited time one has to choose a few items and leave the rest for another visit sometime in the future.
That’s it from the North for this time.
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