Quote:
Originally Posted by lippy
Chiang Mai:
Temples:
Wat Phra Singh
Wat Chiang Man
Wat Suan Dok – meditation courses
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Trekking: elephant rides, whitewater rafting, jungles
Meditation Courses: Wat Suan Dok, Northern Insight Meditation Center
Muay Thai Courses: Lanna Muay Thai
Drinking:
Pratu Tha Phae
Mae Nam Ping
Around Chiang Mai:
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, panoramic hilltop for sunset
Doi Inthanon: National Park, highest peak in country
Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong – Looks pretty freaking cool
Lampang
Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao, supposedly the most beautiful in Northern Thailand
Thai Elephant Conservation Center: rides and shows
Chiang Rai:
Gateway to Golden Triangle
Get to Laos (from Chiang Kong) and Burma/Mayanmar (from Mae Sai) easily
Khao Yai National Park:
One of the best National Parks in the world
Lots of Trekking
Supposed to be one of the “must-see” places
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I go to Chiang Mai about 4 times a year... and recently spent the last 4 months there... i can honestly say... one of the coolest cities in Thailand.
I would suggest if you are there on a Sunday night... to do the walking market "inside" the old city. It starts at Tapae Gate and goes for days.. it is WAY BETTER than the night bazaar.. which is truly not that special. That being said, you can always go to the night bazaar... since its open every night starting at 6pm.
Eat from the street vendors... PERIOD!! I see NO REASON to ever eat inside of a restaurant, but if need be, i will go ahead and PM you my suggestions.
Most of all, have a great time, respect the people and their culture (ie. no getting upset and stupid american ****, always try your best to speak thai... you will get much love for even attempting) and go to play with the tigers and the elephants.
There is an amazing elephant reserve that takes an entire day, but it is amazing. You can play in the river with the elephants and feed them, and all proceeds go to their preservation.
If you have anymore Questions.. PM me.