The city of Chiang Mai was capital of the kingdom Lanna after its founding in 1296. In 1599 the kingdom lost its independence and became part of the Ayutthaya kingdom. 1932 the province Chiang Mai became the second level subdivision of Thailand when the administrative unit of Monthon Phayap, the remains of the Lanna kingdom, was dissolved.
Maesa Elephant Camp
In the lush tropical jungle of Chiang Mai’s Maesa Valley , a big family of elephants lives side by side with their mahout caretakers. Maesa Elephant Camp is home to one of the largest assembly of elephants in the north of Thailand.
The scenery and padi fields on the way to the elephant camp…
And the show begins, the elephants parade around the square…
Other than the show, there was also bath, feeding, painting, and walk time…
Elephants going on their daily walks…
Sai Nam Phung Orchid Nursery and Butterfly Farm
This is Chiang Mai’s biggest orchid farm, which plays host to almost every species of orchid that grows in Thailand. This includes one of world’s most beautiful and rarest varieties, the Vanda Coerulea “Pure White” orchid. It also houses a butterfly farm and a few rare breeds of Siamese cats and dogs. In addition to fresh orchids, which can also be exported, the farm offers a variety of souvenirs, such as gold-gilded orchid and butterfly ornaments.
Doi Suthep
Rising 1676 metres above the city of Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep is one of the most revered religious destinations in Thailand and is often packed with interested onlookers, especially when the weather is cooler and the days crisp and clear.There are two choices once you have reached the base of the temple – either hike up the 300 steps to the temple gate (admiring the longest Naga staircase in Thailand on the way) or, hop on one of the cable cars and get conveyed to the top.
We opted for the funicular cable car – the view from the cart
The chedi sits in a small courtyard at the very peak of the mountain
A series of Budha statues line the temple grounds…
At the base of stairs, where cars and motorcycles park, there is a large market of food stalls, jade factories and endless relentless souvenir sellers.Kate and I stopped for some local delights… Yummy!
Local Food
the local food in Chiang Mai is delicious and ridiculously cheap. A more than decent meal would cost about 15 bhat per person. We had quite a few meals on the street, and surprisingly, I didn’t get a dodgy tummy after.
Our meal of friend chicken, fish, and veggies :)
Dessert – some sweet sugary stuff wrapped in a light floury skin…
Mae Ping River
The river flows through the city of Chiangmai and provides the surrounding rural countryside with its much needed water for irrigation of rice paddies, gardens and crops. The Mae Ping is known to locals as the “Lifeline of the Province”.
A view of the Mae Ping from our hotel room…
It was rather rainy when we were there, so we skipped the river cruise, but here are some pics of the river for anyone who’s interested.
The Night Bazaar
Every evening, the centre of Chiang Mai comes alive with a massive Night Bazaar. The stalls that are squeezed on to the pavement and in the purpose-built arcades are one of Chiang Mai’s biggest attractions.
The outdoor area littered with little make shift stalls…
stopping for something to eat after all that walking around…
Warorot Market
Located beside the river at the end of Chiang Moi road, this is the largest and most central of the markets in the city. It still retains its traditional feel and caters to both locals and visitors alike, with a ground floor full of food stuffs and good value clothing on the mezzanine levels. It’s also a good place to pick up fabrics in the adjacent streets.
Stalls selling lanterns for Loy Kratong coming up in the next few days
This stall carries are colourful accessories for any party!
You can find everything there – fruites, spices, meats, and even live eels
Take a close look - what insects do you see? These are snacks by the way…
Kantoke Dinner
In the olden days of the North, a guest is received and welcomed with the utmost respect and honor in the home of the humble host with the preparation of a Kantoke feast. The times has changed, but the spirit of the Northern traditions still lives on…and revisited at the well-known “Kantoke” dinners of today.
Our meal at Kantoke Palace accompanied by an elaborate show :)
And the show begins…
I couldn’t help but be mused by this facinating looking llama…
