Chiangmai:Introduction + City Tour + Doi Suthep

Throw back to February 2013 during CNY period, I went to Chiangmai and Chiangrai for the first time with bf & his family.

Introduction:

Chiang Mai is Thailand's principal northern province.  It is some 700 kilometres north of Bangkok and covers an area of 20,000 square metres.  The city is located in a fertile valley some 300 metres above sea level.

Chiang Mai was founded as the capital of Lanna Thai (Kingdom of One Million Ricefields) in 1296.  It flourished as a major religious, cultural and trading center until 1556 when a Burmese invasion reduced it to a vassal state.  The Burmese were expelled in 1785, whereupon Lanna Thai once again became part of northern Thailand.

Many lowland Thais regard Chiang Mai as being something of a national Shangri-la, thanks to its distinctive festivals, historic temples dating from the 1300s, arresting scenic beauty, temperate fruits and a crisp, invigorating cool season climate.

The people of Chiang Mai enjoy one of the most distinctive cultural identities in the whole of Thailand.  Largely farmers and artisans, they have their own lilting dialect, their own indigenous handicrafts, their own dances and their own distinctive cuisine.  Hilltribes also lend a great deal of character and color to the crisply beautiful mountanious landscape.

From March to October, the north's climate follows the pattern of the rest of the country -- hot and dry followed by hot and wet. Yet, from November to March, it's almost like another country, with cool breezes blowing down from China, bright sunny days, and rarely a cloud in the sky. During these cooler months, Chiang Mai is an excellent base for exploring the north.

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We caught an early flight from Kuala Lumpur to Chiangmai Airport. Upon arrival at the airport, we were met and greeted by our personal local guide, Mr Sayam aka Max, a very handsome and friendly Northern Thailand man ;) There were only a total of 7 in our group, really thanks to Standard Tour Chiangmai (a very big tour operator in Chiangmai) who upgraded our group to private group and provide us with comfortable and clean vehicle, plus another friendly driver.Thumbs up!

Our first flight together. *took with my 4s, sorry for the bad quality*

Told you we have a very handsome good looking tour guide, believe it!

He speaks good English and of course, very knowledgeable. 

He told us that tour guiding is just his part time job, in fact he is a lawyer O.o

Eyes on you. Haha! This silly funny guy is our driver for 5 days, and behind him is our private van.

We were starving because our flight was very early and we asked Max brought us to have some local delicacy to fill up our drumming stomach.
This stall is actually selling something like meat balls noodles and porridge.

It's very famous according to Max, so you can see some articles of celebrities visited this stall.

 Pork noodles.

 Pork porridge.

Later on, we were taken to few local product shops, like Thai Silk Factory, Umbrella Factory, Honey Shop and Gems Gallery. This is compulsory to visit if you are following scheduled tour. What to do, already got used to it since I was a tour leader before this. Anyway, the silk thingy quite impressed me.

Thai - style building.

 And here's the explanation of how silkworm created silk cocoon. Feel free to read if you are interested.

It's like magic seeing the lady pulling it.

Weaving tools for silk and all of these are very traditional way. They still keep it and use it to produce silk products.

Edward & I.

Ticket counter to Doi Suthep Temple. You can see Max (the one with black cap) purchasing tickets for us.

Tram entrance to go up to the temple.

Grumpy face while waiting because started to feel tired already, plus the weather is not cool that day.

In any part of Thailand, it is a basic knowledge to know that you must not wear shoes to enter and must cover your knees if you are wearing shorts or skirts.

Therefore, you can see I am barred foots and covering my knees with my scarf. In case you did not bring your own scarf, they have a counter to rent to visitors especially ladies.

More info of Thailand Temple Etiquette at here.

With Edward's family.

You can enjoy a breath-taking Chiangmai city view from Doi Suthep view point. The air here is fresher and cooler compared to when we were at land just now. 

 There is also a man dancing in Northern Thailand traditional costume. Are you a phoenix?

And in my following Chiangmai post, you will also get to see a lot of beautiful colorful floras. 

They can grow beautiful floras most probably is because of the weather, soils and natural resources there.

Random cute monks mini statue.

 Fyi, Doi Suthep Temple is known as "双龙寺" in Chinese. You will know why in the picture below.

As the name suggests, there is really 2 Dragons at it's another entrance.

Obviously, we took the tram up then walked down. Hahaha lazy bum bum!

I will put a stop on this Chiangmai post now. Hope you guys enjoyed reading and please come visit again for my updates!