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This three-day Chiang Mai itinerary takes you past the Outdated Metropolis, showcasing nature adventures and hidden gems for out of doors lovers. I just lately took a visit with the intent to expertise the province with contemporary eyes. A lot of this itinerary was new to me, even after residing in Chiang Mai for practically ten years. With that in thoughts, I needed to share this three-day Chiang Mai itinerary with you. It consists of what to do, locations to remain, and the place to eat. Plus, I’ve offered a map and all the small print so you already know precisely the place all the things is and methods to make all of it occur.
Day 1 | Welcome to Mueang Khong, Chiang Mai’s Hidden Gem
After rendezvousing with a number of new associates who joined me on this Northern Thailand journey, my first vacation spot was a small agricultural neighborhood I embarrassingly by no means visited previous to this journey. After a twisty three-hour journey that took me previous the acquainted websites of Chiang Dao, my first day had me kicking again on a guided bamboo raft tour, eating on Northern Thai delicacies whereas witnessing every day farm life, and staring in awe on the unimaginable views from my quaint however comfy Bannok Hok Khwai bungalow constructed above the rice fields.
Bamboo Rafting in Mueang Khong
I’ve had my fair proportion of bamboo rafting adventures in Thailand, however the expertise in Mueang Khong was a lot totally different than any I had earlier than and actually surpassed my expectations. Positioned off the principle highway as you come into city, this river exercise was relaxed, a lot simpler, and dare I say safer than my experiences guiding myself and associates by the hairpin turns of the Mae Wang River within the foothills south of Chiang Mai. The native guides had been enthusiastic and made positive to make the journey enjoyable and memorable for everybody. To make a good time even higher, our guides made positive to cease at a small store to load up on beers for the trip. It appears we weren’t the one ones pumped for the begin to our Chiang Mai itinerary.
One factor that jumped out at me whereas we floated down the Mae Taeng River was the quantity of water buffalo flanking the shores as we drifted alongside. I’d later come to search out out that these majestic animals had been synonymous with the Mae Khong Sub-District and its rice farming tradition.
Web site: fb.com/ล่องแพอ้ายฮอเมืองคอง
Telephone: (093) 146-2254 / (085) 625-2191
Hours: Name for hours
Worth: 700 THB for 3-4 individuals and 1,000 THB for 4-6. Drinks aren’t included within the value.
| NOTE: The bamboo rafting tour lasts about an hour and the guides can choose you up and drop you off at your native lodging. Make sure to put on garments and sneakers that may get moist. |
Lunch at Ban Phu Tawan
Perched on a hill overlooking Mueang Khong, Ban Phu Tawan Restaurant is far more than simply one other Thai restaurant. From the eating space, there’s an exquisite sweeping look into the every day lifetime of the farmers, fishermen, and wildlife on this small piece of Northern Thailand. Whereas we stuffed up on chilly beer and spicy som tum after a morning of exploring the city, we watched a father verify his fishing traps whereas his younger son led the household’s small herd of water buffalo down the river financial institution to feed on bundles of rice straw. The meals might not be the principle attraction, nevertheless it positive does pair properly with the views and photograph alternatives you get from the Ban Phu Tawan’s open-air eating space.
Web site: fb.com/munlika2525/
Telephone: (089) 95313199
Worth: Dishes within the 100 THB – 250 THB vary
Bannok Hok Khwai in Mueang Khong
I stayed at Bannok Hok Khwai, a set of distinctive rustic wood bungalows interconnected by bamboo walkways above picturesque rice fields. A number of of the bungalows are geared up with soaking tubs that look out over the brilliant inexperienced surroundings, whereas others provide decks with built-in hammocks for unwinding after a day of journey and exploring. The open-air onsite restaurant affords native Northern Thai delicacies and scrumptious caffeinated drinks in a family-style setting of rustic tables with bench seating. From the eclectic cylinder-shaped huts on stilts to extra conventional bungalows adorned with vintage Lanna-style fishing traps and instruments, this resort affords far more of a memorable expertise than your run-of-the-mill guesthouse. Though the rooms are pretty primary, they embrace sizzling water, a mosquito internet, a wall fan, and naturally… views for days.
One among this resort’s distinguishing traits is the vintage hand-carved wood water buffalo bells which might be craftily built-in into the design. As soon as utilized by farmers to find their wandering livestock, these ornamental items now line the bamboo walkways that bridge the property collectively.
Web site: reservation.roomscope.com/1765/en
Telephone: (080) 083-5096
Worth: 1,500 THB to three,500 THB. Breakfast is included within the value.
Day 2 | Sea of Mist, Chiang Dao Cave, & The Nest
My second day started at 4:30 am with a ten km off-road climb to the highest of Doi Pa Kia within the mattress of a pickup truck to catch the dawn. Then I traveled an hour east to go caving in Chiang Dao earlier than wrapping up the day with, sure, extra beer and a pleasing keep at one in every of my favourite resorts within the space – the Chiang Dao Nest!
Dawn View of Doi Luang Over a Sea of Mist
I’ll admit, I’m not the most important fan of waking up earlier than the solar comes up. Nonetheless, I’ve seen the solar rise throughout Thailand, nicely, as a result of I simply don’t need to miss out on the unimaginable photographs. I’m hardly ever dissatisfied and this time was no totally different. After about 20 minutes of ascending to the highest of Doi Pa Kia, we made it to the viewpoint referred to as “Den T.V.” (เด่นทีวี). The native information defined that years in the past this was the one spot in Mueang Khong that obtained TV reception. Now simply think about having to return all the way in which up right here to get the information or watch the large recreation… no thanks!
Because the solar began to rise from behind the horizon, a beautiful fog emerged and appeared like waves rolling throughout the hilltops under. This sea of mist stretched out till it touched the bottom of Doi Luang, Thailand’s third tallest mountain. We took within the view and photographed the colours as they modified each couple of minutes. Simply earlier than packing up and heading again down the mountain, our guides offered us with sizzling espresso and snacks to carry us over till we might have breakfast on the resort.
For the tour, you will have to arrange the expertise by your resort. The employees at Bannok Hok Kwai made the method quite simple. It’s 150 THB per particular person and every truck mattress can carry about six individuals throughout the bench seats with an extra 4 standing behind the cab. Arrive early to beat the group as this viewpoint could be very well-liked with home vacationers.
Web site: fb.com/เด่นทีวี
Season: November – January
Worth: 150 THB per particular person
Chiang Dao Cave
After testing of our bungalows in Mueang Khong, we had been off to a spot I’ve truly explored as soon as earlier than, the Chiang Dao Cave at Wat Tham (ถ้ำเชียงดาว). What Chiang Mai itinerary could be full with out spelunking round a sprawling cave? Having already gone the extra adventurous 725 m route previously, I used to be curious in regards to the alternate 200 m route. Whereas the longer 45 minutes route had me climbing over rocks and squeezing by darkish tunnels, the shorter route solely took about 20 minutes and I discovered it to be acceptable for all exercise ranges. The noticeably wider path was well-lit with lighting that pulls your consideration to the spectacular stalactite formations alongside the way in which, ultimately ending at a reclining Buddha shrine.
Historical past: tourismthailand.org/Attraction/tham-chiang-dao
Hours: 7:00 AM to five:00 PM Each day
Price: 40 THB per overseas grownup or 20 baht (written in Thai as ๒๑) per Thai grownup. 100 THB is the recommended tip for a information.
The Chiang Dao Nest
As with the Chiang Dao Cave, I had visited the Chiang Dao Nest 2 previously. My first keep again in 2015 was so memorable I truly vlogged about it, and within the years since I’ve dined on the resort’s Thai restaurant on particular events with family and friends. As for the resort, it sits on the base of a mountain with cabins dotting the property under. It’s onerous to go anyplace in Chiang Dao and never get a spectacular mountain view, however the view from the Nest 2 is on a stage of its personal.
As ordinary, I opted for the smaller, double mattress cabin. The mattress was comfy by Thai requirements and the wifi, air-con, and sizzling water labored nicely. Once more, I can’t say sufficient constructive issues about this place. It’s centrally situated to the greatest issues to do in Chiang Dao, pretty priced, and has one of many high locations to eat within the district. Don’t miss it!
Web site: chiangdaonest.com
Telephone: (053) 456-612
Costs: From 595 THB to 1345 THB (18 USD to 42 USD) per night time relying on the season. Breakfast isn’t included.
| TIP: Company staying at Nest 2 are capable of take pleasure in all of the services at Nest 1 (lower than 1 km away), together with a Western restaurant, swimming pool, and Thai-style lounging salas! |
Day 3 | Eco Valley Trekking and Dinner within the Lanna Kingdom
On Day 3 of this Chiang Mai out of doors itinerary we hit the highway and made our method again in the direction of the provinces central districts to take a look at an exquisite riverside lodge, hike a portion of Thailand’s tallest mountain, and deal with ourselves to an upscale Lanna-style dinner.
Mountain climbing the Eco Valley of Doi Inthanon
I jumped on the likelihood to be part of Raya Heritage’s Signature Eco Valley Hike. Led by Nu, a neighborhood Pakeryaw Hill Tribe farmer, I used to be proven a aspect of Doi Inthanon that I had by no means skilled on earlier Chiang Mai Itineraries, full of lovely waterfalls, terraced rice fields, and sustainable farmland handed right down to Nu from his father. The tour consists of transportation, a guided tour of Nu’s household farm, a lunch made contemporary from substances sourced from the world, and a guided hike of the Pha Dok Siew Waterfall Nature Path (เส้นทางเดินป่า น้ำตกผาดอกเสี้ยว). This tour departs Raya Heritage at 8:00 AM and arrives again in dinner time at 6:00 PM, an ideal lead as much as the itinerary’s remaining meal
Web site: rayaheritage.com/en/excursions.php
Telephone: (023) 011 8613
Worth: 1 visitor 6,650 THB, 2 company 3,900 THB/visitor, 3 company 3,000 THB/visitor, 4 company 2,500 THB/visitor
| TIP: For my part, the Pha Dok Siew Waterfall Nature Path is the spotlight, so should you’re the do-it-yourself traveler and/or need to lower your expenses then you may simply prepare your individual transport to the trailhead and pay a neighborhood Hill Tribe information 200 THB (required) to take you. |
Dinner at Khu Khao Restaurant
Khu Khao Restaurant is a component of Raya Heritage Resort and located on the banks of the Ping River. This restaurant prides itself in offering a crossroads eating idea that goals to seize the flavors and historical past of the Lanna Kingdom. amed after the rice farming software used to separate the chaff from the grain, its menu combines the normal tastes of Northern Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and China’s southwestern Yunnan Province.
Except for the much-needed downtime after an extended (however unimaginable) day of mountaineering and the stress-free river views, the spotlight for me was the Jin- Loong. This Burmese-inspired, Shan-style dish is made of sunshine purple butterfly pea vermicelli rice noodles and pork meatballs, paired with pickled cabbage, ginger, pearl onion, and tossed in coconut and shrimp paste. If you end up in Chiang Mai, then this meal is completely well worth the quick drive from the Outdated Metropolis.
Web site: rayaheritage.com/en/eating.php
Telephone: (053) 111 6703
Hours: Open Each day. Breakfast 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Lunch 11:30 AM to five:00 PM. Dinner 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Raya Heritage
This high-end riverside sanctuary is simply 20 minutes faraway from the hustle and bustle of downtown Chiang Mai and lends itself as a terrific base for vacationers trying to discover the province or as a retreat for expats and locals searching for a break from a busy work week. I’ve heard rather a lot about this lodge from a number of associates, however I’ve by no means had the chance to go to for myself. It’s simply recognizable by its clear white exterior and its domestically made Lanna-style furnishings and decorations. The property has 38 giant suites geared up with giant bathtubs, spacious balconies, tea units, and choose suites on the bottom stage have their very own personal plunge swimming pools.
I observed instantly that most of the rooms had been booked by home vacationers, most certainly visiting from Bangkok trying to get a style of Chiang Mai’s nice cool season. The milder a part of the 12 months from October to January attracts vacationers to its pure magnificence, as seen on this itinerary’s distinctive stops. It was reassuring to see this and all the different locations I visited throughout my journey attracting a big share of native nationals from across the nation. That’s all the time a superb signal!
Web site: E-book Raya Heritage
Telephone: (023) 011 8613
Costs: Beginning at 7,500 THB per night time
Good Three-Day Chiang Mai Itinerary Map
Methods to Get to Chiang Mai
Assuming you’re already in Thailand, Chiang Mai is among the nation’s high locations, so there are various methods to get there. It’s truly fairly simple to ebook airline, bus, and prepare tickets on-line. Simply be certain to look into any journey guidelines or necessities earlier than getting in that airplane, prepare, bus, or automobile.
Essentially the most handy solution to get to Chiang Mai is to fly into Chiang Mai Worldwide Airport (CNX). There are lots of flights per day serviced by quite a lot of boutique and price range airways. There are additionally some surprisingly comfy VIP buses from most provinces in addition to some in a single day prepare routes accessible should you can spare the additional hours.
When you’ve arrived in Chiang Mai, it’s best to ebook a Seize, Thailand’s model of Uber. Moreover, you may hire a automobile from the airport or ebook a metered taxi from contained in the arrivals space.
In the event you’re searching for extra issues to do and locations to go in Chiang Mai, we’ve written a roundup that has a bit of bit for everybody. Nevertheless, if it’s off the crushed path you’re after, the actions above will definitely offer you what you’re searching for.
Disclosure: This journey was sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. This put up incorporates some affiliate hyperlinks. There’s no further price should you click on one, however in doing so that you assist us cowl the price of working our weblog. Thanks!
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