[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Chiang Mai is one of the most interesting places to visit if you’re in Thailand. One of our bosses, Darren, took a trip up there a couple of months back, and here’s his experience.
” google_fonts=”font_family:Droid%20Sans%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]I arrived in Chiang Mai on a sunny afternoon. Chiang Mai is the hub of Northern Thailand and it is Thailand’s fifth-largest city.
Thailand’s northern capital is an escape from the whirlwind pace of life of its southern rival. Despite the constant arrival of planes and trains full of sightseers, the former seat of the Lanna kingdom is still blissfully calm and laid-back.
This is a place to relax after the chaos of Bangkok and recharge your batteries with fabulous food and leisurely wandering. If you don’t want to participate in the vast array of activities on offer, just stroll around the backstreets, and discover a city that is still firmly Thai in its aspect, atmosphere, and attitude.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]A sprawling modern city has grown up around ancient Chiang Mai, ringed by a tangle of superhighways, but if you drive in a straight line in any direction, you’ll soon find yourself in the lush green countryside of northern Thailand. A short car ride will deliver you to pristine rainforest reserves, churning waterfalls, bubbling hot springs and peaceful country villages – as well as a host of adventure camps, elephant sanctuaries and souvenir markets.
In February/March, the region can get unpleasantly smoky due to the burn part of the slash and burn-style of agriculture practiced here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”109998″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_column_text]By Car
Car hire services are available both in the city centre and at the airport. Cars typically offered include the Toyota Vios, Altis, and Yaris, and the Honda City and Jazz. I decided to go with a Nissan Almera for 1,000 baht per day. Older Suzuki Caribbean 4WDs are a cheaper option at around 600-800 baht per day, but they are relatively difficult to drive and less mechanically reliable than a standard passenger car. But they’re actually one of the best ways to explore the country’s northern provinces at your own pace. My hired Nissan Almera climbed winding roads with spectacular scenery throughout the whole journey.
Doi Ang Khang
A comfortable 3 hour 10 minute drive from Chiang Mai, through some of Thailand’s spectacular scenery, Doi Ang khang is the perfect place to unwind.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Doi Ang Khang is a mountain in the Fang District, Chiang Mai Province.
A sprawling modern city has grown up around ancient Chiang Mai, ringed by a tangle of superhighways, but if you drive in a straight line in any direction, you’ll soon find yourself in the lush green countryside of northern Thailand. A short car ride will deliver you to pristine rainforest reserves, churning waterfalls, bubbling hot springs and peaceful country villages – as well as a host of adventure camps, elephant sanctuaries and souvenir markets.
In February/March, the region can get unpleasantly smoky due to the burn part of the slash and burn-style of agriculture practiced here.
The road to Doi Ang Khang is very windy. The mountain location, cool climate and scenic beauty of the surrounding countryside make it an ideal escape. Doi Angkhang offers a unique destination for tourists with both the beauty of the natural environment and the intriguing and unique lifestyles of the local hill tribes.
A visit to the Royal Angkhang Station Project is a must while in the Doi Angkhang area. This research project provides agricultural support to neighbouring hilltribes and develops non-indigenous crops for them to grow. Beautiful flower and bonsai gardens are tended alongside fruit, vegetables and herb gardens. The healthful produce of the Royal Ang Khang Agricultural Station Project is available to purchase, depending on the season.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”110024″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Chiang Rai
With a far-reaching history before its 34-year stretch as the second capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Rai is considered one of the oldest settlements in Thailand. Chiang Rai City remains a sleepy provincial town with a pleasant atmosphere. Compared to its sister town Chiang Mai, it has a more relaxed and down-to-earth feel but is never short on historical and cultural attractions of its own.
Chiang Rai Province has such a diversity of attractions that its capital is often overlooked. This small, delightful city is worth getting to know, however, with its relaxed atmosphere, good-value accommodation and great local food. It’s also the logical base from which to plan excursions to the more remote corners of the province.
Founded by Phaya Mengrai in 1262 as part of the Lao–Thai Lanna kingdom, Chiang Rai didn’t become a Siamese territory until 1786 and a province until 1910.
Hill tribe Villages
There are 6 different hill tribe groups in Thailand, most of which live in northern Thailand and play an important part in the cultural tapestry. The six major tribes are the Karen, the Hmong, the Yao, the Akha, the Lisu, and the Lahu (Mussur). Over 100 years ago, the hill tribes migrated south from China into what are now Burma, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. The main profession of all these tribes is farming, and all of them tend to migrate whenever they the soil becomes unfit for farming.
Each tribe is distinct, with its own culture, religion, language, art, and clothing. With Thailand undergoing rapid modern development, it is difficult yet to say[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]whether these tribes will continue in the traditional ways of life, or whether they will eventually be absorbed into the surrounding, and ever more-encroaching, Thai society.
Chiang Rai is an ideal base for launching an overnight trekking expedition to visit various highland villages. If you’re seeking an authentic experience, it’s important to research properly the right tour for you, and the right way to visit. To find an authentic hill tribe village, you need to go off the tourist path. Many villagers are not so welcoming towards visitors nowadays, as they have had negative experiences with tourists in the past.
Visiting Lahu village is so unforgettable. Lahu People originate from the Tibetan mountains, they migrated throughout China and Burma before arriving in Thailand with settlements along the Burmese border. Known as hunters, the Lahu are the third largest hill tribe group with a population of around 80,000.
With very little support from the government the Lahu people find themselves struggling to exist in a modern world and keep hold of their ancient and mysterious traditions in the process. Village life is very basic, houses consist of hand built bamboo structures, no electricity or creature comforts that most of us wouldn’t even think to go a day without. What I liked was that no one bat an eyelid to me being there.
Another hilltribe I wish to highlight is The Karen people, whom originate from Myanmar and are the largest hill tribe group in north Thailand. They traditionally live in stilted houses, cultivate rice, raise animals, and craft silver jewelry. The Karen villages near Chiang Rai are known as the “Long Neck Village” for the stacked gold bands the women wear around their necks.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”110070″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”110068″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”110085″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”110093″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Natural Hot Springs
Not quite like a Japanese onsen, but a soak in a natural hot spring can be deeply relaxing. Coupled with Chiang Rai’s picturesque mountainscapes, the experience will leave you wanting to come back for more. The closest hot springs to Chiang Rai City is Pong Phra Baht Hot Spring, just 7km away. The water temperature is 48-50 degrees Celsius. You can rent a private room and enjoy a soak before hiking up to Pong Phra Baht Waterfall. Here, I took a dip, indulged myself in the surrounding mountainous atmosphere at the same time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Tea Plantation
After I explored the hill tribe villages of northern Thailand, I visited a tea plantation from Chiang Rai. I drove along a mountain road near the Thai-Myanmar border and stopped for tea at one of Mae Salong’s famous tea plantations. The cool climate is excellent for tea cultivation. There, you can learn about the tea-making process from the owner. Naturally, I also took the chance to sample some Oolong tea at the plantation’s tearoom.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”110075″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]This is undeniably one of the most meaningful trips I have ever had. I learnt the distinguishing features of each hill tribes’ traditional garments and languages.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Most of them are still living in poverty with limited resources and no support from the government. Be thankful of the life we have. There are people fighting to survive. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]