As I was running low on time before my flight to South Africa, I opted to fly from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai, rather than take the slow (and noisy) river boat.
Chiang Mai felt like Bangkok transplanted in the north. All the tourist-oriented businesses were present: tourist agents ready to book every activity in the region, internet cafes, hostels, and lots of cooking schools. Plus, I was back in the land of 7-11's.
I spent a week in Chiang Mai, and that included a 3-day, 2-night hill tribe trek which was a mixed bag. For me, hanging out with tigers, learning to cook authentic Thai food, and shooting a machine gun were more fun. I now recommend that people go on a hill tribe trek in northern Laos for a more authentic, less developed experience.
- Landing in Chiang Mai
- Thai Cookery School
- Dare #15 – Completed – The Art of Muay Thai Boxing
- Befriending Tigers
- Video of Tiger Cubs
- Soldier of Fortune – shooting my first machine gun
- Day 1 – Hill Tribe Trek
- Day 2 – Elephant Rides
- Day 3 – Whitewater Rafting
- Thailand – It's a Wrap
Next week, we leave Asia behind for South Africa!
My travel highlight in Chiang Mai was the Doi Inthanon national park. The great waterfalls and the untouged nature make Doi In to a unique place in Chiang Mai Thailand.
I loved this story.
Thanks for the great resources, Dave. I'm trying to make it to Chiang Mai by Song Kran…
Wes – I didn’t have a lot of time to explore northern Thailand, so I hung out around Chiang Mai, but it wasn’t my favorite spot. Friends recommended Pi which is a few hours further north and west, I believe. Same activities, smaller city.
Thanks for the great resources, Dave. I'm trying to make it to Chiang Mai by Song Kran…