Luang Prabang was awarded “Top City in the World” in 2011 by UK-based Wanderlust, a travel magazine and website, beating out the bright lights and big city life of perennial favorites San Francisco, Vienna, and Stockholm. Additionally, the flood gates have opened as China recently loosened visa restrictions and its citizens can now travel more freely to Laos.

Perched above the mighty Mekong, Luang Prabang is a captivating beauty bursting with historical and natural attractions. The streets are lined with well-preserved, traditional architecture fused with 19th century European influence. The cuisine evokes hints of French colonialism (delicious baguette sandwiches are sold in shops and on street corners). Every day at dawn, monks draped in bright orange and buttery robes collect alms from locals and inquisitive travelers. Ornate, gold-adorned Buddhists temples provide a calm respite for moments of meditation and reflection. The arts and crafts night market is the best in the country and is an ideal place to practice your bargaining skills for colorful purses, carvings, and scarves.

Adventure-seeking travelers have their choice of activities, from elephant rides through the dense jungle, to hiring a boat for day trips out to Buddha-filled caves or Kuang Si Falls, a multi-level waterfall flanked by magnificent, aqua blue, natural pools ideal for swimming. After a day of activity, recharge at one of Luang Prabang’s many spas, where a professional massage, facial, or body scrub costs a mere fraction of the price you would pay at home. Same goes for cooking classes, where an all-day introduction to Lao ingredients and recipes will cost you around $25. There’s nothing quite as relaxing as watching the sunset along the Mekong while sipping a ubiquitous BeerLao.

Luang Prabang boasts an international airport with direct flights to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Vientiane, Hanoi, and Siem Reap, making travel within the region much easier than taking the twisting, winding roads prone to landslides. Boats cruise daily to and from the Thai border. The city has the best selection of hotels in the country; no chains exist and there’s accommodation for everyone – budget, boutique, eco lodges, or the ultimate splurge where you could drop several hundred dollars for five-star services.

Photos courtesy of Mary Polizzotti

If you are taking the bus from Bangkok you will come across some of these squat toilets along the way at gas stations.  Usually, there is a combination of pedestal-toilets and squats.  If there’s more than one bus at the same bus station, get ready to stand in line for one.  Or to the ladies, I say, be adventurous and squat!

Just for fun:  This is what the Thais use to potty train the little ones!

A note about using the squats: Many restroom floors are wet.  It’s the way of Asian bathrooms, so get used to it.  (If you think about it, having carpeting in a restroom just doesn’t make sense.  It’s nice to just hose it all down when cleaning).  Ideally, it’s easiest to use a squat toilet if you are wearing shorts.  But, if you’re wearing long pants, be sure to roll or pull them up first.  It’s the “pull-down, pull-up and hold” trick while you do your business, while making sure nothing falls out of your backpack, and that your backpack strings don’t end up in the toilet.  Be prepared to multi-task when using the squat.  If you’re just doing #1 and don’t have toilet paper, you could use the water spray to clean off (Sorry, but this is the potty training post in Thailand so it had to be said!).

Expect to pay about 2-3 (song-sum) bahts to use some of the public toilets.  As for toilet paper, either bring your own, or pay the ladies at the entrance a few bahts for it.  Also, you will find that some squat toilets do not have a mechanical flush.  Instead, get the small bucket provided for you and throw the water in yourself.  Also, it’s a good idea to rinse off the floor after you have finished to clean any mud or sand you may  have brought in with your shoes.  See?  Tile floors make sense!

If you’re in the old city area of Chiang Mai, it is likely you will find a toilet easily as there are many restaurants, coffee shops, retail shops and travel agencies.  Just say “toilet?” “hong nam?” or “soo kaa?” and owners or the staff will be generous enough to say “Yes”  or “kaa” or “karp.” If they say it is for customers only, then buy a drink there.  Now, you really, really have to go!

Just remember that most gas stations have toilets and many are well maintained.  If you are at either of the large malls, at Airport Plaza or at Kad Suan Kaew Central, clean restrooms are available. There are many signs displayed in Airport Plaza that will lead directly to the toilets.  Kad Suan Kaew is a bit more tricky.  The toilets are on the very bottom floor towards the back beyond the hot pot buffet on the ground floor.  It is NOT in Tops Supermarket.  You can ask a local to point which direction it is located by saying “hong nahm yoo tee nai?”

Tesco Lotus and Big C malls will have very well maintained toilets (some have squats and the pedestal-toilets)

Many hotels, guest houses, apartment/hotels or condotels usually have nice facilities that are cleaned on a daily basis.  If you desperately gotta go, check out the nearest one available to you and you’ll be able to find a decent toilet there.

One last thing:  Don’t forget to bring hand sanitizer.  Some facilities, especially gas stations, do not have soap.  So, don’t let the thought of having to use the occasional squat toilet stop you from visiting beautiful Chiang Mai!  Think of it as part of the travel adventure and experience!

Toilet at Peppermint Coffee House

There is wifi at Burger King at this airport.

For the love of Rudolph, will you make it back to the airport in time? This is for the ballsy traveler…

You are only a song-taeo ride away from the Airport Plaza for say about  20b (yee-sip).  This is the 2nd largest mall in Chiang Mai and since you have the time you could probably explore it with no problem.  There are multi-levels of fun including department stores, a huge cafeteria with international flavors, Tops market, small shops, quaint cafes where you could grab a coffee and use the wifi while people watching, a movie theater and much more awaiting for you to take you away from the airport.

If you are even more adventurous than the Airport Plaza, you can consider taking a ride out to explore the famous Doi Suthep.  If you are here during the holidays then the weather is milder in northern Thailand and you are in for a special treat for sure.   A trip to Doi Sutep is like making a quick trip to see the Vatican while in Rome, Italy.  While it is quite possible to see Doi Suthep, please only do this if you feel you will make it back on time before your flight departure to your next destination.

300+ Steps to Wat Prathart Doi Suthep

Student Performing Cultural Thai Dances Atop Doi Suthep

You could easily catch a song taeo from the airport up to Doi Suthep.    Here is the post on how you can do that.

Happy and safe travels to you and your family, wherever you decide to venture out to this holiday season.

Typical Weather you’ll find here:

November – January (The Cold Season): Lows in the mid 50′s F/ mid 10′s C  to highs 80′s F/30′s C (this is also the peak tourist season!).  You will definitely experience cool breezes and lower temperatures especially early in the mornings and in the evenings.

Feb  – April (The Hot Season): Warmer, but cool breezes in the mornings and evenings.  April seems to be the hottest month here with the high in the upper 90′s F/mid 30′s C.

May- October(The Rainy Season): High of low 90′s F/ low 30′s C and low of 70′s F/ 20′s C.  Rainy season arrives at the end of May and can last until mid/late October.  Heaviest downpours are usually in July, August and September.   Rainy (or monsoon) season in Chiang Mai doesn’t mean it’s raining all day long.  It’s cooler before and after the rain burst, so on those hot days, you want it to rain!  When it rains, it pours hard, but it’s temporary.  Rainy season means it pretty much rains on a daily basis.

Now, if you are coming here during the peak or cold season like November-February,  it will be cool enough to require long sleeves shirts, long pants and a light jacket, especially if you are traveling on a motorbike,  tuk-tuk,  or song taeo.  The locals usually bundle up during November – February early mornings and evenings.  If you forgot or don’t have enough long sleeves or need another layer, no need to worry.  Walk along Chiang Mai Gate in the mornings and you’ll find plenty of vendors to keep you busy shopping for your next favorite sweater.

Coming here in the rainy season?  Be sure to bring a durable raincoat.  You will need it.  Having an umbrella is great too, but a raincoat is definitely recommended.  If you wish to purchase them here, you can.  You can even get rain boots.  Again, if you walk along Chiang Mai Gate, you will be able to locate your needed accessories regardless of the season.  Tip:  The locals tend to wear their raincoats backwards while riding their motorbikes to avoid getting wet.  It actually works better.

The hottest month is in April, but if you are here in April,  be sure to enjoy the Thai New Year Celebration also known as Songkran.

Regardless of the season, bring your sun screen.  Although the Thais are quite obsessed with having and maintaining a pale complexion, I’ve not seen or heard of advertisements for SPF as much.  Thus you will find many skin products and clinics for whitening treatments.  Some whitening ingredients can even be found in beverages/drinks – so make sure you read the labels and take caution.  Better safe than sorry, eh!

Bring light colored and light material clothing to keep cool.  Also bring a hat, sunglasses and comfortable shoes that are easy to put-on and off (this will come in handy too when you’re visiting temples).

Regardless of the time of the year that you are here,  it’s inevitable, you’ll be tempted to visit at least a temple here in Chiang Mai.  If you only visit ONE, I’d recommend this ONE!  Please remember there are some ground rules for Buddhist temple visits (including a dress code):

• Dress politely.
  
• Ladies: Do not wear shorts. Wear skirts or shorts that cover below your knees.
  
• Please cover your shoulders and your cleavage.
  
• Show proper respect in the temple and shrine area.
  
• Take off your shoes before entering the temple grounds.
  
• Keep your head lower than that of Buddha images, statues and honorable Monks.
• Do not touch Buddha images or statues.  They are not props, but holy symbols.
  
• Do not point with your feet.
• Refrain from public displays of affection.  Keep it rated G, folks.
  
• Keep clean.
• Keep quiet.

Here are some examples for when you are considering what to wear when you’re in Chiang Mai.

Locals at a fast food joint in a mall in Chiang Mai.  Looks familiar??

Tourists at a temple visit during a traditional celebration in Chiang Mai

This couple is wearing cargo pants, comfy slip-on shoes, light weight material and light colored clothing.  Good choices!

My advice to the ladies:  bring a wrap or a shawl with you in your backpack if you are wearing sleeveless and low-cut tops.  There are temples everywhere in Chiang Mai.  You never know when you will come across a temple you’d want to visit.

Also, the wrap/scarfs/shawls are sold at Kad Suan Kaew Central, Night Bizaar, Saturday Night Wua Lai Market and Sunday night markets for as low as 59b (haa sip kow).

One last tip:  don’t leave home without the mosquito repellent.  Dengue fever is on the rise here in South East Asia.  Bring it and use it to protect yourself.

Have fun while you’re in Chiang Mai.  If you have any questions or comments to add on what to wear in Chiang Mai, please feel free to do so!

Kupkoon Khaaaa from Chiang Mai, Thailand.

While you are strolling down the street looking for unique souvenirs or a bite to eat, be sure to look for this lovely, elderly lady usually surrounded by handmade, hanging miniature figures, and usually accompanied by miniature onlookers (i.e., children).   She is a tiny lady sitting small and quietly in a wheelchair.  The assortment of miniature birds, flowers, and other animal figures hang on strings and surround her.  If you have a child with you while at the market, this may be the perfect way to support this lady and bring a smile to your child at the same time.  If not,  buy something for a child in your life you know will enjoy and appreciate.

If you do find her and support her by purchasing something, please, be sure to come back and tell me about it in the comments. 

Kupkoon Kha (Thank You) from Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Within this mountainous park of wild species, you cannot find anywhere else in Thailand, you will come upon attractions such as  Wachiratarn Waterfall,  Sirithan Waterfall, King Inthanon Memorial Shrine, twin stupas dedicated to the King and Queen and the highest spot in Thailand.

I would recommend the necessities such as sunblock, mosquito repellent, a hat, sunglasses to protect your lovely selves and picnic items such as fruits, snacks and water in case you get thirsty and hungry.  There’s also souvenir/cafeteria, visitor center and restrooms near the top.

Have fun exploring.  You can explore via renting a motorbike, trekking tours, your rental car or by a taxi.    Also see my post about 6 ways to get around Chiang Mai.

]]> http://www.nileguide.com/destination/blog/chiang-mai/2010/10/22/photo-set-friday-highest-spot-in-thailand/feed/ 0 1 http://www.nileguide.com/destination/blog/chiang-mai/2010/10/15/blog-action-day-2010-water/ http://www.nileguide.com/destination/blog/chiang-mai/2010/10/15/blog-action-day-2010-water/#comments Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:56:48 +0000 A http://www.nileguide.com/destination/blog/chiang-mai/?p=252 Today, October 15, 2010, is Blog Action Day!

ISSUE:  WATER!

FACT:  Nearly 1 billion people are lacking access to clean water.

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/15336764[/vimeo]

While this is not so much the case in the modern city center of Chiang Mai, where water is readily available, nearly 1 billion people lack clean water, globally.  This is not just an abstract number,  it is about real people’s lives.  They are mothers, fathers, daughters and sons, women, children and elders alike lacking clean water.  Perhaps small portions of them may be living in the rural parts of Thailand where running water is hard to come by.

Here are just some examples of astounding facts about water around the globe from Change.org.

African women walk over 40 billion hours each year carrying cisterns weighing up to 18 kilograms to gather water, which is usually still not safe to drink.

Every week, nearly 38,000 children under the age of 5 die worldwide from unsafe drinking water and unhygienic living conditions.

Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80% of diseases and kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war.

The U.S., Mexico and China lead the world in bottled water consumption, with people in the U.S. drinking an average of 200 bottles of water per person each year. Over 17 million barrels of oil are needed to manufacture those water bottles, 86 percent of which will never be recycled.

Water is a health issue.  Water is a human rights issue.  Water is a global issue.

As travelers and consumers we consume water.  We consume lots of it and most of the time, in the form of PLASTIC BOTTLES.  Today, I invite you to join me in thinking about ways to not only conserve, but to be more aware of our consumption habits whether we are traveling, or staying put in one place before your next travel.

Here are some everyday actions, though not perfect, we practice to reduce, reuse, recycle to be part of the solution when we can, not just on Blog Action Day, but on a daily basis.

1. We use stainless steel canisters to carry our water supply when we are traveling, even locally.
2. We avoid buying bottled water by boiling our own water. (Traveling through or staying for a while in Chiang Mai?  Look for the refill vending machines for water that costs 1 baht for 1 litre).
   
3. If we do have to buy bottled water, we try our best to recycle the bottle.  This is not an easy task here in Chiang Mai where plastic bags, plastic cups, plastic for every occasion exists as part of the norm.  It is very challenging.
4. We recycle by taking recyclables to our daughter’s school where there are bins.
5. When possible, we take our own containers for take-away orders rather than accepting a container and plastic bags. We have noticed that the cleaning ladies in our building usually go through the garbage bins and sort the plastic bottles, hopefully for recycling.  We are not sure if this happens everywhere.
6. We take our own shopping bags instead of using plastic bags provided by the vendors.  (We are not plastic-free as some bags end up as trash bags!)
7. We carry our own cloth napkins rather than using paper napkins.
8. We also carry our own utensils instead of using disposable ones we sometimes get from vendors.
9. We say NO to plastic bags and we say it often.  I hope you will too every chance you can.  Find creative, alternative ways to conserve.

You will find that when you are in Thailand, the locals seem to lack the concept of recycling, reusing and reducing.    The amount of plastic used here seems excessive.  So just because the locals are doing it doesn’t mean tourists and expats should do it too.  In fact, as a tourist, you too could utilize some of the ways mentioned here to be a greener traveler regardless of where your travels take you.  For the expats, this is an opportunity to find out what local resources and organizations are available and join forces.   Let us continue to model greener behaviors at home, abroad and on the road no matter where we are located.

Help us spread the word.  Share this post with others (as many as you can) to raise awareness about the 1 billion people who lack clean water in the world.

What actions are you taking to travel greener?  I hope you will share your ideas here!

Located on the east side of the moat and the old city where the roads Rachadamnoen and Moonmaung meet, it seems that Tha Phae Gate is the center of all tourist activities.  This is also where the Walking Night Market comes to live on every Sunday.

A few blocks to the east of the Tha Phae Gate is the famous Night Bazaar which stays alive all week long.   Be sure to check out my article on how to bargain at this famous market in Chang Mai.

During this time, traditionally, participants abstain from consuming alcohol, eating meat and meat products, strong smelling ingredients like garlic, onions, fish sauce, etc.  There are other rules such as women on their menstruation period and pregnant women are not allowed to attend the festival and participants are to dress in white or yellow during the festival.   There are many temple offerings and many acts of self mortification (rituals intended to purify mind and body).

The festival starts with raising of a pole at Chinese temples in the city.   This ritual signals to the nine gods to come down to earth to accept the offerings such as the self-mortification acts.  There are many street processions and stage shows through out the city of Chiang Mai. during the festival.

Visitors will find concentrated activities around the Tha Phae gate, Chiang Mai gate, Kad Suan Kaew Central Mall, the Sunday Night Market, and at various temples around the city.

Look for the yellow flags which signifies dishes made specifically for this very occasion.

Have a great time.  Enjoy the festivities and the local cuisine in Chiang Mai, the city of culture and charm.

View over the famous Doi Suthep from our apartment in Chiang Mai. This picture was taken on a September evening around 6:20pm after a stormy late afternoon pour.   Are you in Chiang Mai?  Be sure to look for these beautiful sunsets amongst the temples and over the mountains.  Chiang Mai will surprise you.