Short stay in Chiang Mai Guide
Chiang Mai
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Tha Pae Gate
Contact:
- +66 53 24 8604
Location:
- Tha Pae Road
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Map
Description:
This is one main gates to the old city of Chiang Mai, and a major landmark as well. Each corner and each main gate of the old city faces the eight main points of the compass, with one extra gate on the south side. Tha Pae Gate faces east, and is endowed with the astrological faculty of mula or prosperity. It was first called Pratu Chiang Ruak because it was situated near Chiang Ruak village when it was built in the reign of King Mangrai in 1296. Today this impressive looking Gate is a popular photo-taking spot for tourists.
Author note:
All things lead to Tha Pae Gate in Chiang Mai. So be sure to check out this area- bike around or walk around - sit on the bench, feed the birds, take a few pictures- Soak it in!
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Chiang Mai Biking
Contact:
- 053-282055, 081-0320011
- visit website
Location:
- Moo Baan Nai Fun 1 , Moo 3 , Soi 2 , 135/48, Pa-Dead , Amphur Muang
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Map
Description:
Chiang Mai Biking offers one of the best ways to see Chiang Mai. The tour company takes a maximum of 8 people on cycling excursions around the city, where participants can see and learn about its rich cultural background. The route heads through the south of the city and includes quiet green land roads, temples and ruins dating back hundreds of years. The tour has some interesting stops along the way including a Chinese temple, a former leper colony, a special monk school, a local bakery and a candy factory to sugar-up for the ride home. Those with limited fitness shouldn't worry too much, the tour is more serene than strenuous and stops every hour for a short rest with drinks provided. Halfway through the trip, a small Thai meal is provided in a local restaurant. The bikes are imported from the US and feature 24 speeds and front shocks. Chiang Mai Biking's 'Colour's of Chiang Mai' tour is a good choice to discover parts of the city and the culture you might otherwise miss.
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Bo Sang Umbrella Village
Contact:
- + 66 53 24 8604
Location:
- Charoen Muang Road (Road 1006)
- 9 kilometers out of town
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Map
Description:
Bo Sang umbrella makers know how to make a beautiful umbrella, they should – they have been practicing the art form for more than two centuries. Bo Sang umbrellas are typically made with using Saa paper (from the bark of the mulberry tree), but can also been seen in silk and cotton. All the umbrellas are adorned with beautiful hand-painted northern Thai designs including landscapes, local flora and fauna. Already one of the most popular souvenirs with foreign and Thai tourists, Bo Sang umbrellas are made in a variety of sizes from giant parasol's to the tiny ones you see in your favorite cocktail. The third week of January is the best time to visit the Umbrella Village. This is the time when Bo Sang holds its yearly festival and the village is brightly decorated and illuminated by lanterns. A sneak peak into some of the wooden houses reveals hundreds of umbrellas hung from the rafters and roof beams. The Umbrella Factory in Chiang Mai is where you can go to see every stage of the process it takes to make a paper umbrella. The Umbrella Factory features a large gift shop with a good variety of local wares.
Author note:
If the bike tour is out of your price range, you might consider this one. You can rent a motorbike of your own and head there on your own. Since you have the motor bike, you could explore around town on you way back. Or if you have enough time you maybe able to do both (Bike tour and Umbrella village) ENJOY!
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Whole Earth Restaurant
Contact:
- +66 53 28 2463
Location:
- 88 Sridonchai Road
- Amphoe Mueang
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Map
Description:
Featuring Asian foods, mostly Indian and Thai, prepared with light, fresh ingredients in healthy and creative ways, this 30-year-old Chiang Mai institution is a real find. The restaurant is set in a traditional Lanna Thai pavilion and has an indoor air-conditioned nonsmoking section, and a long open-air veranda with views of the gardens. The menu is extensive, and everything on it is good. Try the spicy house vegetarian curry with tofu wrapped in seaweed and finish with a fresh mango lassi.
Author note:
You could finish your day at this great restaurant - it's also very close to the night bazaar. :-)
