Chiang Mai – Part 1

A couple of weeks ago I was treated to a 6D/5N trip to the Land of Smiles by Richard of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). It was a fantastic trip; I made new friends and in the process, got to know more about Northern Thailand, specifically Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Hello CK, Ernie and Terence!

As a vacation spot, Thailand has never failed to impress. Thailand was already one of my most favourite places to go for a break before the trip. During the trip though, I saw much more than its famed shopping, night life, islands and massages – I saw authentic Thai culture, architectures, history, animals and people!

#1 – Welcome to Thailand.

We reached Chiang Mai via Bangkok on Thai Airways. Right after touching down, we were whisked off to Chiang Mai Zoo. It is the first and only zoo in Northern Thailand where visitors can enjoy the experience of being with various animals in their natural habitat.

#2 – Giraffes.

There’s also a humongous freshwater aquarium housed in Chiang Mai Zoo. A humbler version of our KLCC’s Aquaria but no less interesting.

#3 – Fish!

Though the biggest highlight of the zoo must be the pandas! It’s my first time seeing a panda bear it had to greet me in the most unconventional way evarrr. Here’s a picture of daddy panda minding his own business…

#4 – Pooping panda

Basically, he was lying down with his arse over the edge and out went the stink nuggets.

You must be asking where mommy panda is? Since she’s just given birth, she had to be quarantined with the baby to prevent bacterial infections.

After daddy panda has relieved his bowel, he leisurely continued on munching bamboos.

#5 – Panda stocking it up for next round.

Everyone around the world goes to Chiang Mai Zoo to see the pandas. They love them!

#6 – Notes for pandas.

There’s also a beautiful Siberian white tiger which reminded me of Charlie. Don’t ask me how.

#7 – Siberian white tiger.

After Chiang Mai Zoo, we went to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, this is Chiang Mai’s most famous landmark and at 3,520 feet above sea level, it commands an exhilarating view of the city and its surroundings. You could scale a flight of 290 Naga-Flanked steps if you want, but I decided to take the tram instead :P

#7 – Tram to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

#8 – Or, if you’re in the mood for a little workout.

They’re right, the view was incredibly breathtaking!

#9 – View of Chiang Mai from Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep.

#10 – The Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

After that, we checked into our hotel at Le Meridien Chiang Mai, where I was a man for two nights.

#11 – Mr Low. Quite a pimpin’ name actually.

#12 – The room.

#13 – View from the bathroom.

#14 – Bathroom mugshot.

Then it was a nice dinner at the hotel, followed by a superb massage at RarinJinda Spa.

#13 – On the way to dinner.

#14 – Prelude to an awesome massage.

Till the next post, kap khun ka.