Northern Thailand Famil - Lynn Lulitanond
November/December 2009
Thai International were the international carrier ex Melbourne/Bangkok/Chiang Mai and return.
Bangkok
 The Davis Hotel, Bangkok – This boutique hotel was extremely centrally located in Bangkok. Approximately a ten minute stroll along the Soi to a major department store – The Emporium & skytrain stop of “Prom Phong”. Conveniently located to restaurants and the local nightlife. The 237 room hotel was very pleasant. It offered two wings of accommodation – the Corner Wing in which were the “standard” rooms and the “Main Wing” which offered the “superior”, “deluxe” and the varying type of “suites”. We were staying in the corner wing, which offered a bar & small breakfast room and a much quieter atmosphere. The main wing would be my preferred section of hotel to stay in with a little more “action” & comings & goings. In this section of the hotel was also a beautiful sheltered rooftop pool & spa, along with modern fitness centre.
Chiang Mai
The Chedi – superb and extremely tasteful boutique accommodation. Has approximately 85 rooms. Would have no hesitation in recommending this hotel. Attention to detail is very evident in every aspect of this hotel, along with very friendly and attentive staff. Hotel is located on the peaceful Mae Ping river and a 5–10 minute walk to the night bazaar. Moving outside the hotel - very easy access to every convenience - massage, beauty therapy, wining, dining or shopping.
A river setting is the location of the hotel’s many facilities - superb swimming pool, restaurant and bars. Hotel offers two room types all with balcony access overlooking a grassed courtyard - deluxe and club rooms (club rooms, enormously spacious & virtually double size of deluxe rooms, with coffee machine & private club lounge access). Superb buffet breakfast with all hot food being cooked to order.
 Lisu Lodge – Set in the Lisu Valley, run and operated by the Lisu people (one of the newer tribes to settle in Thailand from Tibet approximately 100 years ago). Located approximately 1–1 ½ hours drive from Chiang Mai.
Accommodation at the Lisu Eco Lodge has 4 x “large huts” each individually entitled “Earth, Wind, Fire or Water”. Within each “hut” there are 6 x double basic bedrooms with ensuite, along with a large communal open area where you dine and simply relax within the confines of your “hut”. Surrounding the lodge is the local village of the Lisu and Thai community – you have the opportunity to walk around, experience and connect with the locals, under the guidance of local “Uncle Charlie” - visit the local “Wat” (Buddhist temple currently under construction), meet and talk with the head of their community, and sample a “corn whiskey”.
Property is surrounded by the rice paddies, hills and farm lands of the Lisu people. It is enormously peaceful and great for those wanting escape! There is no TV or music, therefore, giving you the total opportunity to connect and communicate with those you are with. Would recommend to those who are looking to experience the traditional northern lifestyle of the villagers. Would be suited to families with slightly older children (only due to the traditional food offered), couples and even those taking time out from a conference. After a traditional dinner, the local children come to perform their dances and get you involved.
As daylight breaks, you are woken to the sounds of surrounding birds and early morning roosters. Breakfast is served at your leisure. Post breakfast – you may choose to take an hour escorted bike journey around the village, enjoy a steam herbal bath or perhaps enjoy a relaxing Thai massage (all at a minimal additional cost).
If staying at the Lodge – would recommend you have enough money with you as there is no money exchange or credit card facility here (although there is a small bar with a limited menu of soft drinks, local beer & minimal spirits). Prior to departing from Chiang Mai, you may wish to take your own alcohol and/or snacks (particularly if you have kids) – as these are very limited.
 The Tamarind Village – once again a small but very appealing boutique property located in the heart of the historic “walled” section of Chiang Mai. The hotel is well located to surrounding important temples and historic sights, shopping, restaurants/bars and is approximately 10-15 minutes walk into the Night Bazaar. The hotel offers 42 standard & deluxe rooms (exactly the same style & size as standard rooms, but with balcony) and 3 x varying suites. The “Tamarind Spa” suite would be ideal for honeymooners – at a very reasonable price – offers very tasteful and spacious contemporary northern style décor, sunken bath and spa, spacious and private outdoor seated area and includes spa treatments for 2 persons – excellent value. Hotel restaurant – cuisine offers an excellent buffet breakfast and quality evening meals. Hotel offered very warm ambience, friendly and warm staff. Would recommend to couples and honeymooners.
SIGHTSEEING:
 Prior to heading to the Lisu Eco Lodge, Travel Indochina package the following sightseeing tour independently or in conjunction with spending a night, post tour at the Lodge. The full day tour combines a fantastic, entertaining and scenic combination of visiting an Elephant Camp - where you will see the elephants taking a bath in the river, then performing, playing soccer, basketball and painting – some with enormous precision & skill. You have the opportunity to take an elephant ride of approximately 30 minutes, across the river and heading up through the jungle, followed by a leisurely ox-cart ride to return, where buffet lunch is included. The tour concludes after a peaceful rafting trip down the river.
  
Another excellent and extremely worthwhile sightseeing tour offered (far more enjoyable than your “standard” city coach sightseeing tour). Commencing with rickshaw ride ex hotel to the local market – having the opportunity to walk and explore – gaining a knowledge of the local foods, fruits etc. Travelling from here by coach to the famous temple of “Doi Suthep”, returning to the city to a local restaurant to enjoy “Khow Soi” the northern specialty of noodle soup. The highlight of the tour was finishing at the Buddhist University and having the opportunity to chat with the monks (who spoke extremely good English) – asking anything and everything you wanted to know – about the monks, their lifestyle & the Buddhist beliefs - all very inspiring!
OTHER:
Chiang Mai airport and rail station is located approximately 15 minutes from the city.
Every evening from approximately 6pm streets in the city are lined by stall holders selling their goods as you make your way to the night bazaar. Each Sunday there is an excellent market selling quality “northern” goods - the street is closed off (located in the street where The Tamarind Hotel is located). Almost adjacent to the airport is also the “Central Shopping Plaza” in which is located Robinson’s Department store and a large variety of individual shopping outlets – well worth while visiting.
Chiang Mai is a very appealing and safe place to visit. A 3-4 night stay would be recommended as there is much to see and do in and around Chiang Mai.
Nov – Mar is an excellent time of year to visit as there is low humidity and cooler in the evening, however, still around high 20’s during the day.
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