I may spend a few days in Chiang Mai in August, visiting a Thai relative who is studying there. I have been a couple of times many years ago (1990), but never as a tourist.

Can anyone suggest a nice side trip I could make into the mountains? I am not interested in trekking or spending days on an elephant, but I want to see misty mountains, terraced rice fields, unspoilt forest, maybe tea or coffee plantations? I will probably hire a car.

Also, any reccommendations for things to see and do in and around Chiang Mai, or places to eat or stay? I did go up to Doi Suthep to see the temple, which was lovely. I also went to Mae Sai (?) the border with Burma, but was not impressed!

Thanks

Ian

Hi Ian,
Try these gardens take your swimming costume 144 acres beautiful place, on the 118 Doi Saket road out of C/Mai.

http://www.tweecholbotanicgarden.com/contact.php

A day spent climbing Doi Inthanon would be good.

http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=1&lg=2

Fantastic! Those are both exactly the kind of thing i was looking for.

Ian

quote:

A day spent climbing Doi Inthanon would be good.

I totally agree Steve, it's a wonderful part of Thailand

Sunday market is great and a walk around the walls stopping at the black canyon coffee shop for a phuket paradise after browing the english book shops across the road is always pleasurable.

Doi Suthep, Chiang Dao cave, San Kamphaeng all close to Chiang Mai worth a look. Best time for Chang Mai got to be Loy Krathong.

quote:

Chiang Dao cave,

A favourite ok my wife too ,nothing to do with the fact that her name is Dao of course
colin 244

quote:

Originally posted by inouii:
Best time for Chang Mai got to be Loy Krathong.

Songkran's canny as well, mind!

If you can hire a car, head out of Chiang Mai north towards Phrao (90kms). Some country villages on the way great scenery & waterfall (cant remember name). If you get as far as Phrao some lovely mountain views & rice fields (as you mentioned) - Not many farangs about and small village restaurants with Thai only menus if you want to see some village life !

Lots of restaurants along the Ping river for evening meals in Chiang Mai, think the one I went to before was aptly named Riverside.

Just a suggestion tho.
Mike

Thanks.

Ian

Lucky you!!
Spent a wonderful 2 weeks there 2001 visiting numerous National Parks including Doi Suthep, the botanical gardens I am currently trying to remember the name of the National Park there where we had a special breakfast of just eggs but boiled in the hot water spring. Bought the eggs form some children and was given a small wicker basket on the end of a long pole to place our eggs in the naturally hot (boiling) water those eggs were something special, never tasted so good!!
Have a great time!!

San Kamphaeng hot springs.

You can take a vitual tour of Chiang Mai here
Hopefully more places will be added soon.