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Northern Thailand
Chiang mai - Chiang rai - Golden triangle
We are transported to the north of Thailand away from the exotic beaches and bustling capital Bangkok. The north is dominated by majestic mountains, ancient temples and a charming setting of authentic Thailand.
Events
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Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle
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Food - Thai food
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A few words to begin with...
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This trip started with a flight from Bangkok to the first city we would visit, Chiang Mai, also known as the rose of the North. We stayed 3 days to explore the city and its suburbs. For this reason we rented a car upon our arrival at the airport.
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Next stop on the trip was Chiang Rai a 3 hour drive further north towards the Myanmar border. There we would sit for 2 days to get to know the city located on the banks of the Kok River.
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Last destination is Thailand & golden triangle, specifically its northernmost point where the Mekong River is its natural border with Myanmar and Laos. From here you can go to the neighboring states with day trips or continue your journey to more northern countries.
Basic information about your trip...
Visa Information
To enter the country, Greek citizens will not need a visa, but a visa of entry in their passport which should be valid for 6 months from the day of entry
For more information on entering the country visit the following site https://www.tourismthailand.org/home
Season - climate
The climate is tropical with a dry season and a dry season.
Suitable season is from November to February where there is no monsoon. Our trips have been made during the summer season and we definitely got rain but it was always short-lived and we continued our program..
Currency
the currency is Thai Baht and 1euro is 36baht.
One of the exchange offices with very good exchange rates is SuperRich which you will also find at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Also choose to have large banknotes with you because they give a better exchange rate (€50-€100).
Movements
To come to the northern part of Thailand you should take a flight (1 hour) to Chiang mai or Chiang rai where they have an airport. The alternative is to hire a car from Bangkok and drive around 9 hours across the hinterland.
For our transportation we rented a car from chiang mai airport at a cost of €22/day with full insurance and we chose to drop it off at chiang rai airport where the return flight to Bangkok would be.
In cities you will find Tuks to go around short distances and taxis if you don't have a car for longer distances.
If you don't want to rent a car, there is also the choice of buses that connect the cities between them from the Chiangmai Bus Terminal 3 station as well as organized day trips by minivan
(for information clickhere)
Internet - communication
If you want to have internet everywhere and not only in the hotel there are 3 provider companies in Thailand where they offer Tourist Sim with fixed MB and calls at preferential rates. Below you will find a link to the packages that you can buy at the airport after picking up your luggage.
Accommodation
The historical city of Chiang Mai is enclosed by the city wall. Most of the attractions as well as the Night market are within walking distance, so look for a hotel in the historic center of the city. We stayed in an excellent traditional hotel at the entrance gate of the old town Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts Hotel
You won't find attractions like Chiang Mai in Chiang Mai. mai. Here the place is famous for the picturesque bank of the kok river and the wonderful hotels and restaurants on wooden piers. Choose to stay near the river and we recommend it The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort and Spa,where it was the most impressive hotel we have stayed in a long time. If you choose to stay around the Coke River you will need to have a car or call a taxi to get to the center as it is about a 10 minute drive.
In the Golden Triangle you will find quite a few hotels to accommodate here. 2 unique hotels stand out where your stay would be a real travel experience. It is Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangleand the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort2 real gems for the area.
We didn't stay there but in The Imperial Golden Triangle Resort which if you are looking for vfm option is a one-way street with a stunning view of the golden triangle from its restaurant.
Chiang mai
What to see - what we recommend...
The moats, canals and ancient temples give the city a timeless and romantic atmosphere. And if you want to be close to nature, this city will not disappoint you. With countless activities to participate in and endless sights to see, Chiang Mai is well worth your time and money to visit.
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Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan
At the end of the main Rachadamnoen street in the old city you will come across a huge temple complex of classical Lanna architecture, Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan. Entry to the temple is free and you can walk around and enter all the temples. Here you will meet the famous wax figures of the monks.
Also you will find here th most important Buddha image, the Lion Buddha, which can be seen in a small chapel at the back of the complex, next to the golden chedi.
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Sunday Street Market
When we left the temple it was getting dark and we had planned to visit it on Sunday because every Sunday the Sunday market takes place on the main street. The biggest part of the center is closed and outdoor markets are set up with all kinds of things. If you have the opportunity to make your days to be Sunday in Chiang mai.
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Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan
Wat Pha Lat
The next day we woke up early and departure for the sacred mountain of Doi Suthep province. There you will come across a majestic temple on top of the hill. Also noteworthy is the long staircase you will climb to the top, the entrance ticket costs 30baht. From the top of the temple you can admire Chiang Mai from above. To reach the temple you will have to drive about 25-30min.
On the way back we stopped nearby to enjoy a monk temple in the forestof the mountain where the trees have covered it and calm waters run in small waterfalls forming lakes. You shouldn't miss it and stop by Wat Pha Lat. If you like paths then there is the Monk Trail and you can do the authentic route that the monks take to go to the temple (foot here for stigma)
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Wat Tham Chiang Dao
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Wat Ban Den
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Dantewada Land of Angels Waterfall Park
We had one more day at our disposal in Chiang Mai and chose to drive to the northern part to discover some of the most impressive temples and monasteries in the mountains. All 3 spots below are on the same route.
Πρώτος σταθμός το Wat Tham Chiang Daoit is a peaceful landscape with the temple located in a cave inside the mountain. To see the cave we were accompanied by a local guide with a flashlight (200baht) and it was worth the trip. Outside the temple you will find a crystal clear lake formed by the waters gushing from the mountain.
Second stop on our way backWat Ban Den a huge complex of temples and monasteries that we have not seen before in all the years we have been going to Thailand. Take the time to get into as many as you can. It was time to eat and to our surprise we found a traditional restaurant next to the temple and enjoyed authentic Thai (find it here)
And after we had enjoyed our meal we continued the return route with a stop at Dantewada Land of Angels Waterfall Park,an artificial park with countless waterfalls, tunnels and nature trails. It is definitely a tourist attraction but it is worth the visit.
Other activities in Chiang Mai
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Visit an elephant sanctuary
Chiang mai is the biggest elephant conservation center and if you haven't visited before here is probably the best chance...
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Take a Thai cooking lesson
The north of Thailand is the birthplace of Thai cuisine and since we are fans we did an amazing lesson at Thai Akha Kitchenwith full equipment and explanation of each recipe.
Even if you are not into cooking, this is a unique experience as long as you like the local cuisine
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Relax with a Thai massage
You are in the land of massage, and specifically in Chiang Mai we had probably one of the best massages in all of Thailand. We suggest you try it, our favorite shop there was theGiving Tree Massage near the main road
Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle
You can't come to Northern Thailand and not visit Chiang Rai...
Here you will find the most impressive temples depicted on all the postcards
You will also spend moments of relaxation and turn back time walking along the banks of the Kok River.
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Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
At the entrance of the city you will meet the most recorded temple in Thailand known as the "white temple". It opened its gates in 1997 and welcomes visitors with an entrance fee of 200baht. In addition to the white temple you will find a complex of Buddhist temples, waterfalls and statues..
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Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)
Monumental, modern Buddhist temple that stands out with intense blue coloring and elaborate carvings. The temple is located near the banks of the kok river and you can combine its visit with Wat Huay Pla Kang below
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Wat Huai Pla Kang
Wat Huay Pla Kang, also known as the Big Buddha of Chiang Rai, is known for its huge white statue of Guanyin, the Chinese goddess of mercy. Wat Huay Pla Kang is a large complex built in the Chinese style. The complex is divided into three parts, a large goddess, the temple and the pagoda.
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Banks of Kok River
Go back in time, relax and don't miss a walk on the banks of the river that runs through the city of Chiang Rai. You will meet impressive parks (Ko Loi Public Park), the favorite restaurant we ate Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar as well as several boutique hotels.
Other activities and attractions in Chiang rai
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Longneck Karen Village
Visiting one of the many Karen Long Neck villages in Thailand is one of the most exotic experiences on the planet. It is a true National Geographic magazine experience that has to be seen to be believed. The villages are located 20 minutes from Chiang rai and have an entrance fee of 300 baht. For more information in our article clickhere
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Clock Tower Chiang Rai & Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Although the city in the center does not have many attractions to see, you will notice the impressive golden clock on the main street and its organized night market with tables and street market shops accompanied by live music.
Golden Triangle
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The golden triangle has a long history and in the past there have been major drug-trafficking clashes. Nowadays it is a tourist destination where you can admire the imaginary border of the Mekong River separating Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
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If you want to cross into Myanmar you will have to visit the town of Maesai where you will find the border station and also there is the northernmost point of Thailand. You can also take a day trip to the neighboring town of Tachileik and admire the pagodas.
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In case you want to cross to Laos, you have to go from the golden triangle of Thailand and cross the river. From here it is also possible to take a 3-day cruise to Luang Prabang, Laos (details here!)
Food - Thai food
What is Thai cuisine?
Many people will probably describe Thai food as aromatic and spicy, but in reality it is more than that. Traditional Thai food should have a balance of salty, sweet, sour, salty and spicy.
Over the centuries, Thai cuisine has been heavily influenced by Thailand's neighbors, mainly from India, Malaysia and Indonesia. The western influence has passed into the kitchen as well.
The chili pepper that is so important in domestic cuisine is not a native product. It was introduced by the Portuguese and Spanish and was originally from the American continent.
6 dishes you must try during your visit
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Khao soi gui
The authentic dish of northern Thailand has always been a hallmark of the kitchen. Rich, creamy and bursting with flavor from an array of aromatics and shrimp paste, it combines tender braised chicken in a coconut curry broth with boiled and fried noodles.
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Pad Thai
Without a doubt, pad thai is the most famous dish in this Thailand food guide. It is probably the first thing many travelers will look for on their first trip to Thailand.
Pad thai is a stir-fried rice noodle dish usually made with chicken, shrimp, tofu, peanuts, scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and other vegetables. The ingredients are mixed in a wok before being flavored with a sauce of tamarind juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, dried shrimp, garlic and red chilies. When ready, it is often topped with crushed roasted peanuts and served with lime wedges.
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Pineapple fried rice
Khao pad is usually made with fragrant jasmine rice which gives it a distinct taste. Ingredients vary, but fried rice is usually made with some type of meat (such as chicken, shrimp, or crab), egg, onions, garlic, and sometimes tomatoes. It is often served with sliced cucumber and prik nam pla
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Som Tam - Green papaya salad
Som tam, like tom yum goong and pad thai, is a favorite Thai food and one of the best dishes you can eat in the country.
Som tam is made with grated unripe papaya and a mixture of other ingredients such as chili pepper, fish sauce, palm sugar, dried shrimp and rice crabs in brine. Sour and hot dominate, although it is seasoned to have a balance of five tastes – sour, spicy, salty, salty and sweet.
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Mango Sticky Rice
Mango sticky rice is a popular dessert made with fresh mango, sticky rice, palm sugar and coconut milk.
To make mango sticky rice, coconut milk is mixed with salt and sugar before being heated and added to the rice. The mixture is allowed to sit until the coconut milk is absorbed. It is then served along with sliced ripe mango with the remaining milk drizzled on top.
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Tom Yum Goong
Also known as tom yam, this sour and spicy soup takes its name from two words - tom, which refers to the boiling process, and yam, which means "mixed". It is often cooked with shrimp (goong or kung), hence the popular variation tom yum goong (or kung).
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Favorite restaurants in chiang mai
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Fern Forest Cafe
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Versailles of flowers
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Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kaat Gorm
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Khao Soi Khun Yai
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MIX Restaurant & Bar
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River View Bar
Our video...
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