Would appreciate guidance... First time to Chiang Mai

Thinking of visiting Chiang Mai in early October, but am having trouble deciding whether to just stick to Chiang Mai or perhaps do another city (as a stopover). I%26#39;m thinking of taking Thai Airways (via Star Alliance mileage), which means I%26#39;d be stopping by Bangkok, but not sure if I wanna stay in all the hustle and bustle... (I%26#39;m from Seoul and I just wanna relax and take things %26#39;slow%26#39;.)

If I do just Chiang Mai, was thinking perhaps staying about 4/5 nights in a cheaper place in the center (and doing different mini trips - market, safari?) and then the remaining 4/5 nights or so at the Chedi (which seems to have great deals right now)?

My problem ist hat I have some flexibility and always think that it%26#39;s better to stay as long as possible when you%26#39;re taking a trip abroad (with the flight to and fro, etc.), but... would 8-9 nights be too long? My objective is: relaxation, enjoying local culture, taking nice photos...

Am thinking of setting off on 10/8, which is only about a week away, so would appreciate ANY feedback. Thank you.

Would appreciate guidance... First time to Chiang Mai

Sorry, forgot to add. Is it correct that the illumination festival is until October 15? If so, would def. be worth seeing, right?

Would appreciate guidance... First time to Chiang Mai

Loi Krathong festival is the 1st and 2nd of November this year. Since this is the beginning of the week expect the good deals in hotels to vanish around Friday when the masses decend on Chiang Mai.

Deffinately worth staying here for but book in advance especially transportation.

Personally, I would spend the whole time in the North. Stay 3-4 days, take a 2-3 day tour to Chiang Rai or another area, then back for 3-4 days at the other hotel. Check out the ';Things to Do'; listing for an idea of the great activities in Chiang Mai.

Thom

I%26#39;d spend the whole time in the North as well (although we are all probably biased). I always think that Chiang Mai has all the best bits of Bangkok, but smaller, more charming and easier to get around.

I have no doubt you will easily fill the whole time.

Your plan to stay somewhere inexpensive and then at The Chedi is a good one.

The only thing I%26#39;d add is that you could consider doing a side trip to Chiang Rai for two nights. We did this on our last trip and really enjoyed Chaing Rai. Chiang Rai is around three hours Nth of Chiang Mai and much quiter again.

Have a look at The Chiang Rai forum and you will see reports from recent travel experiences to get a feel if this is something you%26#39;d like to do.

I have a trip report on page two of the Chiang Rai forum that may help you as well.

Having said that, you will easily fill your time in Chiang Mai.

Caroline.

Thank you so very much, everyone.

So Chiang Rai... Would it become a very high-energy trip if I do Chiang Rai as well? I guess it would be a good idea to do CR when I%26#39;m in CM, but I don%26#39;t want to engage myself in too much as my initial purpose is to relax and unwind. (My last vacation was last Sept. to Bali).

So if I do CR, would it be a day trip? Or would I stay there for about 2 nights? Maybe something like CM Budget(4N)-CR(2N)-CM Chedi(3N)?

I will be sure to look over the reviews. Such little time left!

Oops, sorry. Saw the line about doing 2-3 days in CR just now.

Since I%26#39;ll be arriving in the evening on Day 1 when I get into CM, would it be better to allocate 4 nights in CM, 2 nights in CR, and then 3 nights at the Chedi? That sorts sounds like a lot of moving around, no? (Not really the backpacker style.)

Thank you again.

Doing a day trip to Chiang Rai is really difficult. It would be an extremely long and tiring day.

It is best to spend a night or two there.

We have an excellent guide in Chiang Rai called Jermsak - not sure if he would be available at short notice. There are lots of recommendations for him on the Chiang Rai forum.

If you went for a night or two - you could spend one day exploring by yourself... The White Temple, the city temples, the Chiang Rai %26#39;beach%26#39; and the night market for dinner. The second day could be spent with a local guide - you could try emailing Jermsak jermsak_cei@yahoo.co.th to see if he is available. He could either take you up into The Golden Triangle or to see a number of hilltribes including the Ruammit Village with elephants to welcome you on the river bank. Come back to Chiang Mai on the third morning.

There is an excellent bus called The Green VIP bus which runs between CM and CR five times a day.

Info....

It runs from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai return four times a day. The bus only seats 20 people and the seats are huge with lots of leg room. They are the size of business class seats on an airplane and recline and have foot rests that come up almost flat. The windows in the bus are also large and snacks and water are served. Also a toilet on board. It is a very comfortable experience. Far more comfortable than a taxi seat.

The time is about 2hrs 50 mins direct.

When you arrive in Chiang Mai you need to go to the Arcade Bus Station and book a seat on the bus for your preferred day and time. You get to select seats. You do need to book ahead a few days. The bus we were on was full in both directions.

I have a Chaing Rai trip report which gives more details (inc costs) of this bus and things we did in Chiang Rai. If you click on my profile you%26#39;ll see the Chiang Rai report around mid October.

I asked this same question on the forums before we left. Everyone advised that this was the best way to get between the two cities. They were right.

Time table: (around 300B from memory)

Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai

VIP 8:00-10:50 , 10:15-13:05, 14:45-17:35, 16:15-19:35

Air Con 09:00-12:20, 11:00-14:20, 15:00-18:20, 17:45-20:35

Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai

VIP 9:15-12:05, 13:00-15:50, 15:30-18:20, 17:15-20:05

Air Con 11:45-15:05, 14:00-17:20, 14:45-18:05, 16:30-19:50, 17:45-21:05

There are more bus and different time on weekend.

You shouldn%26#39;t feel pressured to go up to Chiang Rai. If it is a relaxing holiday you want - stay put and spend time around the pool. It does however, give you another perspective on Nth Thailand.

Caroline. (send through any more questions).

For sure come to the North! BKK is great...but kind of like NYC with elephants from my point of view. You might want to check out Paul Collins who has Best Tuk Tuk Tours here in CNX. Paul has a small inbound tour company and most of his tours are in the local transport...tuk tuk! (Paul can provide transport in A/C van or car with driver if you have a group larger than two or three (depending on the size of the people)) He speaks English, Thai and Northern Thai and I have been using him as my personal driver/translator and teacher of all things Thai for over two years now. You can check his web site at www.besttuktuktours.yolasite.com or email Paul at besttuktuktours@yahoo.com. I think you also might find some reviews on here about Paul too if you do a search. Hope this helps some and hope that you enjoy your trip to my hometown. Marie (nannyre)

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To take things slow and experience Thailands varied cultures I would recomend that you visit Pai in the mountains above Chiang Mai only 25 minutes by 12 seater airoplane operated by Nok Air, at only 3,700B return it%26#39;s an amazing experience.