6 nights in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

Hi Guys!

Two of us (Girls) will be visiting CM and CR for 6 nights Nov 29 till Dec 5. We plan to stay the 1st night in CM. Then on to CR for 3 nights before returning to CM for another 2 nights.

Chiang Mai Itinerary

The famous Sunday Night Market

Additional shopping

Elephant Sanctuary for elephant ride and bamboo rafting - Should I leave this tour for Chiang Rai? I read that the camps are between CM and CR. Are they closer to CM or CR?

I don%26#39;t want to go to Doi Suthep since I have been before.

Read that the San Kamphaeng hot spring and Bo Sang umbrella making center are nothing much (?)

How about out of town places like Lampang, Lampoon or Mae Hong Son?

Chiang Rai Itinerary

Doi Tung (Mae Fah Luang Garden %26amp; Royal Villa)

The White Temple

Is it worth it to go on a the Golden Triangle Tour? Wouldn%26#39;t that be very close to Doi Tung? Also, if that tour takes you across the border to Myanmar (read that the tour takes youa across for mini shopping at the border) are you required to have a visa for Myanmar? (We are Malaysians and I think M%26#39;sians are required to get a visa to enter Myanmar).

We will have slightly more time in CR than CM since we get 3 full days in CR. We will catch the VIP Bus to CR and back. Read that you can do the booking via phone? I speak Thai so no problem in communicating. But I can%26#39;t read and their website is in Thai. Would anyone know their tel no, please?

At both places we will be staying at the Le Meridien Hotels. Any recommendations for any good eating places around there?

6 nights in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

Hi girls,

It sounds like you know what you are doing.

We loved our three days up in Chiang Rai this time last year.

We also caught the Green VIP bus. I think I saw an email address in English on the web page - but have not come across anyone who has had any luck trying to book in advance.

Here is some more info from my trip report on the bus...

';There is a very good bus called the Green VIP Bus. 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. Approx cost 300B each way.

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.

Time table:

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 buses and different time on weekend. ';

I don%26#39;t think you will have a problem booking a couple of days in advance - but someone may be able to get the number for you.

We have a fabulous guide in Chiang Rai called Jermsak - he could organise the things you mention for you and will be able to give you advice about the visa. Search his name in the Chiang Rai forum. There is another very recent post on the Chiang Rai forum from kiwiperth with another great suggestion for a guide inc contact details.

Hope this helps.

Caroline.

6 nights in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

Hey Mel

Just one recommendation have a meal at %26#39;Le Spice Restaurant%26#39; at the night market in Chiang Mai. The food is great and excellant value for money.

Have a great time

Jeff

Thanks guys for your feedback. Any further suggestions are greatly appreciated ;-p