This is an XML content feed of journal entries and reviews that have recently published by RealTravel members within Chiang Mai. Use one of the buttons on the right to add this feed to your feed reader. tag:realtravel.com,2005:641667 RealTravel members http://realtravel.com/images/logo-for-feeds.jpg (c) 2006 RealTravel.com 2008-04-03T14:44:41Z 339983http://www.feedburner.comThis is an XML content feed of journal entries and reviews that have recently published by RealTravel members within Chiang Mai. Use one of the buttons on the right to add this feed to your feed reader. tag:realtravel.com,2008-04-03:6802006 2008-04-03T14:44:41Z 2008-04-03T14:44:41Z Bates' big trip http://realtravel.com/member-m4475351-bates_big_trip.html <p>a entry by Bates' big trip from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d4871626.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>This morning we took a tuk tuk to the Immigration Office by the airport to extend our visas. Originally we expected to be out of Thailand by now but with Sam being away we’ve decided to wait for her before we move on to Laos. We failed to get the kid’s visa extended for free even though they were dressed as smart as possible and had been told to smile and look adorable in order to extract sympathy from the authorities, and so we had to pay 1,900 Baht each, a severe dent to our budget. Fortunately, Chiang Mai in comparison to everywhere else we have been to in Asia is very cheap. Whereas before ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j6802006.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_tY6kYjF5zqnzExpzWuK18QUY0tk_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/tY6kYjF5zqnzExpzWuK18QUY0tk_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_tY6kYjF5zqnzExpzWuK18QUY0tk_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=tY6kYjF5zqnzExpzWuK18QUY0tk_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j6802006.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j6802006.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-04-03:6797941 2008-04-03T04:58:38Z 2008-04-03T04:58:38Z Bates' big trip http://realtravel.com/member-m4475351-bates_big_trip.html <p>a entry by Bates' big trip from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d4871626.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>We flew to a city called Singapore and then three days later we got a coach to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Everywhere it is very hot, a lot hotter than it ever is in England. We have to drink lots of water so we don’t get dehydrated and we need to put on lots of sun cream and wear our hats.</p><p>At the Perhentian Islands we made 3 friends called Izzy, Abbie and Max and we went snorkelling with them and saw loads of fish. At a different beach we found a big rope swing. Our Dad lifted us up to it and pushed us so we nearly hit the tree the rope was hanging from.</p><p>In Thailand we spent a week ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j6797941.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_CIgX3b.V2JcQKDxgI-bYfwRcwAU_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/CIgX3b.V2JcQKDxgI-bYfwRcwAU_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_CIgX3b.V2JcQKDxgI-bYfwRcwAU_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=CIgX3b.V2JcQKDxgI-bYfwRcwAU_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j6797941.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j6797941.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-03-18:6719816 2008-03-18T08:47:40Z 2008-03-18T08:49:20Z Shivgo http://realtravel.com/member-m6532192-shivgo.html <p>a entry by Shivgo from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d4871626.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>12 hours later we arrived in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, a town famous for it's temples and laid back vibe. The name of our guesthouse was Five Stars - and it was no more 5 star but perfect for us! It was really clean and we got a big double fan room, with ensuite and mini balcony for 3 euro a night. Sweet. It was really central too and had it's own little restaurant. After chatting to another Irish couple who were staying there, we decided to both do a thai cookery course at "Pad Thai Cookery School" which was brilliant craic! The thai people can be pretty funny, I've never heard so many ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j6719816.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_q0.qzvn1xDSu18TSL3Hvq4B1E.s_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/q0.qzvn1xDSu18TSL3Hvq4B1E.s_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_q0.qzvn1xDSu18TSL3Hvq4B1E.s_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=q0.qzvn1xDSu18TSL3Hvq4B1E.s_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j6719816.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j6719816.html tag:realtravel.com,2008-03-17:6715203 2008-03-17T01:05:47Z 2008-03-17T01:05:47Z Four Explore http://realtravel.com/member-m5199332-four_explore.html <p>a entry by Four Explore from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d4871626.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>By Christina</p><p>After our experience on the overnight trains in India, I was really looking forward to the overnight train ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. I figured it really couldn’t get any worse than the dirty, cramped quarters of an Indian train. Well, I was partially wrong and partially right. The train itself was pretty darn clean, with pristine bedding and fresh smelling toilets, and the bogey (coach) was less crowded than any Indian train I have ever been on, with large chairs and lots of room to move around. The food (of course) was great. So it was with a ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j6715203.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_ewCOt0EoecRrG6fcuZ3mlGcVVxc_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/ewCOt0EoecRrG6fcuZ3mlGcVVxc_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_ewCOt0EoecRrG6fcuZ3mlGcVVxc_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=ewCOt0EoecRrG6fcuZ3mlGcVVxc_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j6715203.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j6715203.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-12-05:6140553 2007-12-05T12:49:34Z 2007-12-12T17:41:17Z Carla V http://realtravel.com/member-m5790720-carla_v.html <p>a entry by Carla V from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d4871626.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>For pictures click:</p><p>http://picasaweb.google .com/dtquigley13</p><p>Our day out trekking in the mountains around Chiang Mai was excellent. It was an early wake-up and we missed the covered pick-up bus the first time it came to get us, but once in we bounced around for about an hour with eight other travelers. A few dutchmen, swedes, and english composed the group. We started at a small native village. They take you by in hopes that you'll buy something from the villagers. It was early and no one was really interesting. The elephants were our next stop and that perked us all up. What ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j6140553.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_nHmeciGHKgnmnPBTO2EXvc47DlY_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/nHmeciGHKgnmnPBTO2EXvc47DlY_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_nHmeciGHKgnmnPBTO2EXvc47DlY_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=nHmeciGHKgnmnPBTO2EXvc47DlY_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j6140553.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j6140553.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-12-07:6151695 2007-12-07T12:48:10Z 2007-12-07T12:48:10Z Soph http://realtravel.com/member-m3662598-soph.html <p><em>"I thought for a moment that i would have to do the same as the lonely planet advises as i was getting off the bus, but as i got up the music stopped."</em></p> <p>a entry by Soph from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d4871626.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>Okay i got a little side tracked on the last one, but i want you to imagine what i'm like walking around these places i so dysfunctional describe.</p><p>I'd already traveled half the way to Chiang Mai and so the trip was only seven hours long which i took first thing in the morning so as not to arrive in the middle of the night, something i avoid if i can.</p><p>My bus trips have come in many shapes and sizes, from one extreme to the other. THe local bus which imitates a 1970s hippy van, all colours with a few rotating fans attached to the roof, attempting to keep the people and animals ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j6151695.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_LG60ldDBu7leeU-BWS3jwIOVWYA_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/LG60ldDBu7leeU-BWS3jwIOVWYA_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_LG60ldDBu7leeU-BWS3jwIOVWYA_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=LG60ldDBu7leeU-BWS3jwIOVWYA_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j6151695.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j6151695.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-12-07:6150383 2007-12-07T06:02:26Z 2007-12-07T06:02:26Z Mike23 http://realtravel.com/member-m5870937-mike23.html <p>a entry by Mike23 from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d641667.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>Chiang Mai is definitely more chilled out than Bangkok, we almost found ourselves a bit bored. So we decided to do a trek up into the mountains in a place called Pai. We would get to go elephant trekking, Bamboo rafting and trekking through the jungle so we decided to go for it!</p><p>We were joined by a group of about 9. Three South Africans, two German brothers, two Canadians and a German and Spanish Couple. It was a great group and I'm definitely gonna miss those guys. We were all told to pack light so armed with only a small backpack and a sleeping bag we all set off for three days of ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j6150383.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_lspnWe5.RTYIbT3YA52DI-GQXJw_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/lspnWe5.RTYIbT3YA52DI-GQXJw_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_lspnWe5.RTYIbT3YA52DI-GQXJw_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=lspnWe5.RTYIbT3YA52DI-GQXJw_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j6150383.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j6150383.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-02-11:3646879 2007-02-11T21:54:26Z 2007-11-26T22:29:51Z Curtis Martlew http://realtravel.com/member-m3241214-curtis_martlew.html <p><em>"This was a fun day had by all...."</em></p> <p>a entry by Curtis Martlew from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d641667.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>Once back and rested in Chang Mai, we woke for our last organised activity, that being a cooking class...</p><p>Now among the may activities that I would recommend to do in Thailand, one of them would be to partake in a Thai Cooking Class (try to get one with only a small group of people as it makes it that little bit more personal). This was a fun day had by all and for those who are keen home chefs, it helps to clear up any curiosities that one may have about the ingredients used and how they are to be used properly. Besides the usual green curry we partook in creating a Cat fish Salad, Pad ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j3646879.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_q7dxAqhdwbskx6Mf4pjU1LDHy6Q_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/q7dxAqhdwbskx6Mf4pjU1LDHy6Q_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_q7dxAqhdwbskx6Mf4pjU1LDHy6Q_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=q7dxAqhdwbskx6Mf4pjU1LDHy6Q_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j3646879.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j3646879.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-02-11:3646395 2007-02-11T20:35:56Z 2007-11-26T22:19:49Z Curtis Martlew http://realtravel.com/member-m3241214-curtis_martlew.html <p><em>""Better to speak unpleasant truths than to tell lies""</em></p> <p>a entry by Curtis Martlew from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d641667.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>After a good nights rest from the Hill Tribe trekking, we pulled ourselves out of bed and into the new day to do a little exploring of the old Chang Mai. We headed down the main street intersecting the city centre east to west called Th Ratchdamnoen, filled mainly with monasteries, squares, Café/Bars and hotels. The street was no where as exciting through the day as it is through a Sunday night, when the night market is booming, creating a rich atmosphere of food, people and music. However we continued on our way with two destinations in mind, the first one being Lunch at Si Phen Restaurant.</p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j3646395.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_kLAE.emxFCuQxTzn4dQOoyrE6Y8_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/kLAE.emxFCuQxTzn4dQOoyrE6Y8_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_kLAE.emxFCuQxTzn4dQOoyrE6Y8_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=kLAE.emxFCuQxTzn4dQOoyrE6Y8_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j3646395.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j3646395.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-02-11:3646004 2007-02-11T19:29:57Z 2007-11-26T22:12:13Z Curtis Martlew http://realtravel.com/member-m3241214-curtis_martlew.html <p><em>"Definitely a must do for the adventurous types....."</em></p> <p>a entry by Curtis Martlew from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/doi_inthanon-thailand-reviews-hotels-d1794214.html">Doi Inthanon, Thailand.</a></p> <p>The next day was an early rise as we had decided to exit the city for three days and head for the every intriguing Hill Tribes, located in the Doi Pui National Park. After an hours driving in the back of a converted tray truck we were finally dropped off in the hills north west off Chang Mai to start our hiking. Packs hitched onto our backs 12 of us headed off into the jungle after our guides (Robbie Tarzan and Mango...I kid you not) for an initial hour and a half trekking before stopping at a farmers station which consisted of 1 hut, a sheltered raised platform and a toilet shack to hook into ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/doi_inthanon-journals-j3646004.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_0U4JDrhtxK4eANqblwFxShSXq-I_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/0U4JDrhtxK4eANqblwFxShSXq-I_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_0U4JDrhtxK4eANqblwFxShSXq-I_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=0U4JDrhtxK4eANqblwFxShSXq-I_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fdoi_inthanon-journals-j3646004.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/doi_inthanon-journals-j3646004.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-26:6074568 2007-11-26T13:41:55Z 2007-11-26T13:43:26Z Scott & Nancy http://realtravel.com/member-m4179993-scott__nancy.html <p>a entry by Scott &amp; Nancy from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d641667.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>Arriving in Chiang Mai, we fully booked ourselves for the day as we only had one day in this special city. We first were off to our Thai cooking class. We made a trip to the market with our teacher Wa Wah, to learn more about the ingredients used in Thai cooking. The most surprising items that we don’t really use or see at home are the green baby eggplants and the pea eggplants – used in the green curries. Our cooking experience was fantastic!! We made phat thai, green curry, chicken vegetable stir fry and sticky coconut rice with mango for dessert. What fun it was (especially when someone ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j6074568.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_fLbmRFRREmZiz2KIzbHGONGp1r0_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/fLbmRFRREmZiz2KIzbHGONGp1r0_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_fLbmRFRREmZiz2KIzbHGONGp1r0_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=fLbmRFRREmZiz2KIzbHGONGp1r0_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j6074568.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j6074568.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-14:5998031 2007-11-14T08:41:44Z 2007-11-21T11:33:48Z Fiona & Dave Slater http://realtravel.com/member-m5595929-fiona__dave_slater.html <p><em>"Ready, steady, cook..."</em></p> <p>a entry by Fiona &amp; Dave Slater from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d641667.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>Left Luang Prabang on 9 November flying to Chiang Mai, Thailand by Lao Airlines. Some would say this is a risky way to travel given their accident record but we survived. The flight was only one hour long and we got food that was better than most we've had on BA so no complaints.</p><p>We'd already picked the Top North Hotel from Lonely Planet recommendations and so checked in there for what would be a six night stay. Nice clean hotel with a pool on the eastern edge of the old city in the main backpacker district.</p><p>Had a wander around town and checked out some cookery schools before ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5998031.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_-r7UKZNDwj7pYuK-fUh55kSwofE_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/-r7UKZNDwj7pYuK-fUh55kSwofE_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_-r7UKZNDwj7pYuK-fUh55kSwofE_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=-r7UKZNDwj7pYuK-fUh55kSwofE_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j5998031.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5998031.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-11:5975409 2007-11-11T11:52:04Z 2007-11-11T11:52:04Z actonsteve http://realtravel.com/member-m5721097-actonsteve.html <p>a review of Punting with a difference - navigating the river on a bamboo raft, a thing to do in <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai_province-thailand-reviews-hotels-d1532214.html">Chiang Mai Province, Thailand</a>.</p> <p>Part of the trek organised by the Libar guesthouse was a bamboo rafting experience.</p><p>Already in a weakened conditioned from the ten mile trek we greeted this prospect with little enthusiasm. But found it was one of the most relaxing experiences of the adventure. And so we piled out the bemo at a tributary of the Kok river somewhere in the jungle north of Chiang Mai.</p><p>We changed into shorts and valuables were given to Soppong. The rafts consist of 15ft bamboo tubes lashed together with rope. A Thai guide sits on the front and one other stands at the rear and the lucky one sits in the ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai_province-reviews-a5975409.html">[Read full review]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_gZxOJxGk8QczvNlffVGj9VLHHoQ_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/gZxOJxGk8QczvNlffVGj9VLHHoQ_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_gZxOJxGk8QczvNlffVGj9VLHHoQ_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=gZxOJxGk8QczvNlffVGj9VLHHoQ_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai_province-reviews-a5975409.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai_province-reviews-a5975409.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-11:5975083 2007-11-11T11:06:59Z 2007-11-11T11:06:59Z actonsteve http://realtravel.com/member-m5721097-actonsteve.html <p>a review of Elephant riding outside Chiang Mai, a thing to do in <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai_province-thailand-reviews-hotels-d1532214.html">Chiang Mai Province, Thailand</a>.</p> <p>The elephants stopped halfway across the river with water gushing around their ankles.</p><p>The motorbike was parked on the bank, but they halted and turned towards it - it obviously alarmed them and wasnt meant to be there. Deep belowing noises came from their throats and they eyed the machine with suspicion. The mahout used his cane to spur them on. Pausing once to eye the nut-brown stringy man washing in the river, they resumed their rolling gait, climbed the muddy bank and went back into the jungle.</p><p>Before starting the arduous trek we stopped at an elephant kraal. There were a ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai_province-reviews-a5975083.html">[Read full review]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_-XlPekuAhHXEp.jSnPqg9iTCI2U_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/-XlPekuAhHXEp.jSnPqg9iTCI2U_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_-XlPekuAhHXEp.jSnPqg9iTCI2U_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=-XlPekuAhHXEp.jSnPqg9iTCI2U_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai_province-reviews-a5975083.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai_province-reviews-a5975083.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-10:5967970 2007-11-10T12:11:34Z 2007-11-11T10:48:48Z actonsteve http://realtravel.com/member-m5721097-actonsteve.html <p><em>"We were staying with a Karen family with father, baby and mother who was working on her loom and their extended family of dogs, cockerells, hens and tethered pigs"</em></p> <p>a entry by actonsteve from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai_province-thailand-reviews-hotels-d1532214.html">Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.</a></p> <p>Today all concepts of comfort, coolness and a good nights sleep went out the window - today I have been trekking in hilltribe country..</p><p>This morning my feet still felt sore and I went around to reception to ask the woman at hotel reception. Could I cancel and have my 500 baht deposit back? Her smile as she said "no" was amazing, in fact she hurried me along as the tour was due to go. I borrowed a canvas backpack and my valuables were sealed away, I packed one nights necessities - insect repellant, spare shorts, foot cream, cold water, toiletreis and spare long trousers. As it was only a ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai_province-journals-j5967970.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_Div8hhipeILKz-Fdqwcck.TP0Nc_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/Div8hhipeILKz-Fdqwcck.TP0Nc_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_Div8hhipeILKz-Fdqwcck.TP0Nc_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=Div8hhipeILKz-Fdqwcck.TP0Nc_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai_province-journals-j5967970.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai_province-journals-j5967970.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-10:5967856 2007-11-10T12:05:28Z 2007-11-10T12:05:28Z actonsteve http://realtravel.com/member-m5721097-actonsteve.html <p><em>"Thai girl cover my feet in sweet smelling oil. Every time I moaned or groaned she giggled (?)"</em></p> <p>a entry by actonsteve from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d4871626.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>"Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun. The Japanese don't dare to. The Chinese wouldn't care too"</p><p>Noel Coward got it right - there was an element of truth to it as I wandered around the old city of Chiang Mai today. The suns rays are so harsh that even the Thais carry parasols to protect them from its rays. The humidity and heat means that by about 3.00pm you have to head back to the guesthouse for a restorative shower. In fact the Libra guesthouse gets full marks - it consists of a balconied restaurant with the kitchen at one end and the reception area at another. The rooms ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5967856.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_nZI5Vpm.hikyb6PiQJl-TafcjZU_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/nZI5Vpm.hikyb6PiQJl-TafcjZU_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_nZI5Vpm.hikyb6PiQJl-TafcjZU_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=nZI5Vpm.hikyb6PiQJl-TafcjZU_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j5967856.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5967856.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-11-08:5954027 2007-11-08T12:13:06Z 2007-11-08T12:13:06Z BritishJen http://realtravel.com/member-m5034187-britishjen.html <p>a entry by BritishJen from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d641667.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>I managed to get a pretty good night's sleep, getting up around 7am. The train was scheduled to arrive at 9:45am, but ended up not getting in until 12:15pm. I found a tuk tuk, who was eager to take me to one of the guesthouses where he would get a commission. The first two places I wanted to go to were full and the one place suggested by my tuk tuk driver wasn't that great, so I ended up at another one of my choices, Jonadda, paying 350 Baht (approx $10.94) for a double room as they had no singles. I took it, unsure of what else would be available and the guesthouse seemed really nice. I ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5954027.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_-ZLPLBE9ZY4n43k9O7pheBWEsFI_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/-ZLPLBE9ZY4n43k9O7pheBWEsFI_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_-ZLPLBE9ZY4n43k9O7pheBWEsFI_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=-ZLPLBE9ZY4n43k9O7pheBWEsFI_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j5954027.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5954027.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-09-03:5453438 2007-09-03T12:58:31Z 2007-09-10T14:47:42Z Caleb from Canada http://realtravel.com/member-m4201653-caleb_from_canada.html <p>a entry by Caleb from Canada from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-chiang_mai_province-reviews-hotels-d4389580.html">Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province.</a></p> <p>Wow, I like Chiang Mai... a lot. This town is so laid back and friendly its easy to see why there are so many expats living here with their Thai girlfriends/wives. There is a massive open air night market every Sunday, as well as several other markets open every night. If shopping isn't your thing there is no shortage of adrenaline-fueled activities either. I had to sacrifice Laos for Chiang Mai due to time constraints and I don't regret it at all. In the two weeks I had here I went Bungy jumping, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, caving, dune buggies thru the jungle, took massage ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5453438.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_wde-61crjSgMD1U9gQ5MIC4kzvM_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/wde-61crjSgMD1U9gQ5MIC4kzvM_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_wde-61crjSgMD1U9gQ5MIC4kzvM_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=wde-61crjSgMD1U9gQ5MIC4kzvM_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j5453438.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5453438.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-08-18:5336871 2007-08-18T14:36:21Z 2007-08-18T15:33:27Z ladycarmelkent http://realtravel.com/member-m4161158-ladycarmelkent.html <p><em>"a guy walks into where we were sitting and we were informed by Wee that he was selling opium"</em></p> <p>a entry by ladycarmelkent from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-chiang_mai_province-reviews-hotels-d4389580.html">Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province.</a></p> <p>When I signed up for the 3 day trek I didn't really know what to expect but it is fair to say having made it back in one piece I am far from disappointed. It was an amazing experience - one of the highlights so far for sure.</p><p>My group consisted of the two guys from Newcastle I had made the journey from Bangkok with, a fellow Paddy from Tipp, a French couple, an Italian couple and myself. After making it to the mountain region where we would set off from on our first day guide our tour guide 'Wee' cooked up some lunch for us and we set off.</p><p>The first day was the toughest for sure - ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5336871.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_NQq6.NVehpppgXtpafQt.TUtzXE_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/NQq6.NVehpppgXtpafQt.TUtzXE_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_NQq6.NVehpppgXtpafQt.TUtzXE_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=NQq6.NVehpppgXtpafQt.TUtzXE_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j5336871.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5336871.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-08-16:5315018 2007-08-16T08:21:56Z 2007-08-17T15:07:55Z Ben and Gini http://realtravel.com/member-m3062021-ben_and_gini.html <p>a entry by Ben and Gini from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d4871626.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>A short flight up from bangkok and we arrived in Chiang Mai. We had been looking forward to coming here as Ben's stories of the elephant trekking and bamboo rafting he did on his previous visit here sounded great fun.</p><p>We stayed at Gaps House 1 while we were here. A nice place with plants and antiques dotted all around the courtyard.</p><p>After leaving our bags we headed out for some lunch. Went to a great little place recommended in our guide book. We ordered lots of different dishes to share. The food was once again great. We have been measuring just how cheap restaurants are by the ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5315018.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_irYoaqkNN93DxSUooc3jwijEKKA_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/irYoaqkNN93DxSUooc3jwijEKKA_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_irYoaqkNN93DxSUooc3jwijEKKA_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=irYoaqkNN93DxSUooc3jwijEKKA_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j5315018.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5315018.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-07-10:5013065 2007-07-10T16:08:55Z 2007-08-14T22:25:42Z Olivia & Matt http://realtravel.com/member-m2672267-olivia__matt.html <p>a entry by Olivia &amp; Matt from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d641667.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>We arrived in Chiang Mai after a long but pleasant train ride. We had heard Chiang Mai was a lovely city. Backpackers originally planning to stay only a few days end up staying a few months. The city is laid back and full of cultural/educational activities. Our first activity was a tour of Wat Phra Singh. The area surrounding the Wat was a bustle of activity, the Wat not being the main point of interest. We watched kids at the nearby school play volleyball and takraw (volleyball played with feet), we chatted to friendly locals and we met a few monks. One monk asked if he could practice ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5013065.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_Ajmp1H-SLSHbMVy41RMa5JAIglU_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/Ajmp1H-SLSHbMVy41RMa5JAIglU_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_Ajmp1H-SLSHbMVy41RMa5JAIglU_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=Ajmp1H-SLSHbMVy41RMa5JAIglU_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j5013065.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5013065.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-08-06:5227399 2007-08-06T11:19:25Z 2007-08-06T11:19:25Z Traveling Zephyr http://realtravel.com/member-m4317023-traveling_zephyr.html <p>a entry by Traveling Zephyr from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d4871626.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>On Sunday morning we arrived in Chiang Mai. It is a very cute city. Even though it is Bangkok's second largest city, it feels very small. Within Chiang Mai, there is a walled city with a moat that is in the center of the city. Our guest house is in the walled city. We are staying at this really cute guest house that has little tikki huts for rooms, a really lush garden and a free breakfast!</p><p>Sunday morning/afternoon we just waited for our room, played on the internet and slept. At around 5:30 we decided to head to this Sunday Market that we heard about. The market was about 50 ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5227399.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_xhAMYvNC14TTmsIzP.WL2AiJTPo_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/xhAMYvNC14TTmsIzP.WL2AiJTPo_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_xhAMYvNC14TTmsIzP.WL2AiJTPo_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=xhAMYvNC14TTmsIzP.WL2AiJTPo_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j5227399.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5227399.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-07-25:5129093 2007-07-25T13:46:38Z 2007-08-06T09:19:42Z Mad Essex Woman http://realtravel.com/member-m4844050-mad_essex_woman.html <p>a entry by Mad Essex Woman from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/changwat_chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d4537671.html">Changwat Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>Monday</p><p>Met my 10 new travelling companions for next 29 days - all quite nice and mostly young, recent uni graduates. Guess I am old enough to be nearly everyone's mother (must remember not to organise them too much!) Had intro chat with our leader Tania/paperwork then went off for meal together to get to know each other. Nice hotel in Chinatown. Went to the local bar (few chairs and tables on street corner!!) for a beer or three.</p><p>Tuesday</p><p>Morning on long boat traversing the canals of Bangkok. Stopped at a temple to buy loaves of bread - not for our lunch, but to feed the ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/changwat_chiang_mai-journals-j5129093.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_1aSMpYt2ZKGdyVFhWyouu7rzu.U_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/1aSMpYt2ZKGdyVFhWyouu7rzu.U_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_1aSMpYt2ZKGdyVFhWyouu7rzu.U_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=1aSMpYt2ZKGdyVFhWyouu7rzu.U_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchangwat_chiang_mai-journals-j5129093.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/changwat_chiang_mai-journals-j5129093.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-07-25:5128172 2007-07-25T10:16:34Z 2007-07-25T10:16:34Z Bob/Boy/Jbot do Asia http://realtravel.com/member-m4929977-bobboyjbot_do_asia.html <p><em>"upon being attacked by a tree she let go of her bamboo padlle and it ended up knocking out the Canadian in front of her"</em></p> <p>a entry by Bob/Boy/Jbot do Asia from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d641667.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>Chiang Mai was definitelyall that it is chocked up to be. A trendy city that doesnt not have the obscure sights and smells of bangkok, but is relaxed and full of backpackers that appreciate nature.</p><p>Upon arriving in Chiang Mai we signed up to do a trekking trip. Jenny decided to go overnight in order to have the opportunityto get a homestayin a hill tribevilliage, and court and Fauve ended up booking a day trip. Both trips were similar, and included elephant riding, sailing down the river on a raftof bamboo, hiking, visitng hill tribes, and having some good quality time in the outdoors ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5128172.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_Z3Qx3K6lZofhB3tZ7AqWa4QDuJI_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/Z3Qx3K6lZofhB3tZ7AqWa4QDuJI_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_Z3Qx3K6lZofhB3tZ7AqWa4QDuJI_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=Z3Qx3K6lZofhB3tZ7AqWa4QDuJI_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j5128172.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j5128172.html tag:realtravel.com,2007-07-01:4931310 2007-07-01T07:03:18Z 2007-07-21T00:54:30Z brammcamilla http://realtravel.com/member-m3890393-brammcamilla.html <p>a entry by brammcamilla from a trip to <a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-thailand-reviews-hotels-d641667.html">Chiang Mai, Thailand.</a></p> <p>we started our trek an hour north of chiang mai in a place near chiang rai (confsuing). after a brief stop at a local food market to collect supplies we began our adventure! we were in a group of 10, our leader was called mr. whisky (because he loved filthy whisky) and we followed him as he nimbly leapt over streams and practically ran up steep hills with a fag in his mouth the whole time, we marvelled at how fit he was despite his vices. we felt like fat sweaty slobs after about 20 minutes but the views were worth it. its such an isolated place, all there is for miles around is green of the ... </p> <p><a href="http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j4931310.html">[Read full entry]</a></p> <p><map name="google_ad_map_TxW7pIoA3wPxiu1PKO7xF2MxYag_"><area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/TxW7pIoA3wPxiu1PKO7xF2MxYag_?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/><area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map><img usemap="#google_ad_map_TxW7pIoA3wPxiu1PKO7xF2MxYag_" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&client=ca-pub-1956712303939423&channel=3810559515&output=png&cuid=TxW7pIoA3wPxiu1PKO7xF2MxYag_&url=http%3A%2F%2Frealtravel.com%2Fchiang_mai-journals-j4931310.html"/></p> http://realtravel.com/chiang_mai-journals-j4931310.html