It was in 2006 that Airasia launched its Kuala Lumpur to Chiangmai direct flight. MAS did not have direct flights and need a stopover at Bangkok, a hassle for a two hour plus hop. Flight was cheap at MYR$286.00 return for 2 persons. It was a morning flight at 8.50 am and gave us a good half day on arrival to check out Thailand's second largest city. We opted for a 4 day / 3 night stint. The stay at Novotel Chiangmai was super at USD$90.00 for 3 nights with breakfast! An international buffet to boot.
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| Reception with safe boxes facility |
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| Pic of Novotel from net |
The elephant ride was part of a day tour we booked for $750 baht per person. The tour was worthwhile as we were not led to do unnecessary shopping and included ;
- visit to Hmong Village
- Bamboo rafting down a pristine river
- Elephant ride
- Handicraft village
- Local lunch
Our ringgit was 'stretchable' and we loved the buying power for a change. On another guided tour trip, our guide had wanted to charge $800 baht for a detour to see a 'long-neck' Karen village. Talk about profiteering!
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| Walking into the village |
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| Our group enjoying the wet vistas |
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| River flowing in pristine surroundings |
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| A bit of terraced rice fields |
The Hmong village was a good place to bring perspective back into our lives. The village was only reachable by foot, uphill after a river crossing. Hiking in the rain, we reached a signboard that read "Tribal Culture
Centre Banhuay Numrin". It was not a touristy place but an authentic rural village. Longans were in season and we helped ourselves to these succulent fruit. We left some monies as a grateful gesture.
Centre Banhuay Numrin". It was not a touristy place but an authentic rural village. Longans were in season and we helped ourselves to these succulent fruit. We left some monies as a grateful gesture.
Bamboo rafting was more sedate as compared with whitewater rafting. Long bamboos were lashed together to provide buoyancy. The downside was that water would flow upwards in between the bamboo and our bags got wet. Once we got the hang on balancing atop the raft, it was a therapeutic ride. Sweet sounds of flowing waters, lots of greenery and no telephone calls!
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| Getting on top an elephant |
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| Pachyderm convoy |
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| Mahout at break |
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| Spiky hair onthe elephant |
There was an elevated 12-foot platform for us to climb in order to ride an elephant. A rickety 2 seater bench was strapped on the back on the elephant. No safety belt, only a flimsy metal hold-bar for security. Getting on top was tricky as the elephant was in a swaying motion. We were good to go!
The ride began at the fringe of some rice fields next to a hilly forest. There were 7 travellers in our group and 4 elephants were 'conscripted' for our ride. The first stop was of course to a stall selling bananas to help feed the elephants. At $20 baht a bunch, nobody complained. It was a treat to see our elephant feeding. Elephant trunks have this uncanny ability to smell out the bananas as we reached down to feed them.
On uphill stretches, our little bench swung like a roller coaster ride. Our mahout used a short metal hook to tap and control the animal. I doubt this tool will be of any use if one of this pachyderm ran wild in musk. After 15 minutes, there was a short break for man and animal. Gave us a chance to have a close look. Elephants have a massive skull and spiky hair. Don't smell too bad as compared to say ... sheep.
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| Cursory stop at a waterfall |
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| Handicraft village or tourist trap? |
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| It was a sleepy hollow. |
Subsequently, we visited a handicraft village and a short stop at a waterfall. That part was uneventful.
The tour ended in the evening in time for dinner. We met our new found friends for dinner. There was an American couple and a single Korean girl travelling alone.
Overall it was an inexpensive short break. Good timing resulted in savings on flight and hotel.
