HK Independent Traveller Blog

Jan 2013 It's third day of our trip in Chiang Mai.  It's a bit more than half-day tour: Orchid appreciation, bamboo rafting, elephant riding, long neck tribe visit and a glimpse of a tiny waterfall. It's about half hour to drive to see the different kinds of orchid and butterfly .  Species of orchid is kind of abundant and colourful.  Butterflies, random...... We had tranquil bamboo rafting under strong sun, very enjoyable. Our guide was a young boy with very good steering technique.  We were divided into several bamboos, though a big group, one could still feel and the quiet ambience.  Gentle breeze, cool air, lush green, random huts..... what a beautiful scene!     Lunch buffet was provided.  Nothing special and nothing you would crave to have more.  Just fill up the stomach and go on the next activity -- elephant ride . It's a mixed feeling: cruel on riding the elephant vs. adventure and fresh t...

It's our last day in Chiang Mai and we made it very relaxed.  Massage in the morning, high tea in the afternoon at Mandarin Oriental , still a bit strolling at the China Town and then slowly to the airport.  It is far from the old city.  A red car going there charged 150B.  It is a remote place, no tourist spot around but crafted to be a isolated resort.  Once you step out of the hotel venue, it's another world.  Once you entered into the venue, a long avenue, dotted with individual houses, takes you to the hotel lobby entrance.  The nature was nice but the high end atmosphere posed an unnatural feeling. The hotel is built as a haven, characterized with Thai elements. Elephant, dragon, coned roof with woody raw feeling, colourful paintings, sculpture and a massive green environment.  There is a tiny shopping arcade for the guests.  Intricately decorated with an elevated atmosphere.  I like the little sculptures. ...