[qoidnef]

Does anyone ahave ever been to Chaing Mai ?
What is the best to visit over there ?
Do i need to book some tour or I can do it by myself ?

Thanks...

[mrcheese321]

Chaing Mai is supposed to be good for jungle trekking and for elephant riding. Also if you want to visit any of the little jungle villages, that is where most people start from.

You are probably going to need a guide at some point. Although I've read that you can do a lot of it yourself.

I personally am a more independent traveler, so when I go in December I will be doing everything by myself/with day guides.

c

[hbrand]

Chiang Mai is sensational, great food, people, night markets etc. I booked my five day trek through Intrepid travel and then found out most of the others in my group had booked their’s through guesthouses on arrival. Much cheaper to book when you are actually there. I’ve been in January and December and the weather was perfect, hot enough to swim but not overbearing. Expect to fall in when/if you go rafting (awesome fun). We visited an Opium poppy field and I definitely recommend going with an English/Tha speaking guide as he was able to tell the machine gun wielding owner that we were just some dumb tourists. One of those ‘Beach’ like moments when they go through them marijuana field. In fact, I couldn’t imagine doing it without a guide as they give you so much historical knowledge too. It’s something you’ll never forget even though it is thought of as a ‘touristy’ thing to do. Enjoy Enjoy!

[Khema]

I always use sawadee for Thai travel
http://chiangmai.sawadee.com/

another good source for Chiang Mai is
http://www.chiangmai-chiangrai.com/

[Lammarite]

Originally Posted by hbrand

Chiang Mai is sensational, great food, people, night markets etc. I booked my five day trek through Intrepid travel and then found out most of the others in my group had booked their’s through guesthouses on arrival. Much cheaper to book when you are actually there. I’ve been in January and December and the weather was perfect, hot enough to swim but not overbearing. Expect to fall in when/if you go rafting (awesome fun). We visited an Opium poppy field and I definitely recommend going with an English/Tha speaking guide as he was able to tell the machine gun wielding owner that we were just some dumb tourists. One of those ‘Beach’ like moments when they go through them marijuana field. In fact, I couldn’t imagine doing it without a guide as they give you so much historical knowledge too. It’s something you’ll never forget even though it is thought of as a ‘touristy’ thing to do. Enjoy Enjoy!

All true- the mountain biking is good too.

There is a MacDonalds and Starbucks and all that but go a few streets deeper and you'll soon be in true Thailand. Eat local and you wont regret it.

[JJexpat]

Was in Chaing Mai last year...the elephant conservation park is legit (not so sure about the one on Kok Samui) ... stayed at the Rachamanka and the desk arranged a driver who was just great - knowledgable, trained in tourism so knew his history & stuff..very, very nice trip. Has anyone heard of Golden Cupids (awful name but looks good)

[Princess Tink]

Easily one of the best places in Thailand, take the train there from Bangkok if u can, thats an awesome experience in itself...

[qoidnef]

Thanks.... I have to study everethings now....

[Expatriate]

Whatever you do, don't take a package tour out of Hong Kong.

Book a flight or take the train from Bangkok and take everything from there when you arrive.

There is a bar called THC in the tourist area of Chiang Mai, opposite the East Gate, where you find much more information from other travellers.

Nice touch in Chiang Mai: no rip-offs like in Bangkok.

[jungli]

why not take a package tour out of HONg KONG?we are planning to go sometime end Dec but anxious about whether we will get accomodation or a nice place to stay as everything gets booked around this time..