ONE RARE EXPERIENCE ON A MICROLIGHT PLANE

HAVE YOU EVER TRIED RIDING ON A MICROLIGHT PLANE??

A microlight is an aircraft that is not designed to carry more than two people and has a maximum take off weight not exceeding 450 kilos. This means that this plane have relatively short take off and landing capabilities making them ideal for small airfields. 

Another memorable experience on this trip to Chiang Mai was another sky adventure... Riding a microlight plane. Before I left Manila last November-- I was trying to get in contact with the handlers of the microlight plane adventure in Chiang Mai... they were not responding to my several emails to them. So I decided to ask Moo, our contact in Chiang Mai to get hold of them and try to get bookings for a microlight adventure trip -- this time... I wanted the ride at 4:30pm --- to get sunset shots. Moo informed me that there were only 2 microlight planes available so we had to plan well who will take the first flight out. The flights lasts for 15 or 30 minutes.  The flight which will last for 15 minutes ( will carry Oskie and Jaqui  on the first trip ) and the second flight which will last for 30 minutes ( Boom and I will be flying together up in the sky on separate planes ).

I was trying to convince Oskie to go and take it with us. He had his misgivings about the microlight saying it was small, etc. In short... he wasn't too keen on going on the plane. But Boom and his wife Jaqui were raring to go. Not wanting to be left out in the adventure he acceded to my pleas.

Our pick up at the hotel was at 3:30pm. We all decided to have a light lunch that day and waited for the pick up.

HOT AIR BALLOON OVER CHIANG MAI- A Once in a lifetime experience

A hot air balloon flight is something that most of us dream of experiencing at some point in our lives. 

The idea of taking a hot air balloon trip can be a very pleasing, tranquil experience----- silently and naturally floating through the air while looking down on some beautiful countryside. I particularly like the idea of taking a hot air balloon flight in the morning or evening when you would get to experience the dawn or sunset. Sunrise and sunset balloon flights are the most breathtaking of all.

Going up high in the sky on a hot air balloon has always been one of my life time dreams. I have always wanted to try this experience everywhere I heard there were hot air balloon rides. The nearest I got to actually see a hot air balloon was when I went to watch the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Pampanga. Even at that time -- I started to ask around if there was any way to get to ride one. Unfortunately, they were not taking any passengers on their balloons... I ended up taking photos of the various shapes of the balloons.

Since then I wanted to experience the ride. I tried to take a hot air balloon ride in several countries but was not able to do so... Maybe it was not the right time for me to ride one....Another attempt on riding  the hot air balloon was last February--- I was scheduled to go on the hot air balloon with my friend, Oskie... but I had an accident, fractured my foot and had to cancel the ride again.

But today... is a very special day for me... I was going up on the hot air balloon with my friends, Oskie, Boom and Jaqui. It was going to be a hot air balloon ride over Chiang Mai with champagne breakfast.... WOW!! what more can one ask for! We were scheduled to have an early dawn ride. " Perfect, I hope to get a good sunrise shot!! " -- was all I had in my mind. Oskie reminded us during dinner that the pick up time at our hotel  was 6:00am. Our wake up call will be at 5:00am. Great!!! I am an early riser so that would not pose any problem on my end.

A wonderful weekend in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand, after Bangkok. After rediscovering Chiang Mai in my previous visits to Thailand ... Many tourists have already discovered Chiang Mai, and many of them come back several times as there is always more to see and do in Thailand's " Rose of the North ".  I prefer to always stay longer in Chiang Mai rather than Bangkok. Things are cheaper there, the people are friendlier, the pace of life is less hectic than Bangkok and there are a lot of photo opportunities in Chiang Mai.... and lastly.... the traffic situation in Chiang Mai is a hundred times better than Bangkok.

Chiang Mai is a very walkable city for those willing and able. But there are many transportation options as well. Public transportations include tuk tuks and taxis. Tuk tuks are very noisy, and the passengers are breathing exhaust fumes from the tuk tuk itself and the traffic the whole time... These tuk tuks are fun for short trips around Chiang Mai. Their taxis are also cute. They look like little trucks and the passenger sits at the back. The tuk tuk and taxis do not have meters, therefore you should agree on the amount to be paid beforehand. A typical tuk tuk ride is about 60 Baht for in town transportation, and the taxis charge around 120 Baht.

Among the many attractions in Chiang Mai, one can't ignore the decorative temples that adorn the city. There are 350 temples in Chiang Mai, some of them are as old as the city. I enjoy visiting many  temples every time I am in Chiang Mai. Even though there are many similarities, each one of them is unique in many ways.

Chiang Mai's Sunday Walking Street

To me, everywhere is great for shopping because I am a shopaholic--- who knows how to look for stuffs to buy.  I don't care much about brand name, but I buy according to my liking and mood at that moment. I had a great time shopping at the night bazaar of Chiang Mai but only managed to buy a little at the walking street. Some of the things are overpriced but you can bargain for a better price. If not, Just walk over to the next stall most likely you will find the same thing you wanted there.

Every saturday and sunday evening...right in front of the hotel where we stayed -- they would close the whole street and convert it into a walking street.  Yes, Chiang Mai has a walking street food market... wherein you can buy your meal for the evening from the traders. Do not worry... they cook the food right in front of you as you give your order.

Flight of the Gibbon - my latest adventure

The Flight of the Gibbon is a unique zip-line adventure through a pristine, 1500 year old rainforest in MAE KOMPONG... a 1 1/2 hour away from Chiang Mai. There are 18 special viewing platforms,  3 skybridges and 3 vertical drop stations ( which they call rappel drops ) that connect over 2 kilometers of zip-lines that takes you through different layers of the rainforest. The adventure is around 2 hours up on the treetops, lunch and a one-hour river or waterfall trek. 

The participants wear a secured full-body harness, and are suspended from a steel cable strung between the trees. The participants are then clipped onto the cable with double carabiners. The trees  are absolutely magnificent and even high in the canopy many of the trees are sufficiently large that 2 people could not hug the trunk and touch hands. Many of these giant trees are over 100 feet high and standing on the platform in the canopy was like being perched on the window ledge of a very tall building. 

Visiting the Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium

Traveling is so much about leaving home, moving through space and time to new worlds full of exotic sights and smells. You are never out of things to do in Chiang Mai. One of the fun places to visit for kids and adults alike is the zoo. Chiang Mai Zoo is very large ( and you have to do a lot of walking --- unless you ride their tram express )...

It covers over 200 acres of land at the foot of the Doi Suthep. The zoo is certainly walkable ( or rather---- hikable ), but you can also get around by taking their tram ( which has 5 stops all over the zoo ) or their monorail.

The current star of the Chiang Mai zoo is the panda.... That was the main reason Oskie and I went to visit the zoo this morning. Our main reason for visiting the zoo was for the photo opportunity.  We bought the package tour package of 220 Baht ( which includes the entrance of the aquarium, the tram express and the entrance to see the panda).

discovering Thailand.... part 8 Chiang Mai- Shinawatra Thai Silk - The Best Thai Silk factory in Northern Thailand..

SAWADEE KAA!!

One of the things Thailand is known for world-wide is Thai silk. Thai silk is known as being the best silk in the world. It's famous for its bright colors, beautiful designs and gorgeous quality. The best place to buy Thai silk is in Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

On our last day in Chiang Mai... We decided to go to our favorite Thai Silk store in Chiang Mai. SHINAWATRA.. The factory and showroom is conveniently situated 7 kilometers from Chiang Mai on the main road to Sankampaeng. The road is home to many handicraft shops and factories and passes through the famous umbrella village of Bor Sang.

Silk yarn has always been ranked as " the Queen of Textile Fibers " for the obvious reason that it is  the smoothest and most gorgeous fiber with nothing else to compare. When woven into textile, it produces a beautiful sheen of fabric which requires a meticulously complicated process to produce each priceless work of art.

The showroom have been built near to where Chiang Shinawatra opened his doors for business in 1911.

Some trivia about Thai Silk:


Hand - made and local silk thread fabrics possess some knots and rough wrinkles due to the size of the thread used. However, if the fabric is woven from high quality thread it will be fine.

Silk luster is influenced by the quality of the threads. The silk fabric is usually shiny. It feels soft and fine, it also makes a rustling sound. The color will be uniform all over the textile and will not wash out as only dyes of the highest quality are used.

There are 3 different kinds of Ply when you buy Thai silk ( in case you are interested in buying material in their store ) :

ONE - PLY--- It is light weight, comfortable to wear, and is suitable for making shirts, blouses and light clothing design.

TWO - PLY --- suitable for formal wears, jackets and dressy outfits.

FOUR - PLY --- is thick and is very popular for men's suits, interior decorations, and furniture fabric.

Dry cleaning is recommended, so as to retain the original texture.  However, there are some thai silk that can be washed in lukewarm water but only with the mildest soap, then rinse the silk in vinegar to retain its original luster and allow it to drip dry in the shade. Thai silk should be ironed on the INSIDE just before it is dry or else put a damp cloth over the silk and iron.

In no circumstances ever put Thai Silk in wash and dry cleaning machine..

Address:  SHINAWATRA THAI SILK
               18 Huay  Kaew Road, A. Muang,

               Chiang Mai , Thailand

discovering Thailand.... part 7 Chiang Mai - Wat Doi Suthep and Phu Ping Palace.

Our first stop was Wat Doi Suthep.

There is a saying that " You haven't been to Chiang Mai unless you have paid pilgrimage to the Doi Suthep Temple". It is one of the places that you should consider when planning your holiday to Chiang Mai. It is located up in the mountains around 15 kilometers from Chiang Mai. I have gone to this temple some years back and I was not able to go up to the temple because the only way up was climbing the stairs... which had 300 steps. Today, Doi Suthep has a tram that you can ride to the top of the mountain.

There was a mini show for the tourists at the temple square where the students of a nearby school danced folk dances.

One thing you should know is that you cannot wear sleeveless shirts or shorts once you enter this temple. Loose clothing ( like a robe is available at the entrance) free of charge. The inner sanctuary is open to visitors from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Visiting Doi Suthep temple is one of the must do activities when you and your family visit Chiang Mai. A tour to Doi Suthep Temple can be combined with visits to the Phu Ping Palace ( the Winter Palace ) and the Long Neck Karen Tribe Village.

The admission to this place is 100 baht and you pay 75 Baht to take the tram up to the temple site.

Next stop.... Phu Ping Palace.

Phu Ping Palace is the Royal Winter residence in Chiang Mai where the Royal Family stays during their seasonal visits to the people in Northern Thailand. The Phu Ping Palace is also the Royal Guest House for prominent State visitors from abroad. In the past Their Majesties welcomed or granted audiences to State visitors in Bangkok. This Palace was built in 1961. The Palace may only be viewed from the grounds but the rose garden and the reservoir are very beautiful. One must not miss the Rose Garden in this visit.

The Queen's Summer Residence..

The Rose Garden

The Tallest and Biggest Bamboo trees found only at the Phu Ping Palace... They are 28 feet tall.

The Reservoir... with the fountains dancing to Thai music.

In my next two photos... please look  well.... I was able to catch the end of the rainbow on top of the fountain...

close up photo...

the admission to the palace is 100 Baht. Since it is a long way up to the palace ( roughly 2.5 kilometers hike )--- we rented a golf cart ( 300 Baht ) to take us around.

discovering Thailand.... part 5 Chiang Mai...Elephant Safari and Long neck Karen Tribe..

SAWATDEE KAA!!!

This tour is available in two options ---- coach or private. We opted to take the private tour with our own van and personal driver / tour guide.. The private option offers you a greater flexibility and you can spend as much time at any of the places that you visit. Unlike the tight and fixed schedules of coach tours, the private option allows you to do the tour at YOUR OWN PACE... The cost of hiring a private van and driver is 1500 Baht a day.

Less than 2 hours drive out of Chiang Mai is the valley of the Mae Taeng River. It is a convenient and ideal location for various activities including sports and sightseeing. The Mae Taeng Camp is a well-known elephant camp situated not far away from the heart of Chiang Mai.

As we entered the Mae Taeng Camp we proceeded to the ticket booth to see what rides were being offered. They had bamboo rafting which lasts for 45 minutes ( 400 baht/ person ), Ox - driven cart which lasts for an hour ( 600 baht/ person ) and elephant ride which lasts for an hour and a half ( costs 600 Baht/ person )... We took the elephant safari instead of the bamboo rafting and the ox-cart ride.....

We were informed that the elephant ride would take us through the jungles and cross the river... It sounded so exciting to us... so after a quick lunch break we headed off to the stalls where we would ride the elephants. The trainer of the elephant we rode controlled the elephant by his voice command. AMAZING!!!!

I was a bit scared in some parts of the trail ... --- the elephant would stop and hesitate whether to cross the river or not.. and on some parts of the jungle path... I thought we would fall down the steep ravine... Riding the elephant is quite fun and a unforgettable adventure to a city girl like me....The ride was another thing you have to master... you either SWAY from the left to right... and UP and DOWN .... I should caution you not to take this ride right after lunch like we did...... at some portions of the jungle ... Several times along the path..  we would stop at the small stalls to buy SUGAR CANES and RAW BANANAS ( around 30 baht / pack ) and feed it to your elephant and get snorted at!!!  I guess its their version of an elephant fast food drive-thru!!

After getting off the elephant, the trainer made our elephant do some tricks for us and when I took some money to pay the trainer for the photos I took... The elephant took it using his trunk and gave it to his trainer and did a cute curtsey.... That made my day!!!  It was absolutely AMAZING!!

Don't miss the once -in- a- lifetime experience of riding on an elephant and trekking into the jungle. You will be thrilled! Grasp the handle bar firmly, its like a roller-coaster ride.

Our next stop was the Long Neck Karen Hill Tribe Village ( Lisu Long Neck from Burma ).

They seem to be a fixture of every package tour or day trip when you visit Thailand. Among the most 'popular " of the hill tribes are the LISU , commonly referred to as the tribe of " Longnecked " women. Several villages of these people, part of the Karen refugees from Burma, are found in Northern Thailand, especially around Mae Hong Son. These tribe lives in extreme humble means mostly wooden huts with grass rooftops. They are fascinating people, friendly and always smiling. I do not know if these smiles were faux but I do know it was the highlight of my Thailand experience.

The women of the Lisu tribe wear brass coils around their neck. Their necks are no different from yours or mine even though it appears to be longer. Contrary to what was once believed, the coils do not stretch out the necks, but rather they push the shouders and rib cage downward. These coils are put on their necks at a very young age. If removed their neck muscles are so weak they are unable to lift their own heads.  Girls start wearing small coils around the age of six, and the size is increased as they grow older. The coils on the adults typically weigh about 5 kilos ( or roughly 11 pounds ).

Whether or not you decide to visit these people is up to you. On one hand, tourism is one of the few ways that these people can earn a living. As refugees, they are not allowed to seek regular work in Thailand. Most of these women seem to be proud of their heritage and feel no embarrassment about showing it off for the tourists.

Their traditional dress is the most colorful when compared to other tribes. Their clothes are handmade and hand woven. The women wear brightly colored costumes, consisting of blue or green parti - colored knee lenght tunic with a wide black belt and blue or green pants. Sleeves , shoulder and cuffs are heavily embroidered with narrow horizontal bands of blue and red . They also wear large amounts of hand-crafted silver ornaments.

The entrance fee to the hill tribe is 500 Baht. Then you have to hike up the hill to where the LISU women live. Inside the village the people have shops and sell different items like soap, crafts, postcards etc.  and their main source of income is weaving scarves.

I must admit I felt like I was strolling onto a page of National Geographic magazine. When in the presence of the people they spoke of longing to go back to their homeland and here they are 14 years later still without citizenship or a place to call their own.