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.

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 12 Bangkok - JIM THOMPSON.... Best Thai Silk in Bangkok..

Jim Thompson is THE place to buy Thai silk in Bangkok, Thailand. He opened his own Thai silk company in 1950.  There are many Jim Thompson shops in Bangkok. You can find his shops at the large shopping malls in the city.

At Jim Thompson, you can buy silk fabric, silk scarves, ties shirts, jackets etc. Jim Thompson also has a wonderful selection of cotton t-shirts, canvas bags and you can buy upholstery fabric for furniture and cushions. A word of caution, If you buy at Jim Thompson, be prepared to pay the highest price. The quality is gorgeous but you will pay for it, so if you want a cheaper choice there are many other places that are much cheaper than Jim Thompson.

I went to the main store in Surawong Road, Bangkok. They had a restaurant inside that sold mouth watering desserts.

Don't forget to visit the Jim Thompson House. This traditional Thai house where Thompson lived is now the second most popular tourist attraction in Bangkok.

Address:    Jim Thompson
                 Surawong Road, Bangkok

opening hours: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm