Almost all my overseas trips are planned trip with itinerary and programmes in placed, way before the plane takes off. This trip was one of total exception. Up to the point of landing at Chiang Mai, I had absolutely no idea where we were staying (only knew the name of the place), where we would be going, what we will be doing and what type of meals we would be having. Entrusted "everything" to by BESTest of friend, Patrick to get it in place. Such was the confidence - only to learn whilst at Changi Airport, that its also his first time there and he too weren't sure what to expect. Hmmmm !!! (need to review confidence level !!).
The Venue of our 4 Days/3 Nights (27-30 Dec 15) stay was at the BOONTRAN SANCTUARY (http://www.boontarnsanctuary.com/about.html) some 20 km south of City of Chiang Mai down Highway no.108, Boontarn situates in a rural village in San Patong district of Chiang Mai province.
The sanctuary is combination of three traditional Lanna ethnic Tai Lue (Northern Thailand) style teak-wooden houses with gardens and small paddy field within the compound. Each building has its own function; the grand hall, called “Huean Boontarn” serves as museum and multipurpose assembly room whereas two others smaller buildings serves as the breakfast room and guest residence with a peaceful/green atmosphere.
The entire compound, about the size of 8-10 football fields are tastefully lined with greeneries and a koi pond, in a peaceful / relaxed surrounding. With 8 bedrooms (2 with KING SIZE BEDs and 6 with TWIN BEDs), in traditional teak wood structures with marble flooring.
The group of 5 was met and greeted by the General Manager, Ms Irene Sukanya Thepper (a Swedish-Thai) who manages the daily running of the Sanctuary. Our bags were quickly transferred to our rooms, keys handed over and a quick brief of whats in place for us, on a tailored-made flexible and adjustable programme;
After checking-in/depositing our bags, it was out for dinner and to experience the Sunday Night Market. (What's Thailand, without shopping). After a quick meal of delicious pork-chops, it was guys on the walking/photo-shoot trail and the ladies on the shopping spree trail. After time check and agreed time to R/V, it was "own time/own target". Finally met-up at the starting point near the THA PHAE GATE for coffee before returning to the sanctuary for our first night rest in Chiang Mai.
Returned to the "hideout" close to midnight, all ready for a good night rest to re-charge for the next day which is a trip up to the mountains. Temperature expected to be between 10-14 degree C.
Breakfast started off slow. Thick slices of bread with jam / butter were available as we inched our way to the dinning room, to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. With cereals and milk and bananas available for choice. We happily helped ourselves to the bread and coffee .... some even took two thick slices of bread.
Next came the shocker - in a large plate filled with sausages, egg, bacon, baked beans, tomato suddenly arrived, just when we thought breakfast was over. Whilst some smiled widely, others were wondering how to consume our very first BIG BREAKFAST. Despite the earlier consumption, the content of the plate quickly disappeared for the morning.(Dieting starts tomorrow !!!(
Needless to elaborate, breakfast took longer than expected. Guess it was in preparation for the long journey ahead for the day. It was a pleasant surprise for the unplanned trip. Most in our thoughts was ... what will lunch be like .... more to follow (hopefully not in large portion !!!)
The drive up to the mountains saw long and winding roads, passing padi fields and forested areas. Temperature starts to drop as we headed up the scenic route on a slower pace of life.
Almost 3/4 way up, we veered off a side road to visit a mountain side village. Most of these are in remote upland areas and practice subsistence farming. In traditional wooden structured huts and bamboo platform as flooring, the tribal activities ranges from weaving, crop and animal farming.
Next stop - A hideaway mountain side garden, complete with Sakura to the backdrop of scenic mountain ranges in a cool 14 degree C environment. Simply wonderful. Our friend/guide informed us that the mountain ranges in the background is the start of the Himalayans.
Considering that the wonderful scene with great temperature, (like outdoor air-conditioning) one could just wonder what else Chiang Mai has to offer. It was great for the shutter-bug to take all the snapshots with willing subjects posing for the glamour shots.
One final drama shot before we start our mountain side picnic. Taken via iPhone remote app, all the drama action came to bare. We then headed for a road side joint, where tables are readily available for self-served meals. A nearby enterprising stall also sold grilled chicken and warm sticky rice to compliment the meals.
As we headed down hill, the mini-bus took a small path towards a sign that pointed to the WACHIRATHAN WATERFALL, within the DOI INTHANON National Park. As it was beginning to get dark, there were few visitors there thus we had the few quick photo-shots before the lights fade away.
Though the waterfall is not a very large one, it gave an idea of what its like during the rainy season where the volume of water increases with source mainly from the mountain sides. leading way to the top of DOI INTHANON, which is Thailand's Highest Mountain. Although segmented, its falls have a cumulative height of 80 m. It's one of several waterfalls in the area.
Its scenic sights like these that gave Chiang Mai, its unique character of a place of tranquility that are made by heavens. Beginning to understand why many preferred Chiang Mai to the more modern/built-up Bangkok.
Sunlight gave way to the shadows of the mountains very quickly. Before, we knew it, it was dark and our skilful driver negotiated the winding roads back to the bright lights of the city. It was time for dinner, as we headed to another favourite eating place of our host, the Mr Chan & Miss Pauline Pizzeria Restaurant
This little (actually, not so little) restaurant serves uniquely shaped pizza (not the traditional round ones). Our host, "Andy" (Akarim Pongpandecha) arranged for his brother to personally deliver a bottle of red wine for the meal. It was simple good food, good company and wonderful new friends to end the day. Grace had also arranged for massage to be done at our rooms to ease the tired body, to re-charge for the next day.
Its already Day 3 at Chiang Mai. Started the day with a morning bicycle ride around the village. Fairly relaxing ride cos the roads are well paved and flat. Hardly any traffic and the cool morning breeze certainly made the self-pace cycling session a pleasant experience. Whilst making our rounds, stopped by a temple and a house that had lots of longan trees.
The owner invited us in to see the number of trees in his compound (about 83 of them) and lots of women sorting out the longans for packing. Bought a kilo worth (for 40 baht - about S$1.60) for the rest to share. Across the road from that house was a stall preparing noodles. Ingredients from the garden, such as chilli padi, lemon grass and lime leaves were harvested for the preparation of the meal. Though the portion was relatively small, it tasted good, as our prelude for the morning breakfast.
On returning to the Sanctuary, it was a quick wash-up, traditional breakfast - porridge with Joseph's specially prepared pork stew, together with salted vegetables and Chinese sausages. The group quickly assembled and was all set for the day's outing to the Thai version of the Grand Canyon. Along the way, we stopped by to visit Na-Nah (Josephine's friend) who lives alone in a rented house (in the wilderness) with 3 dogs.
She rented the house, with the landlord some distance (actually, not so far) away. Complete with a swimming pool and 3 dogs. It was simply a hideout - a totally standalone home with hardly any neighbours nearby. Certainly a brave and independent lady. She joined us for the day to the Thai version of the Grand Canyon.
Though the place is relatively small, it was by itself an adventure to walk through narrow passages that was once the river flowing through the eroded channels of the mountain sides. Now, a dried up trench, like WW1 warfare in the battle field. The ladies even had a go at FOOT REFLEX - walking bare footed on the warm pebbles.
Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the city for some quick shopping at an open market. Tested my Teochew with one of the stall owner and was given some instant discount, much to the displeasure of the neighbouring stall owner.
Almost all the stalls were selling similar items thus I guess its up to the owner's ability / salesmanship to market their respective products. It was just a case of "sour grapes" on the part of the toxic stall owner who was all ready to bad mouth the one that managed to sell her stuff.
As the sun begins to set, we headed for dinner at a restaurant that served ORGANIC VEGETABLES with a tag-line, "Farm to Table". It was another experience in Chiang Mai at the ORGANIC Restaurant.
The vegetables were very fresh and the meat portion was also relatively large, by Asian standard. A unique drink was the Coconut Drink when its served without the husk, over an empty glass with some cut fruits in it. To complete the drink, push the straw to break/release the coconut water and then enjoy the kennel before sipping the drink. Innovative !!!
After dinner, we popped by a church-run orphanage to deliver a food packet to them. The children were in the midst of preparing for a performance and we had a preview of their performance. They were simply brilliant. From there, it was back to the Sanctuary for another round of massage before calling it a day.
Immediately after breakfast, we were quickly allocated our bicycles and helmet to embark on our final day adventure, a 9 km cycling trail to a National Park where its a camp-site along a small stream. The first part of the journey was fairly uneventful on flat ground. As we crossed the half way mark, the roads started to incline making the ride more challenging. With an uncooperative knee, it was certainly an uphill task.
At the end of the 9km, it was certainly a sense of achievement. Fortunately, we need not have to cycle back. The bicycles were loaded onto a pick-up whilst all of us (7 pax) squeezed into the front and rear seats of the vehicle thats meant for 5 pax (inclusive of the driver). Made it back to the Sanctuary with lots of pins and needles in our legs.
The last session of our unplanned holiday was to learn to prepare some Thai dishes. Since we have enjoyed the previous day's pork stew, it was one on the list for the cooking lesson. The must have Tom Yam Kung was the other dish that was on the cooking agenda. Together with Josephine &Na Nah, we had our go at it. It was later served as our lunch prior to departure.
Immediately after lunch, our host showed us their family heritage tracing Andy's grandparents journey from China to Thailand where they setup their home. Along with a rich history of Thai's past leading to what it is today. With that, our 4 Days/3 Nights unplanned trip concluded. Farewell speeches and parting gifts as we took our leave for the airport.
Though we have checked in on time, Flight MI 705 (Chiang Mai to Singapore) was delayed twice. Some sandwiches were dished out before the call for boarding. Finally reached home at 2250 hrs on 30 Dec 15 to be met by the son displaying a sign "PARENTS" at the arrival hall.
On arrival at Chiang Mai International Airport, we were met by "Grace" (Chatkanok Na Songkhla) dressed in traditional Thai outfit. She was with Ken Lim Kian Loo (former ADA Bangkok). Grace, efficiently arranged for our bags to be loaded and all were ushered to a mini-bus. That marked the start of our unplanned holiday.
The group of 5 was met and greeted by the General Manager, Ms Irene Sukanya Thepper (a Swedish-Thai) who manages the daily running of the Sanctuary. Our bags were quickly transferred to our rooms, keys handed over and a quick brief of whats in place for us, on a tailored-made flexible and adjustable programme;
Next came the shocker - in a large plate filled with sausages, egg, bacon, baked beans, tomato suddenly arrived, just when we thought breakfast was over. Whilst some smiled widely, others were wondering how to consume our very first BIG BREAKFAST. Despite the earlier consumption, the content of the plate quickly disappeared for the morning.(Dieting starts tomorrow !!!(
Needless to elaborate, breakfast took longer than expected. Guess it was in preparation for the long journey ahead for the day. It was a pleasant surprise for the unplanned trip. Most in our thoughts was ... what will lunch be like .... more to follow (hopefully not in large portion !!!)
The drive up to the mountains saw long and winding roads, passing padi fields and forested areas. Temperature starts to drop as we headed up the scenic route on a slower pace of life.
Next stop is the highest point on our route, where a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) radar is sited. Temperature has already hit a low 14 deg C and jackets were out to withstand the chilling winds. A short walk around the site saw traditional Thai food, such as Bamboo rice cakes and warm Sweet Potatoes being sold as snacks for visitors.
Next stop, was a temple built by the RTAF for their KING and QUEEN at "Naphapholphumisiri". With beautifully man-made landscape in the fore-ground and natural mountain ranges in the background, it was a sight not to be missed.
As the sun begun to set, it was time to head back to the low land before it gets too dark to travel the hilly roads. Will just enough time, we proceeded to pop by a waterfall.
Though the waterfall is not a very large one, it gave an idea of what its like during the rainy season where the volume of water increases with source mainly from the mountain sides. leading way to the top of DOI INTHANON, which is Thailand's Highest Mountain. Although segmented, its falls have a cumulative height of 80 m. It's one of several waterfalls in the area.
Its scenic sights like these that gave Chiang Mai, its unique character of a place of tranquility that are made by heavens. Beginning to understand why many preferred Chiang Mai to the more modern/built-up Bangkok.
Sunlight gave way to the shadows of the mountains very quickly. Before, we knew it, it was dark and our skilful driver negotiated the winding roads back to the bright lights of the city. It was time for dinner, as we headed to another favourite eating place of our host, the Mr Chan & Miss Pauline Pizzeria Restaurant
This little (actually, not so little) restaurant serves uniquely shaped pizza (not the traditional round ones). Our host, "Andy" (Akarim Pongpandecha) arranged for his brother to personally deliver a bottle of red wine for the meal. It was simple good food, good company and wonderful new friends to end the day. Grace had also arranged for massage to be done at our rooms to ease the tired body, to re-charge for the next day.
On returning to the Sanctuary, it was a quick wash-up, traditional breakfast - porridge with Joseph's specially prepared pork stew, together with salted vegetables and Chinese sausages. The group quickly assembled and was all set for the day's outing to the Thai version of the Grand Canyon. Along the way, we stopped by to visit Na-Nah (Josephine's friend) who lives alone in a rented house (in the wilderness) with 3 dogs.
Known to the Thai as "PHA CHOR". It is located in Mae Wang National Park, Doi Lor district, Chiang Mai province. It is believed that this used to be the Ping River watercourse. When the river changed route the site became a hill from the river sediment that piled up into layers. When time passed, it eroded and became cliffs and soil pillars of strange shapes. Similar to Phae Mueang Phi in Phrae and Phang Ta in Phayao, Pha Chor pillars are thirty meters high around a canopy of forest and covers a large area.
As the sun begins to set, we headed for dinner at a restaurant that served ORGANIC VEGETABLES with a tag-line, "Farm to Table". It was another experience in Chiang Mai at the ORGANIC Restaurant.
Immediately after breakfast, we were quickly allocated our bicycles and helmet to embark on our final day adventure, a 9 km cycling trail to a National Park where its a camp-site along a small stream. The first part of the journey was fairly uneventful on flat ground. As we crossed the half way mark, the roads started to incline making the ride more challenging. With an uncooperative knee, it was certainly an uphill task.
Though we have checked in on time, Flight MI 705 (Chiang Mai to Singapore) was delayed twice. Some sandwiches were dished out before the call for boarding. Finally reached home at 2250 hrs on 30 Dec 15 to be met by the son displaying a sign "PARENTS" at the arrival hall.
