"Chiang Mai" just hearing the name makes you want to visit. No matter what your interests are, this place has it all: nature, coffee shops, rice fields, mountains, delicious restaurants, temples for worship and merit-making. Just going to Chiang Mai, you can experience all kinds of atmospheres. And most importantly, no matter how many times you go, you'll never get bored.

Let's get straight to the point. This trip has a limited time because we are traveling on a weekend. If you are tired, you can escape and relax. But we have to make the most of it. We have only this much time, so we will make the most of it. On this trip, we will travel with Asia Airlines from Phuket to Chiang Mai. We want to spend the whole day on Saturday and Sunday, so we have to travel on Friday on the last flight at around 8:00 PM. We will arrive in Chiang Mai at around 10:00 PM. We will be able to chill out in the city atmosphere for a night before. But this review will start from the first morning in Chiang Mai. This trip will be to worship Buddha, chill out at a coffee shop, and relax at Mae Kampong's house. Let's follow our trip on the weekend.

After work on Friday, we headed straight to Phuket airport, ready for our weekend adventure.

Upon arrival at Chiang Mai Airport around 10:15 PM, we opted for a car rental service with a driver for the entire trip. This choice facilitated convenient travel within a limited timeframe, eliminating the need to wait for or hail taxis, thus maximizing our sightseeing time.

Ristr8to Coffee

First morning in Bangkok, we woke up early just for this shop, Ristr8to.

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Ristr8to, a popular coffee shop, is located on Nimmanhaemin Road, right on the main road, just past Nimmanhaemin Soi 3. The name "Ristr8to" is pronounced "ristretto," which is a type of coffee that is twice as strong as espresso.

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Tunnel Temple, Garden of Buddhist Dharma

I have visited Chiang Mai many times, but I have never had the opportunity to visit the "Wat Umong Suan Phuttharam" temple. This time, I told myself that I had to come here, and finally, I arrived. Wat Umong is considered another ancient temple in Chiang Mai, well-known among meditation practitioners. Its highlight is the tunnel with interconnected walkways. More importantly, the serene atmosphere and tranquility attract people who want to escape the hustle and bustle. The back of the temple is also shady, where you can feed fish and pigeons.

The brick wall at the entrance of the tunnel was covered in moss.

The tunnel still contains some murals, which are visible in the central section where the

A Buddha statue for veneration, a 700-year-old bell-shaped pagoda standing prominently above the upper U-mong.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

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"Wat Phra That Doi Suthep" has long been revered as a sacred landmark of Chiang Mai. It is a must-visit destination for tourists, who come to pay respects to the revered Phra That and seek blessings for good fortune. It is said that a trip to Chiang Mai is incomplete without a visit to this temple.

Mon Cham

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The next stop for the first day, after paying respects and making offerings at the temple, is "Mon Cham", a place we saw reviews of before coming to Chiang Mai. During the rainy season, there are purple flowers and lotuses in full bloom. We wouldn't miss this place for the world.

"Mon Cham" is located within the Nong Hoi Royal Project Center in Mae Rim District. The journey is not arduous, allowing visitors to stroll and breathe in the fresh air, embracing the mountains and inhaling the fragrance of various flowers. On Mon Cham, there are restaurants with pavilions where tourists can relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the rolling hills stretching as far as the eye can see.

After exploring every corner, our stomachs began to rumble, signaling the need for lunch. For our midday meal, we entrusted our appetites to the restaurant of the Royal Project at Mon Cham, "Food for a hundred, views for a million."

The food here is delicious and flavorful, with a focus on fresh, crisp vegetables from the Royal Project. The menu also emphasizes healthy options.

After a hearty meal, we embarked on a journey to a small house in the vast forest, "Baan Mae Kampong," where we had already booked our accommodation.

Mae Kampong Village

After a satisfying meal, we continued our journey to a village in Chiang Mai where we planned to spend the night. This village, known as "Little House in the Big Forest," is renowned for its fresh air. We had booked a room at "Baan Ing Doi Mae Kampong" in advance, as accommodation tends to fill up quickly during weekends.

This time, I booked a detached house by the road. It's a 2-story house with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Next to the house, there's a stream flowing from a waterfall.

After exploring the house and storing our belongings, the Baan Ing Doi staff invited us to join them for a group dinner at 6:00 PM. We walked to a large house with a spacious courtyard, where guests of Baan Ing Doi gather for activities.

While waiting for the food, we relaxed and enjoyed the view in front of the accommodation. The lush greenery of the trees was a feast for the eyes.

Our dinner has arrived, served buffet-style for all-you-can-eat enjoyment.

Behold, a delectable dinner amidst an ambiance that surpasses even the finest restaurants. The million-dollar view further enhances the dining experience, whetting our appetites. Today's menu features fried chicken, stir-fried pork offal, stir-fried vegetables, winter melon soup, and a refreshing dessert of rambutans. After a satisfying meal, we ambled back to our lodgings, ready to rest and recharge for tomorrow's journey.

Good morning from Ban Ing Doi, Mae Kampong, on the 2nd day of our trip. We woke up early to breathe in the fresh air, as we have to fly back to Phuket tonight. After getting dressed, we took a walk around the village.

The morning atmosphere in the village is serene, with a light flow of tourists. The pleasant weather invites leisurely strolls.

Kanthaphruksa Temple (Mae Kampong Temple) Golden Teakwood Vihara Unseen Floating Church

The temple is entirely constructed of golden teakwood, intricately carved with exquisite patterns. It stands as a significant architectural landmark for the Mae Kampong community. Notably, Wat Kantha Phrueksa also serves as the main temple for the village of Mae Kampong.

The ordination hall of Wat Kantha Phrueksa is truly an unseen wonder. Situated amidst the flowing waters of the Mae Kampong stream that runs through the village, the hall offers a refreshing and serene ambiance.

After a leisurely stroll, it's time for breakfast at Baan Ing Doi. We have rice porridge and soft-boiled eggs, and freshly brewed coffee is also available. Please feel free to place your orders.

"Birdwatching and Tree-admiring" Coffee Shop

Nestled in the heart of Mae Kampong village, Chomnok Chommai Cafe offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can indulge in a variety of freshly brewed coffee, delectable cakes, and refreshing fruit juices, all while enjoying the tranquility of the village.

Upon meeting our rental car provider, we embarked on a journey to the Tree Coffee Shop.

The Giant Chiangmai Coffee Shop

The Giant Chiangmai is a restaurant, cafe, and accommodation provider that offers a variety of fun activities.

This coffee shop boasts an incredibly natural ambiance, featuring a massive banyan tree with sprawling branches. The concept of the cafe revolves around this majestic tree, allowing patrons to immerse themselves in the beauty and serenity of the surrounding forest.

The hot green tea and cake were delicious, making the journey across several mountains worthwhile. Sipping a cup of hot green tea, feeling the warm sun, and admiring the stunning views from the mountaintop was an unforgettable experience. The charm of this place captivates visitors and inspires them to travel here to experience its beauty.

San Kamphaeng Hot Spring

Following the recommendation of our driver, we stopped at a hot spring to soothe our tired feet after a long walk. We paid an entrance fee of 40 baht per person and enjoyed a relaxing soak.

This activity includes both foot soaking and full body soaking. There are mineral baths available, and the most popular activity is "egg boiling".

This hot spring has been famous for a long time because of its lush and beautiful atmosphere, and it is also full of various flowers that bloom in the middle of the natural mountains.

Heuan Jai Yong Local Restaurant

For lunch today, I will be stopping by "Huen Jai Yong," a local restaurant on the way back to the city. Located on Chiang Mai-San Kamphaeng Road, the restaurant offers a traditional northern Thai dining experience with a menu boasting over 30 dishes. The ambiance evokes the feeling of dining under a traditional Thai house.

Today's menu includes: Nam Prik Num (Northern Thai chili dip), Sai Oua (Northern Thai sausage), Gaeng Bon (Taro stem curry), Jin Som Moo (Fermented pork with egg), Jin Som Moo Tod (Deep-fried fermented pork), and for dessert, Coconut Sago, Grass Jelly, and Chewy Sweet Rice.

Wat Phra That Doi Kham, Chiang Mai: Seeking Blessings from Luang Pho Tan Jai

Situated atop Doi Kham, Wat Phra That Doi Kham boasts a history spanning over 1,300 years, making it the oldest temple in Chiang Mai.

Wat Phra That Doi Kham is located behind the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Park, approximately 10 kilometers from Chiang Mai city.

Prepare jasmine flowers to pay homage and ask for blessings from Luang Pho Tan Jai.

Luang Pho Tan Jai, a revered Buddha statue enshrined at Wat Phra That Doi Kham, was built during the reign of King Kuena of the Lanna Kingdom. The statue is renowned for its sacredness, with numerous devotees experiencing the fulfillment of their wishes after making offerings and prayers. In gratitude, they return to the temple to present jasmine garlands as a token of their fulfilled vows.

The back of Wat Phra That Doi Kham offers a spacious area that serves as another scenic viewpoint of Chiang Mai city. This staircase provides an alternative route to reach the temple for those who choose not to drive.

Sunday Walking Street at Tha Pae Gate

A Sunday landmark for tourists visiting Chiang Mai. Come and relax, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy delicious food. This place is also packed with tourists who come to buy handmade goods and artwork.

Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan, Chiang Mai Province

While strolling through the Tha Pae Walking Street before heading back to the airport, I passed by Phra Pok Klao Road and took the opportunity to pay my respects at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This temple is conveniently located in the heart of Chiang Mai and houses the largest pagoda in the province.

Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan: A Historic and Sacred Site in Chiang Mai

Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan, also known as Wat Chotikaram, is a significant landmark in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It houses the largest chedi (Buddhist stupa) in the province and serves as an ancient royal temple. Situated in the heart of the city on Phra Pok Klao Road, the temple boasts a spacious compound and holds immense religious importance for the local community.

The temple is a revered site for the people of Chiang Mai, attracting numerous devotees. It also houses the city's main pillar shrine, known as Ho Inthakhin, further emphasizing its cultural and spiritual significance.

Walking behind the temple, you will encounter the protagonist of our story, the origin of the name Wat Chedi Luang: the ancient Chedi Luang itself. This grand and magnificent stupa evokes a vivid image of its former glory, a sight that must have captivated all who beheld it. The stupa is divided into four sides, each adorned with a Buddha statue. Around its base, weathered by time, stand majestic white elephants and mythical nāgas guarding the staircases. Though eroded, their remnants still whisper tales of their past splendor.

A Short Trip to Chiang Mai: A Weekend Getaway

A short trip to Chiang Mai, even just a weekend, is enough to leave you wanting more. The city never disappoints, offering something new and exciting with each visit. The natural beauty of the area transforms with the seasons, but every season holds its own unique charm. Until next time, Chiang Mai! See you again during the rice paddy season.

Thank you for reading the review.

Summary of the booked trip

- Private car rental with driver booked through the "Travel Chiang Mai with Us" page. The driver is friendly and the car is comfortable.

Tay Taxi

- Baan Ing Doi, Mae Kampong

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