The Golden Triangle Tour (Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai)

(Crazy Souvenir Shopper; 4days-3nights Tour)

Friday morning, 15 May 2015, we flown to Thailand from KLIA 2; and landed at Chiang Mai International Airport at 08.40 AM local time (Thailand’s time is one hour behind Malaysia’s time). When we went out of immigration gate, our driver was already waiting for us; we already booked a taxi, caused we were just 4 people (3 adults & 1 child), and we got a Toyota Fortuner! Great! 

After breakfast, we were taken away by the driver to the Gems Gallery Chiang Mai, the world’s biggest jewelry store. And once our steps entered into the gateway, we welcomed by its staff. They lead us to the mini theatre, and invited us to enjoy the short film: “History of Jewelry in Chiang Mai”, and followed going to the showroom or gallery of jewelry. So many model & price of jewelry (from simple to sophisticated model; from the low-priced to the most expensive price); and we were just looked around…….

After our eyes have been spoiled by the sparkling of jewelries, we continued going to Bo Sang Umbrella Village, they use paper and bamboo as material to produce lamps, fans, umbrella and parasols, and then decorate it by hand-paint. There is also a shop that supply some others Thailand specific souvenir such as key holder, book mark, t-shirt, wallet, painting, etc. We bought some wooden boxes for jewelry, whilst our jewelry left behind at Gems Gallery....

Our tour continued to go to the Tiger Kingdom, where we are able to make contact with tigers in real, such as touching, stroking and embracing the tiger; flattering, relaxing and take picture with tiger. There are 3 types of tigers (Big, Medium & Small). Unfortunately, we wanted to get in touch with the big one, but we couldn’t enter into their cage; the rules forbid us to do it, due to our physic (1 person allowed to hold the big tiger, 1 person for medium & the 2 last of us permitted only for smallest or baby tiger). Yeaahhh…. we are small but we have strong guts. But the only high courage is not enough, the safety is an important things; it’s ok, but so sad! To entertain ourselves, we just bought something related that tiger for our memorabilia....hiks....

 

After being disappointed, caused of tiger, we continued to go to Maesa Elephant Camp. There are 3 elephant’s attractions: Feeding the Elephants, Showering the Elephant and Elephant Performance such as playing football & basket ball, playing music, dancing, team work, painting, etc. It was so funny & clever elephants; if we gave them banana, sugar cane or coconut through its trunk, they would swallow it; but if we gave money (banknote), they would give it to their keeper. A little elephant shaking its head like a happy child and other elephant walking with lifting feet up like a naughty child. We were very amused with the funny elephant’s behavior. Before leaving that camp, we never forgotten to buy some kind of souvenirs, as usual. Some souvenir shops with affordable price available at that camp area.

In the evening, we checked in hotel close to the Hidayatul Islam Banhaw Mosque, Chiang Mai. Fortunately, that day was Friday, it was coincided the day for Halal Food Bazaar along the street in front of the Mosque; where at the end of the street, was connected with Chiang Mai Night Market which is open every night. Hence, we just took walk for exploring halal food bazaar & night market until midnight… how attractive!!!

At the second day, on the way went to Chiang Rai for the historical

Golden Triangle, we stopped at Thaweesin Hot Spring, the only geyser & hot spring in Chiang Rai and the highest hot spring in Thailand. We just soaked our feet for refreshing and spent little time for shopping. We also stopped at Wangnamthip, for Thailand dessert: Mango Sticky Rice, hmmm…. yummy…… it was very delicious.

Our adventure continued to the Long Neck Village, Karen, a tribe of women that are refugees from Burma. The spiral brass neck rings weigh around 10 pounds (4.5kg) and they can have up to an additional 30 pounds of rings that they wear on their arms and legs weighing down. Traditionally in Burma they work in the field & rice paddies; in Thailand they weave beautiful scarf and sell other trinkets. We bought their beautiful & unique scarf and bracelet; and then took picture with that woman, they are very kind!

Finally, we reached the Golden Triangle, the intersection of 3 countries: Thailand, Laos & Burma/Myanmar. It has been an area well-known for the growing of opium; one of the most extensive opium-producing areas of Asia and of the world since the 1950s. Most of the world's heroin came from the Golden Triangle until the early 21st century. There is a Hall of Opium, Chiang Rai, presents the history of opium and the impact of illegal drugs, with an information center for research and extension education on opium, opiates and other narcotics in the near future. By boat we crossed the Mae Khong River leaving Thailand. Unluckily, we should not allow disembarking in Myanmar; therefore we were just passing through and looked at the territory of Myanmar over the boat; in Laos, whereas, we welcomed by acceptable price of many kind of souvenirs and smiling faces. Shopping time!!

Before leaving Golden Triangle area, we went to the high place, Mae Sai, the northernmost district of Chiang Rai and major border crossing between Thailand & Myanmar.

We could see the beautiful Golden Triangle scenery from the top. The Burma’s land was very close to us, just separated by a little river; if allowed, we could just swimming to get there. On that day, we spent the night at hotel close to Masjid Darul Aman, Chiang Rai.

At the day three, we visited Wat Rong Khun, Thailand White Temple, the contemporary, unconventional, privately owned, art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai. We just took a picture there. And when we went back to Chiang Mai, we stopped at A Flower Garden: Royal Park Rajapruek, as the park of knowledge and recreation, spread out over 200 acres, as display of tropical architecture and tropical gardens from various countries. As an international horticultural exhibition, where to marvel superbly laid out grounds and a super selection of flower. 

At the evening we arrived at hotel; and that day was Sunday! and every Sunday there is a Chiang Mai Sunday Market. Yuhuuuu…. Again, shopping....... till dropped!!

Last day in Chiang Mai, we have done nothing, caused our flight was in the morning. Bye…bye… Golden Triangle…see u next time, we’ll be back some day.