The Rose of the North

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Chiang Mai, Thailand is an easy place to spend time. Our second visit in two years, we were familiar with the city's offerings, but that did not create complacency or boredom. There is always a festival going on, something to see, or do.

SA-WA-DEE

Public transportation is a breeze and is cheap. For about a quarter, you can travel across town in about ten minutes by taking one of the open air "red trucks" amply available, called a songtheaw. Or you could hire a tuk tuk, a small three wheeled propane powered vehicle with a seat for two or three in the back. Tuk tuks are a little more expensive (75 cents to $1 US), but they will take you directly to most places you ask,. Also, the drivers are readily available for tour services, a must in Chiang Mai.

One such tour is a factory row, thirteen kilometers out of Chiang Mai in a town called Samkampaeng. These factories feature Thai silk, celadon pottery, paper umbrellas, silversmithing, Thai lacquerware, teak furniture and dozens of others. It is well worth the 200 baht ($4.76 US) and the four hours it takes to properly see the factories and view the artists at work. Learning how these items are made only enhances their value and beauty.

Thai food is also full of variety and fresh ingredients. We took a Thai cooking class at Chiang Mai Cookery School for less than $22 US for the day. It lasted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and was packed with fun and camaraderie. We toured the morning market, then returned to the school to proceed in cooking six different Thai dishes. There were twenty students in the class, with three instructors and four assistants. The price included transportation to the market, all the ingredients for the food, the instruction itself, plus a copy of the school's cookbook. A value no matter how you look at it.

 SONGTHEAW.....CHIANG MAI

Thai massage is also a feature here in Chiang Mai. For less than $5 US, you can receive a two hour Thai massage which is a combination of stretching, pressing points and yoga. You don't have to worry, no experience is required. They even supply you with your own freshly laundered Asian lounging attire to wear during the massage. You just need to relax and enjoy the experience.

While traveling here, I needed emergency dental work done, and my husband needed new eye glasses. Two gold crowns and a molar filling were replaced at a fraction of the cost it would be in the States. All this done by a dentist who spoke perfect English, was quite professional, and used sterilized instruments.

My husband had an eye exam, a new bifocal prescription ground, and bought attractive titanium frames, all for an amazingly low price that included professional care and guarantees.

As I mentioned before, Chiang Mai, Thailand is an easy place to spend some time. The weather is pleasant, the food quite tasty, and the people are fun-loving and kind. Shopping bargains are everywhere, in local stores, at street vendors, the famous Night Bazaar, or in shopping malls.

MASSAGE SHOP

If you are looking for someplace different with a bit of exotica, Chiang Mai, Thailand is the place.

Sawadee from Chiang Mai, Thailand

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