Happy in Thailand - Part II -
Charming History of Chaing Mai Life

The short flight from Bangkok to Chaing Mai in early morning is relaxing and pleasant. I recommend picking up a coffee to sip on your way to your departure gate. Arriving in Chiang Mai, the hub of Northern Thailand with a population of 170,000 in the city proper and more than 1 million in the metropolitan area, provides an instant sense of relaxation and adventure.

There is no doubt Chaing Mai has won my heart, and is my favorite destination in Thailand to date. It offers an abundance of greenery, is historically known as the "Rose of the North," and is often referred to as the 'iron lung' of Thailand due to the lush countryside surrounded by mountains and the relaxing natural beauty of the region. The cosmopolitan growth in the city centers is attracting an abundance of tourist annually, however, the basic charm of this area and the people who live here is impossible to overlook. For complete information on this destination in advance of traveling there you should visit www.visitchaingmai.com.

Dancers Dhara Dhevi Resort, Chaing Mai

The DusitD2 Hotel in Chaing Mai is located at 100 Chaing Mai Road, and is centrally located to many favored tourist attractions. It is a great hotel for families visiting the city. They have a nice pool, offer two for one massage treatments, a wonderful inclusive breakfast buffet featuring Thai or American favorites, where the chefs will make it any way you want it. Surprisingly, the talented mixologist at the bar in the DusitD2 Hotel makes a perfect Cosmo that would have stopped the presses for Carrie Bradshaw in "Sex and the City." For information please visit www.d2cm@dusit.com.

Wat Prasingh, located in the western part of the old city center, and Wat Chedi Luang offer some serious insights into the long history of Buddhism in Thailand. Chaing Mai boasts 300 Wats throughout their history, and monks can be seen everywhere on the temple grounds, including older lady monks dressed in white.

The Wat Chedi Luang was built in 1391and was completed in 1401. It has not been open to the public since an earthquake in 1545, but is such an impressive temple and should not be missed. It is surrounded by exquisite art and has a library across the street that is open to the public. Watching the devotion of the very young children dancing with joy to be in Wat Prasingh made me smile. There is a very tasteful open market located adjacent to this Wat that has some of the most beautiful hand-crafted clothing, and gift items I viewed anywhere during my travels in Thailand.

DusitD2 Perfect Cozmo

Dining at Khum Khantoke in Chaing Mai can be very entertaining; even in the pouring rain. Guests sit at sunken tables and the family style offerings are wonderful authentic Lanna recipes. Menu items include Chaing Mai banana fritter, clear soup, deep fried chicken, grilled young chili paste, minced pork and tomato sauce with steamed vegetables, crispy pork skin, stir-fried vegetables, crispy rice noodle, sticky or steamed rice, fresh fruit dessert and coffee or tea. The performers were fun, and despite the rain did their best to put on an authentic Lanna dance show to enjoy with our signature dinner and cocktails. Visit www.khumkhantoke.com.

Dhara Dhevi Sausage Platter

The Wat Prathad Doi Suthep, built in 1384 A.D., is 3,500 feet above sea-level, the most sacred temple in northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of lord Buddha, which can be reached by climbing 300 steps, but there is a lift for people who cannot climb, and the impressive staircase is flanked by enormous Nagas, mythological serpents. There is a very old sculpture of the white elephant who lived on this mount centuries ago that was given to the King as a gift. The view of the city from this site is fantastic, and you will see an abundance of monks, both men and women carrying out their duties and praying. This is a very special spiritual center, and you may leave feeling like you just read "Somebody Moved My Cheese."

A visit to the Bo Sang Handicraft Center, located 8 kilometers east of Chaing Mai, is a pleasant introduction to the home of a collection of talented artisans who make and decorate the world renowned Sa paper umbrellas and parasols. Demonstrations and custom painted designs can be requested for souvenir gifts and trip treasures. I met a young man who painted a beautiful Chaing Mai elephant on my camera bag, which I will cherish every time I take a photo.

During the third week in January Bo Sang holds a festival that highlights the works of the local artisans, which includes an umbrella painting competition, a parade, music and local cuisine. During my visit to the umbrella factory I discovered a refreshing green tea blended beverage, made with green tea ice cream in the Bo Sang Cafe. This pink and green warm weather refresher looked like it belonged at the pool bar of the Beverly Hills Hotel. For information please visit www.visitchiangmai.com.au/bo-sant.html.

Visiting Patara Elephant with owner & baby elephant

A half day visit at the Patara Elephant Farm, where conservation of the Chaing Mai elephant population is the mission of their work, included an enchanting encounter with families of elephants in a beautiful forested setting. The farm is 30 kilometers west of Chaing Mai in Samoeng, and guests become 'caretakers' for a day to learn about the health, feeding, bathing and exercising of these majestic creatures. The baby elephants are beyond amusing, and are like puppies who do adorable unexpected things to get their mothers attention. The owner was so generous with information, and he was very inspiring in his dedication to preserving and developing the Chaing Mai elephant population. I would highly recommend this experience to families or anyone who loves elephants; it is a life changing experience. For information or donations visit www.pataraelephantfarm@hotmail.com.

Lunch at Suan Paak Thai Cuisine for Khao Soi, renowned for their noodle dishes prepared in a rich creamy curry sauce is a traditional favorite savored daily by area locals. This spicy noodle soup is the signature dish of Chiang Mai and was the charming garden style dining room was filled with visitors and tourists losing themselves in the unique noodle flavors of the dish. Sadly, there is no way to really share the wonders of this dish with words. You need to down a bowl of this yummy noodles soup for yourself to appreciate all the buzz.

Khum Khantoke Family Style Dinner

Dhara Dhevi Resort was such an unexpected visit to a magical property renowned for transporting guests to past historic times in Chaing Mai. The property is a tribute to the historic Lanna Kingdom of Chaing Mai, when grace and elegance ruled. Chaleenuch Visith, Director of Marketing Communications for this dreamy venue, was my host for dinner, where the menu included specialties unique to Dhara Dhevi, and included an intriguing sausage dish, a beautiful duck dish, traditional soup and more, all artistic placed around a carved fresh fruit centerpiece. The perfect dinner service, was followed by the traditional dancers, who took me away with their graceful movements. This dancing is in true tradition, complete with stunning historic replica costumes, and musical accompaniment. The stories told through dance are so lovely and touching that I was mesmerized, and grateful for the opportunity to experience this Chaing Mai talent. Dhara Dhevi would also be the venue I would return to in a heartbeat for a completely elegant spa respite. Visit www.dharadhevi.com.

There is so much to learn about Chaing Mai, and I've hardly touched the surface of the art history in this location. I hope to return some day soon because I'm thinking about this place and the good people I met on this trip every day.

Khop Khun Kha!
Please look for Happy in Thailand III in October for a blissful visit to the island of Koh Samui.

Bonnie Carroll
www.lifebitesnews.com