Thursday, August 30, 2007

Backpackers' Chiang Mai

A taste of the diversity of Thailand: travel from the vibrant metropolis of Bangkok to remote hill-tribe villages, lush rain-forests to deserted beaches and from riding elephants through the jungle to snorkelling on coral reefs.

Backpackers' Chiang Mai
(
http://www.1stopchiangmai.com/backpackers/)

No doubt about it, Thailand is one of the coolest places on the planet. It's so cheap and chilled you could spend months here just relaxing, living off a tenner a day, and have an experience of a life time.

Northern Thailand is especially popular with backpackers; it's not full of saddo package tourists like Phuket is, nor manic like Bangkok and the whole town is geared up for budget, free-spirited travellers. The old town is full of amazing guesthouses tucked away down quiet lanes, and you can almost feel like they're home. There are some groovy bars and wicked places to party, plus loads of brilliant little restaurants all over the place serving veggie and organic food, or spicy Thai curries and noodles for less than a buck a meal.

Chiang Mai is full of backpackers and has a really laid back atmosphere; everyone here is down to earth and friendly, which is why many stay longer than planned. It's one of the cheapest tourist places in Thailand and you're spoilt for choice. Hire yourself a small motorbike and explore the fantastic natural areas that are so close to the city, such as Doi Suithep mountain, the beautiful Mae Sa valley and the small villages near the town. There are plenty of adrenalin pumping activities too, from white-water rafting to rock climbing, bungy jumping and mountain biking.

Many use Chiang Mai as a perfect base to go trekking, for sure this is one the main reasons people come up North and there are plenty of companies about town offering all sorts of options to head into the amazing mountains for a few days and stay in hill tribe villages, ride elephants and skiff down pristine rivers.

You absolutely can't come north without visiting Pai. This sleepy little town, three hours north over the mountain ranges is hardly a secret anymore, but a top place to chill and hang out with plenty of other free-spirits. Set in gorgeous rural surroundings beside a pretty little river, this small town has a brilliant bohemian atmosphere, and is a budget place that guarantees that the mass of tourists stay away. People stay for weeks; there are yoga and new age pursuits, healthy food, live music in the bars, cheap beer and lots of friendly relaxed people.

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Sunday, August 26, 2007

A Walking Tour of the Flower Market

Pak Klong Talad, Bangkok

On Tuesday, August 21, Helen Rowland and friends had a walking tour of the flower market known as Pak Klong Talad, sharing tips and suggestions along the way.

Located near Chinatown, Pak Klong Talad is a great source for fresh cut flowers. Inaddition to flowers, you can also find some small vases and other flower arranging supplies, but don't expect to find living plants or large pots. (For those items, try the Chatuchak Plant Market.) Most stalls do not offer delivery.

Bargaining: There isn't much margin for bargaining here. Vendors are in constant competition with each other and prices are already quite low.

Bring small bills: Vendors do not have change for large bills, so remember to get change before you shop.

When to go: Avoid visiting the market on Mondays, when sidewalk cleaners come through and only about half the vendors set up their stalls.

Gettingn there: The easiest way to get to the market is by taxi. If you prefer to drive, limited parking is available across the street from the market in a lot next door to the 7-11 (conveneince store).

Tip: Don't smell the flowers! Many flowers at this market are intended as offerings at shrines; in Thai culture, smelling the flowers reduces the essence of the offering.

After visiting the flower market, stop by the nearby bulk produce market. Even if you don't need a giant basket of cilantro, it's worth a look -- and unlike some other markets, it smells enticing.

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