I am actually supposed to continue with a blog post on the Part 5 of my recent roadtrip to America but i sort of decided to put that part on hold for the time being. Reason being is that i have also made another trip to Chiang Mai in the northern Thailand recently after i came back from the States. Some of you are waiting to view some pics of my Thailand trip, so for my readers out there, please be assured that i will definitely continue soon again with the story on my recent US trip... Time is really not enough for me as i will be away again soon for another photography trip. It has been a real busy and fruitful travelling year for me..Well, that's actually also a good thing for my readers out there, as there will be no lack of nice and interesting photos to read about & look at in my blog!! Please continue to enjoy and find life in my photos :-) I went to Chiang Mai just a couple of weeks later after i came back to Singapore from the States. In fact, i was kinda of still on the roller coaster adventure of perpetual US travel then. I had to adjust myself back (not just from jetlag) as well as getting to know another new place, another living culture in Asia and that's Chiang Mai. You will find that this Part 1 blog post is mainly a Black & White (B&W) capture of Chiang Mai. Thailand's Bangkok and Chiang Mai are some nearly South-East Asia countries that impress me a lot each time i visit. There are so many great towns, cities, islands and fantastic beaches. So much warmth and friendliness from the locals. And so many great tourist attractions, that with a bit of planning and the right attitude Thailand is actually a wonderful destination for any holiday purpose, i.e a couple romantic getaway or family vacation etc. It is also a no secret that what the country makes to attract so many people to Thailand on their holidays is the idea of cheap getaway and Thailand does have the reputation of being a cheap destination. Its true to say many residents will tell you Thailand is anything but cheap with dual pricing for tourists and locals, over inflated prices in tourist areas and high inflation over the last few years. Chiang Mai is much more serene and full of natural splendour than the busy capital of Bangkok, yet it retains a cosmopolitan air. Many Thais will tell you that Chiang Mai is the true foundation to any visit to Thailand, as locals think upon Chiang Mai with fondness as a place of mystery and legend. While the city has developed over time it manages to maintain a wonderful balance of history, tradition and modernity. Honestly, Bangkok used to be the place to Thailand for me with a little Phuket, Pattaya and Hat Yai thrown in. But from my recent trip to Chiang Mai, i have discovered a new love for the Land of Smiles. Things are cheaper there, the people friendlier, pace of life less hectic, and great natural landscapes for outdoor adventures. Chiang Mai is a shoppers' paradise, and nothing beats shopping for a bargain more than in in the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazzar. The Night Bazzar is located at Chang Klan Road and the night bazzar is open every day of the year regardless of the weather from dusk till around midnight. Some of the areas in Chiang Mai are quiet, more peaceful activities include a great selection of local spas and fantastic shopping for crafts, silk and antiques in the markets and famous Night Bazaar. In the daytime, Chang Khlan Road is an ordinary street full of shops, hotels and restaurants of all types including Starbucks and the Burger King, along with the first McDonalds in the city. There are also several large shopping arcades running off the main street. It is at night time that the place really comes alive. If you go there in the late afternoon you will see lots of busy workers wheeling the little metal stalls out and lining them up side by side on the footpaths down both sides of the main road. As the sun sets over Chiang Mai all the street vendors turn up and load their goods for sale into their stalls. You will most likely find the same vendors in the same spot every night. A holiday in Chiang Mai is about more than scenery and history however, as the city and surrounding region has much to offer in outdoor activities and adventures including elephant rides and hiking to some of northern Thailand’s remote hill tribe villages, each with there own unique cultural experiences. There are many shops for local handicraft at the remote hill tribe village. These snapped photos of women doing the handicraft are the people from the far north of the country, many originally from Myanmar. A Chiang Mai holiday is a delight for anyone seeking to get grounded in Thai life and culture both modern and traditional. At the centre of Chiang Mai, is its historical walled city. Inside the remaining walls are more than 30 temples dating back several centuries. The most famous local temple on Doi Suthep Mountain provides a fantastic overview of the city from eight miles away.
I snapped several photos of this famous temple as well as some other coloured photos taken during travelling and i will blog on them in the 2nd Part of my Chiang Mai trip. Chiang Mai Trip - Part 2 - To be continued.....
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