Honeymoon in Chang Mai

Venturing into Chang Mai in northern Thailand is an unforgettable pleasure. Called the Rose of the North, Chang Mai is 700kms from Bangkok, connected by air (1 hour), rail, and road.

The City is traversed by the long Mae Ping River, flowering scenically across the whole landscape which is looked on benevolently by the mystic Doi Suthed hills. An old city with many gates, it now has modern look charmingly juxtaposed with its 700 year old wats(Buddhist temples) which number a 1000! The oldest, like Wat Cochin Man and Wat Phara Sing, all impart a unique calm grace to the place. Monks in saffron abound, teaching schools of students amid the hallowed precincts of the wats. The temples themselves are quite ethereal with distinctive construction, lacquer work and sculptures, stucco and idols. All this is enhanced by the unique Thai concept of gardens that beautyfully combines water, trees and the ravishingly rampant lotus, graceful in many attractive shades. Combined with the sanctity of the Buddhist monks, some so old and wise, the wats are a prime draw for troubled souls and holiday makers alike.

Chiang Mai after May experiences rains, as does all of the country, bringing the heat down. With its elevation, a soft misty rain and the swirling clouds from Doi Suthep, the place is a perfect romantic geraway, further enhanced by its reputation for flowers, Roses, lilies, chrysanthemums, gerberas, lotus, carnations - they bloom here with joyful abundance. A Mere 40 baht can weigh one down with an armful of roses, in any shade inaginable. And the fruit - rambutans, lychees, pears, guavas, Thai mangoes, mangosteens, cherries - this is a luscious place. And that Thai delight - the rose apple - with its tangy taste, simply bouncess on the trees along the roadside.

With many tourist camping here for months at a time, the palace offers multinational cuisine - Spanish, Italian, French, German, Mexican and American. Of Course, the renowed Thai cuisine is available everywhere - and - what do you know, so is Indian food at a few places! All hotels and resorts, in their package deals, provide a splendid breakfast which could be a bit daunting for some Indian - noodles, rice toppings, a variety of breads, croissants, cakes, cereals, fruit juices, tea coffee, pancakes, eggs, bacon, fish - well this is a generous country, lavish in its hospitality!

Chiang Mai has an unmatched reputation for handicrafts and textiles. Taking the Bosang - sankamphaeng route nearby leads to a row of cottage industries.. The Lovely umbrellas made of Sa paper (mulberry pulp), thai silk in thrilling patterns and colours, wood carvings units, furniture centres and silverware can all be found here. Thai dolls are a big buy too, making wonderful presents and keepsakes. A number of handicraft and antique shops abound in the city centre, and one can get authenticated pieces to treasure back home. Shopping in the city's Night Bazar is a delightful highlight of Chiang Mai-a place where everyone goes walking, for stall and shops line the road on both sides. Coffee bars dor the place, for relaxing between shopping.

Apart from shopping, Chiang Mai is a visual paradise, full of scenic spots. The major attraction is a trip into the Doi Suthep hills, with its supremely tranquil wat reached finally by steps or a winched cable car. From here one can have a panoramic view of the city, through clouds that envelop one every now and again.

One the way up the hill road can be seen the Huai Kaeo Cascade, a perfectpicnic spot. Further up stands the Royal Winter Palace (Bhubing Palace) which has a wonderful garden. What most people enjoy is driving further up into the hills, to see the tribal settlements of the Meo Hmong(Burmese), a 30 foot climb up. One can stop for a refreshing breath and a great view of the hill slopes covered with flowers(grown to discourage poppy cultivation). Its a sight to behold, as are the Meo people, dressed in their traditional clothes. Dolls dressed in their traditional clothes. Dolls dressed up in various tribal attire, also wearing the neck-rings of these long necked Burmese, are a popular purchase, as also the embroidered clothes.

Elephant riding at Mae Taeng Dam is a joyful side trip. Sepnd a lovely evening on the Mae Ping River, in a gentle cruise around the town - with or without a Thai dinner on board. Getting around the place is easy with the local 'sang theo' - a sort of pickup wagon cum taxi - a very reasonable from of transport. Of course of guided tours are good but rather limit one's experience of the place. Bikes and cars can be hired as also individual houses and rooms. It is wise to book in advance accommodation with a tour operator. Opting for the Amari Rincome would be luxuriously beautiful choice - the resort is simply outstanding in aesthetic ambience, comfort and food. Timing one's visit for the colourful Flower Festival would be nice but one can also go for holidays combining brief Thai cookery courses. A Thai massage at one's resort could bring the holiday to a pampered end...

A City that is a synthesis of serene, timeless religion, and out and out pleasurable living, Chiang Mai is a place that creates lovely memories, growing fonder with time.