Doi Ithanon at 2565 meters is the highest point in Thailand. It is an accessible drive up to the summit.
Doi Ithanon – 17Sep’05
Early morning went up to the summit, we were the first few. The summit was a stretched raised wooden boardwalk meandering through the vegetation. In the morning mist, it was quite serene and exquisite. Then met up with the couple again at the twin Thai Chedis. The tourists were starting to appear around the area. Explored the chedis, including the flower garden around them. Finally left with the very nice couple who drove me back all the way to Chiang Mai. Thanked them lots, for without them i would probably be stranded halfway up the mountain.
Can’t quite recall whether I left for SG on that day itself or stayed one more night. End of Chiang Mai. =)
Doi Ithanon at 2565 meters is the highest point in Thailand. It is an accessible drive up to the summit.
Doi Ithanon – 16Sep’05
Reached Chiang Mai in the afternoon around 1pm and got a room near the Tapae gate. I asked around and decided that I could make my way to the foot of Doi Ithanon using a public songthaew before taking the transport up the summit. The idea was to have a quick visit, catch the sunset and be back in Chiang Mai by dusk.
Best laid plans, but I upon getting off the songthaew, I found out that the transport up stopped for the day. around 4pm i think. So i was stranded halfway up the mountain. I waited to flag some public transport and sat at the roadside stall. Fortunately a nice young Thai couple from Bangkok offered to drive me up (one of them works at Unilever) where there are basic huts and a resort to stay overnight. Now my bag is still back in Chiang Mai and I have nothing on me but my clothes. Still, I got the cash so decided to go with this arrangement. Got a room, with a towel and soap. Took dinner with the couple and a shower before hiding underneath my blanket. It’s 2000+ meters high, and very cold at night. We’ll meet up again tomorrow morning to take their car to the summit.
Chiang Mai is cool. The old city area is worth many hours of walking about just to check out the night markets.
Chiang Mai – 11Sep’05
So here I am. Doing the getting lost by myself thing again. Destination : Pai, Thailand. Sunday afternoon, Tiger Airways. To Chiangmai. One week. Sounds good? Yeah. Just to chill and do nothing…
Waiting at the ‘port, got myself a copy of Lonely Planet, Northern Thailand edition. Sweet. Very useful too. Intial itenary was to go take a coach ride from Chiang Mai to Pai, and hang there. But after going through the guidebook, decided to do full Mae Hong Son circuit, which basically covers entire Mae Hong Son region.
Reached Chiang Mai Int Airport. Took a “Taximeter” to town. No idea where to stay, cabbie said Downtown? Heck yeah, downtown, making mental note to pick up more Thai from that Lonely Planet guide. Sooo, the driver took me straight to Downtown Inn. Which fortunately was in a prime location near the night market. Convenient. 800B. Ouch.
Spend the rest of the night exploring the night market. Didn’t buy anything. Prob will on the way back.