Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai - Day 6

Previously:

Maesa Elephant Camp, Chiang Mai

From Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai with sight-seeing enroute...

Hot Springs, Mae Suai and Miniature Angkor Wat

Cute Toilet Sign



Suan Charin

Stuffed omelette with marinated minced pork, Jungle curry and slow braised pork belly



Suan Charin Bakery-Restaurant (Charin Garden Resort)

Suan Charin is one of the most popular and best resting spot in the Mae Suai district of Chiang Rai province on the way from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai the northernmost of Thailand.  It's a spectacular open-air restaurant with the view of Mae Lao river slowly flowing next to it.  They serve range of great Thai food and very incredible western cakes and homemade pies as well, which my tour guide told me that it's actually their specialities and what they are renowned for.  The food that we order are all tasted so authentic and delicious. With feeling quite regret, we ate too much and didn't think of the spare room for some dessert and end up to be too full for it.  So yeah next time surely we'll be back.  You really can't miss those mouthwatering sweets, as you walk into the dining area, you will see this huge cakes display right next to the counter.  So, I believe if you are a sweet tooth and no matter how strong you try to resist the temptation, you can't.  If in that case, skip the Thai meal and go for some pies and cakes along with the fresh coffee.  For those who might want to stay here a bit longer, there are some bungalows and resort around that area, surrounded by the lush tropical forest and picturesque Mae Lao river, would certainly be a ideal spot for stopover and have a good rest for a night.

Wat Rong Khun, Chaing Rai

We were very delightful and overwhelming when our tour guide told us the next destination will be Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, is also known as The White Temple.  Wat Rong Khun is not just another Buddhist temple in Thailand like you may expect.  Its stunning architecture and story behind its construction is far beyond our ordinary imagination.  I can say that this is one of the most stunningly beautiful temple in the world.  The white color sparkling with mirrored glass mosaics decorated and embedded on the external of the temple, Shine brightly and mesmerising me so badly and we were all feeling so over the moon at the first sight we spot this temple as soon as we step into the area.  I am not surprised at all by this white temple has become one of the most visited temple and national land mark in the past decade.  By the time we went there, I was told that it was just only up to 50% complete.  But it still looks so amazing to me.

Every piece and details of this temple has a deep meaning in itself.  The white color refer to purification of The Lord of Buddha and his wisdom and white is a color of the good merit and enlightenment.  As you can see, even the fish in the pond still white too.  I have no idea what fish it is but it reflect the beautiful concept perfectly.

This temple's whole idea and concept of construction was found and directed by one of the Thailand living greatest and notable (Master) Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat.  He devoted and sacrify his entire life and all of his money earning from his artwork previously in building this heavenly temple and accomplishing his dream.  He has a very strong desire in replicating the temple in heaven from his imagination to be seen and touchable for the mankind.  Not only that, he demonstrates his passions in contemporary art and the belief of the Buddhism into this project to promote and enrich the religion and his beloved home town.  My husband is a big fan of him and also told me that Ajarn Chalermchai once said that he knows that he may not complete this mega project in his life time, so that he has already formed the team for the next generation to continue his dream until its perfectly finish.  Exciting stuffs, isn't it ?

Inside this white temple contain a beautiful white Buddha statue centralised the convention hall.  I was also stunned by a wall painting which rich of Buddhist and Hindu tradition that drawn by Ajarn Chalermchai.  Apart from admiring the white temple, there is also an art gallery exhibiting all the master works and paintings of Ajarn Chalermchai and the history and background of how this project begun.

~~oOo~~

“Money and possessions are insignificant. They are not mine but are only make-beliefs. Merits belong to me; therefore, money is of no value to me. Money is valuable only as a way to make merit for further journey of the soul”

~ Charlemchai Kositpipat ~

The main gate was protected by the angel of death commanding those who entering into the temple to drop off their sins.  The hands of those who are suffering and burning in hell is asking for help and forgiveness.

This project is predicted to complete in 2070 and by that time, this place may potentially be one of the world heritage that recognised from all over the world.


White fish in the Temple's pond





Guess what!!!  This is the restroom.  Ummmm.... 

 

Wat Rong Khun

To get to Wat Rong Khun is quite simple.  It is located just about 15kms from the city of Chiang Rai on highway No.1 and from Chiang Mai is about 170 km.  The best way, that I suggest in case of you don't have your own transportation is to buy a day trip in the city from any travel operators.  Seriously, if you are some sort of adventure traveler who like to feel like a local and not afraid of lost in translation then try public Song Thaew (a local 2 rows shuttle or mini pick-up car).  They normally pass this temple from the CBD. 

There is no entrance fees but small donations are more than welcome as this contribution will help in the ongoing cost of the temple's construction.

We spent the night at this Legend Chiang Rai Resort where its location lies along Mae Kok river.  Very boutique and charming resort with an interesting semi-open bathroom and offering the restaurant overlooking Mae Kok river.  What a shame that we only stayed here for one night whilst we fell in love with this place so much, as tomorrow we heading further north to see this famous place to visit, Golden Triangle.  Where the Mighty Mekong river separates the border of three countries, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.

The Legend Chiang Rai
124/15 Kohloy Road, Muang
Chiang Rai
Ph: +66 53 999 333



Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

When you are in Chiang Rai, don't forget to visit this massive night Bazaar right in the middle of the city selling a local handmade, souvenirs and of course plenty of street food.  I'm telling you that this place is much much better than the Chiang Mai night bazaar (but regards that I'm a big market food hunter).  In there, they have this HUGH outdoor space of dining area in the centre, it's like an outdoor food court and heaps and heaps food stalls lining up there.  Yes you will be so spoiled by the choices.  The aromas of the food, the smell of the BBQ chicken, the crowd, the noise of people chatting really make you feel some sort of "life" and cheerful.  Also, live music performance will accompany along your dinner time.  A really really great place to soak up a festive atmosphere in the ordinary day.


Keep on reading for the next blog in Chiang Rai:

Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai



Maesa Elephant Camp - Day 5

Previously:

Khum Khantoke, Chiang Mai



Buffet Breakfast at Rati Lanna Resort



Smoked Salmon



Heading north-west of Chiang Mai city approximately 12 km, through the lush tropical jungle of Maesa Valley, we're on our way to visit Thailand's most beloved and endearing animal and it's a national icon too, elephant at Maesa Elephant Camp.  This ideal location is home to the biggest elephant nursery in the north of Thailand.  The main concept of this camp is using the natural and healthy environment to conserve, breed and grow the number of this endanger species which their numbers have been reduced rapidly over the past decade in the wild.

The surrounding area of camp is very clean, well maintained and serene with the sound of waterfall as an entrance welcoming all visitor to this camp.

Here, you can see the elephants demonstrating their skills like painting, playing soccer, dancing, and the most extreme is back massage.  You can also get closer with this precious mammals by feeding them with their favourite food like bananas and sugar canes or doing the elephant riding accompanied with their mahouts who've been looking after their elephant since they were young.  Watching elephants taking a bath in the waterfall is also the one not to be missed out but you gotta be there nice and early.  So you can witness how extraordinary the big fellow are.  Just incredible.

The remarkable thing about this photo is when we were trying to get some pose with these fellas, one of the elephant raise his trunk with this bamboo hat and put it on my head.  Then after that, he still keep tapping on my head a few times too!!  How's adorable !!


Elephant's skills

All of these painting were eventually put on auction and sold it to the visitors and all of the money will go the camp's fund.  I can't really forget the moment when I was there.  This animal is really smart and too cute to be hunt down just for their parts or trafficking in the South East Asia.

These elephant were trained since they're young by their mahout.  And each elephant will have one mahout that be with him since they were born until in most cases, one of them pass away.  That's why they always pick, sometimes as young as 10 years old boy to be a mahout of a newborn elephant.

Feeding Elephants



No matter how much you feed her, she never has enough of these bananas.  She just keep on eating and eating then we noticed that her stomach was obviously swollen.  Then the carer told us that she is pregnant!!!  Oh I see J

Another memorable thing you could experience here in the camp is definitely an elephant riding.  These 1 hour ride on this greedy fella was a bittersweet moment.  Rather scary than exciting, but understandable, I guess she just hungry!!!  She just keep on looking for food non stop all the way from the main camp up to the mountain.  Sometimes even feel like she wanna dive off the trek and alongside was a short cliff which falling itseft can cause you a coma.

Maesa Elephant Camp, Chiang Mai
Mae Raem, Mae Rim,
Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
Ph: +66 053 206248



Karen Long Neck Village

After riding on that hungry fellas, with a short walk we arrived at this minority hill tribes community of Long Neck villager or also known as Karen village.  Legend claims that the rings is worn to protect the women from tiger bites.  Some believes said that is for preserving their culture and beauty where the longer neck for the girls is actually means the more beautiful they are and the ring neck adornment is started when the girls are about 5 years old and added as they grow older.  Not only neck, sometime the rings are also worn on the wrist and ankle.  In here, their living is depend from the tourism and selling souvenirs, postcards and handmade crafts.  They're very humble and nice people, and if you want to have a photo with them.  Aah haa !!!  Nothing for free here.  Pay around 20 bath or so.





Orchid & Butterfly Farm

After our wonderful time at Maesa Elephant camp, we do have a little bit of spare time so our tour guide brought us to this beautiful orchid and butterfly farm, not far from the camp.  Also have a buffet lunch here as well but such a shame that I didn't have any photo of the food taken at all.  But from my memo, they got the usual Pad Thai and Deep-Fried Chicken Wings and seriously delicious.

Keep on reading for the next blog in Northern Thailand:

Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai

Khum Khantoke, Chiang Mai - Day 4 (Part 2)

Previously:

Pai, Mae Hong Son - Day 4

After spending two full nights in the beautiful cool Pai city, we headed back to Chiang Mai where more and more exciting trip awaited.  Straight from the airport, we stopped by at this authentic Thai restaurant along the Nimman Hemin Road for our lunch


Clockwise from top left: Kanom Pang Na Moo (Crispy Pork Toast), Rad Nah Kai (Rice Noodle with Chicken and Gravy), Kanom Jeen Gaeng Kiew Wan Kai (Chicken Green Curry with Thai Rice Vermicelli), and Khao Rad Nah (Chicken with gravy on steamed rice)

Rad Nah is actually my all time favourite dish.  When Thai people don't know what to order in the Tham Sang (made to order) restaurant, they usually will either go for Khao Pad Khra Pao Kai (Stir-fry Chicken with basil) or Moo Kratiam (Garlic pork) but me the dish I would order in spontaneously is definitely this Rad Nah dish.  But what I usually know, Rad Nah is the noodle dish that comes with your choice of meat and served with gravy on the rice noodle, in here they also come with steamed rice instead of the noodle which they called Khao Rad Nah. Surprisingly, it taste pretty good too, especially when it comes with sunny side up egg, how couldn't it be nice??

For the Crispy Pork Toast, the small squared bread topped with minced pork then deep fried to crunchy bits and served with spicy, sweet and slightly tangy sauce, no argue, it is very very delicious.  All the dishes served here were very authentic and delectable as well.

Nimman Hemin is a popular street in Chiang Mai for their trendsetter, boutique shops and a heaven road for foodies.  I spotted this patisserie shop along the road in one of the corner of the block, namely Mont Blanc.  I can stay there for hours and hours just by looking at their cake showcase.  Great range of cute and attractive looking cakes and most of them comes in individual serve.  If I wasn't in rush catching on with the tour schedule, I would have one of everything, I guess!!! 

Top: Strawberry Mousse and Choc Cream  ฿65 (about $2.30) and Bottom: Kuzumaccha  ฿42 (about $1.50)

I only tried two pieces of their cakes, the Strawberry mousse was really smooth and an excellent combination between the tangyness from strawberry and the sweetness of chocolate cream.  Whilst Kuzumaccha is more wobbly jelly-like pudding, with red bean paste underneath and sweet dumpling hidden inside the maccha jelly and topped with something creamy that I can't really figure it out.  Taste was hmmm... sadly forgettable. 

Mont Blanc Patisserie, Chiang Mai

Nimmanhemin Soi 2,

Chiang Mai, Thailand 

Ph: +66 53 210776

Open daily 8:30am-10pm.

Rati Lanna Resort was our home for two nights while we're in Chiang Mai and we ultimately enjoyed staying in this hotel.  Beside the world-class services and precious hotel room, their price is fairly reasonable too!!!  Highly highly recommended.. 

The room is very simple yet luxury with spacious bathroom and hughhh balcony.  The best from all is their ensuite, where they got another flat TV screen and next to the bath tub, you have your own beautiful tiny indoor fountain making you let loose and indulge the fine pleasure of pampering.  Lying there in warm-bath tub is more relaxing and calming than sleeping on the bed.  But it doesn't mean that the bed is uncomfortable though.  Totally love it .. Love it!!!!



Top: A couple enjoying their breakfast at outdoor pavilion

They have a few number of restaurants within the resort and two of their restaurants are set overlooking the Ping River with a choice of indoor or outdoor seating where you can just sit back and relax, watching the calming river flows by.  Even much better experience, if you could try the Cruise dining along the Ping river on the Thai traditional boat for a romantic moment.

Rati Lanna Riverside Spa Resort, Chiang Mai
33 Changklan Road, Muang
Chiang Mai
Ph: +66 53 999 333


Khantoke dinner is basically enjoying the local Lanna Hill tribe cultural dance and music performances while sampling the traditional Northern Thai delicacies that will assuring you a very special memorable evening.  Modern Khantoke was actually invented over 30 years ago by a well-known businessman and Lanna Thai scholar Kraisri Nimmanhaeminda to honour the special guests and nowadays is become more and more famous for tourist.  The one we had is the Khum Khantoke which is located in Mueang district of Chiang Mai on Nong Pakrung Road, it's an outdoor venue.
This show is taking place in the cool and dark evening after sunset in the midst of candlelight and lanterns.  You have choices of sit either at the tables or on the floor.  The diners often enjoy more the experience of sitting crossleged on the floor as it quite comfortable where the plump cushions and back rests provided and there is plenty of leg room so you won't be kicking other guests. 

The set of classical Lanna food is served on the low-set tray, atop short pillars, on which various shared dishes are presented.  The dishes will most probably be Gai Tod (Deep-fried Chicken), Nam Phrik Ong (Northen Thai chilli dip with minced pork and tomato, which is my favourite) served along with steamed vegetables or fresh cucumber slices and Northern Thai favourite, Kaap Moo (Pork Crackling), still more of Gaeng Hung Lay (Northern style Pork Curry) and of course all accompanied with a large bowl of steamed rice or sticky rice.  On top of them, a light dessert like Kluay Kaek (Sweet Bananas Fritters, which is the best from all) along with fresh fruits and drinks were also served.  The waitress has been attentively serving and refilling the empty dishes, while you enjoying the dance performances including a Candle dance, Sword dance, Faun Tee, Hilltribe dance, Drum dance and traditional Lanna-style Ramwong and Khon (an exciting and elegant Thai drama-dancing).  Your evening enjoyment not end only that, you'll be entertained by the musician playing easy-listen music throughout the evening.

Apparently, this is one of the MUST-DO activities while you're there and some people might say that "You haven't been to Chiang Mai, if you don't try the Khantoke-style dinner."


Set of food from Khantoke dinner show 



Once the dinner show wrapped up and visitors starting to leave, we get a chance to launch a giant Kome Loy lantern, a kind of hot air balloon.  It's kind of believe to float away the worries into the dark night sky. Hopefully, they will feel the easing of their hearts as all Thais do when they light up to heaven with these cleverly designed lanterns that carry their cares away.


Complimentary Chocolate 'Honeymoon' cake with chocolate macaroon from Rati Lanna resort

Keep on reading for the next blog in Chiang Mai:
Maesa Elephant Camp - Day 5

Pai, Mae Hong Son - Day 4 (Part 1)

Previously:
Sunrise at Pang Ung, Mae Hong Son - Day 3


American Style Breakfast

There is no buffet breakfast here at Pai River Corner Resort but instead you can choose between a set of American or Thai style breakfast.  You're probably familiar with American style breakfast, like the big breakfast meal that we normally have in Australia but for Thai style is actually a set of congee/rice porridge with salted egg and assorted pickles and they all come with any drinks or juices.

Look at the resort's dining area.  How beautiful it is!!!  Panoramic and unparalleled view, outdoor, facing the calm flowing Pai River, fresh morning breeze and bathing under the warm morning sun.  It is such a tranquil atmosphere and definitely where I want to have my breakfast every morning.  Nothing gets any better than this.

Pai River

Pai is a tiny city on the top of mountain that enchanted with their picturesque landscape and so many unique- style of restaurants and cafes there.  It's ideal for people who love taking photos of the antique scenery and laid back lifestyle.

Coffee Tea Sapan and Pai Memorial Bridge



The Coffee In Love, for example, is one of the famous icon here in Pai.  Although the coffee itself was pretty average but they have this very cute giant COFFEE IN LOVE sign in front of the cafe to catch all the eyes and great for getting some pose up too.  You would see this place in some Thai movies as well (if you do watch some).  In the busy days, you might need a bit of wait to get photograph of this LOVE symbol.  Ps. some Thai said, "if you didn't have a photo with this LOVE icon, you haven't arrived Pai yet".



Wat Nam Hoo

Wat Nam Hoo is approximately 2km from Pai city and houses a sacred Buddha statue said to have emitted holy water from its head from time to time.  This holy water believed to heal the sickness and bring prosper.  There's also a small market near the temple selling souvenirs and local fruits, especially orange.

After wandering around Pai, we headed our way to further north where the border of Thai and Chinese lies and most of them who lives there, are the minority of Yunnan people.  This place I am talking about is Suntichon Yunnan village.  Therefore, the architecture, home decor and stuffs they sell still really strong in Chinese-influenced.  Make sure you try their Chinese chestnut and sip Oolong tea served with sun-dried sweet plum.


Time for tea break



Keep on reading for the next blog in Chiang Mai:

Khum Khantoke, Chiang Mai