Missing him... then go to his embrace, feel the cold wind, worship and make merit together @Chiang Mai 3 days 2 nights.

As the cool breeze of winter arrives, many people's thoughts turn to the mountains. We're talking about the majestic peaks, of course. And what better way to experience the crisp air than by visiting a scenic destination? Chiang Mai, a popular northern province, is the perfect choice for those seeking a nature escape. Immerse yourself in the local culture and embrace the beauty of the mountains.

Longing for the serene landscapes of Chiang Mai, we embarked on a leisurely journey, embracing the concept of "Slow Life." With only 3 days and 2 nights at our disposal, we opted for a relaxed itinerary, prioritizing nature's embrace over a packed schedule of tourist attractions and culinary delights. Our aim was to create lasting memories and savor the simple pleasures that unfolded along the way. We understood that the true beauty of travel often lies not in the destination itself, but in the experiences that shape our journey. Let us now embark on a visual exploration of the captivating moments that unfolded during our tranquil escape.

We started at the airport, using Air Asia this time. I must say I was not impressed. Due to the high volume of passengers, we tried to check in at the airline's self-service kiosk. We asked if the seats would be together for the same booking, and the staff member confirmed that they would. After checking in, two thin sheets of paper resembling boarding passes flew out and disappeared. We showed them to the staff member to be sure, as we hadn't flown in a while and were a little sleep-deprived, and they confirmed that the seats were together. We went upstairs to get something to eat, but couldn't help but wonder, and we needed an invoice. We went back down to the service counter, waited in line to request an invoice, and handed both sheets of paper to the staff member. They asked if we wanted separate invoices for each leg or a combined invoice. We asked what the difference was, and they said that the seats were already together for the outbound leg, but if we issued separate invoices for the return leg, there might be an issue with the seats not being together. We asked what we should do, and the staff member suggested we request it on the return leg or later. We acknowledged and accepted their suggestion.

It was time to board the plane. I woke up early to check in, but I was assigned a seat at the back of the plane, and my seat was separated from my companion's. I was furious. When I informed the flight attendant, she said, "I'll check the seats again later. If the seats are not full, we'll wait." So we waited... but we received no further information. The airline allowed us to sit separately, which was very disappointing. When booking a flight together, it is assumed that customers want to sit together, not separately. The airline did not inform us otherwise or offer any assistance. The airline may argue that the flight was full or that there were other reasons, but if the system had been better, there would have been no problem from the beginning. And if there are many staff members or if the staff is not permanent, they should provide accurate information, not give incorrect information and then say that the seating is random. If that's the case, the system is even worse. Honestly, the start of my trip was not pleasant.

Upon arriving at Chiang Mai Airport, we immediately went to pick up the car we had reserved with AVIS. We had to wait for the car, but the good thing was that when the car we had reserved was not available, AVIS upgraded us to a larger, better car at the same price. This is how it should be. This is what I call good service.

We departed from the airport and headed towards Mae Kampong village, located in Mae On district, Chiang Mai province. This small village nestled on a hillside amidst nature, with trees, streams, and waterfalls within its boundaries, making it a year-round tourist destination. As the saying goes, "seeing is believing," so let's embark on this journey with our newfound wheels.

From Chiang Mai city, take Route 1141 across the Chiang Mai-Lampang Superhighway and the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Road. Then continue straight to Route 1317 and then 3005, heading up to Huai Kaew Subdistrict, near the Royal Project Development Center at Tin Tok. The total distance is approximately 55 kilometers, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Simply put, Google Maps can guide you there. However, due to our unfamiliarity with the route, we proceeded slowly. The uphill road is very narrow, and there are no clear signs indicating whether vehicles are allowed, discouraged, or if shuttle services are recommended. This lack of clarity is problematic because the attractions, accommodations, and viewpoints are quite far apart. Moreover, there is no parking available at any of these locations.

We drove to the Chom Nok Chom Mai restaurant and saw the parking lot, so we went to park. However, we couldn't park because if we parked without considering others, they wouldn't be able to leave. Someone had already parked inconsiderately, making it difficult for us to turn around. We ended up having to sightsee on an empty stomach, as we had originally planned to eat there.

We continued our search for parking and a restaurant, and eventually found both. As luck would have it, the restaurant across the street was the Royal Project Restaurant at Ton Tok, which we had been hoping to visit but hadn't noticed on our way up due to the heavy traffic.

The Royal Project Restaurant at Teentok: Nestled in Nature's Embrace

This restaurant, nestled amidst the lush greenery and beside a gurgling stream, offers a truly immersive natural experience. The menu boasts fresh, delectable dishes, with a special emphasis on organic vegetables grown on-site. Indulge in the rich flavors of Arabica coffee and a delightful selection of cakes, all while surrounded by the tranquility of Mae Kampong. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability and fresh, local ingredients makes it a must-visit for any nature enthusiast.

We departed from Mae Kampong and returned to Chiang Mai city to check in at the CMOR Hotel behind the Maya Shopping Mall. We booked through Agoda and called to confirm the room reservation. The entrance may be confusing because the parking lot is located in front of the other side of the entrance. The security guard was friendly, and the staff warmly welcomed us. There was a welcome drink of butterfly pea and lemon.

An unexpected incident occurred. I signed the check-in documents without much thought, as I had called to confirm the room before my trip and was quite tired from the journey. However, when the staff took me to the elevator, I was confused. I had booked a room on the 7th floor, but the staff pressed the button for the 4th floor. I explained the situation, and the staff asked me to check the room first. I am not a demanding person, but I dislike dishonest service. The balcony view was not of Doi Suthep, so I requested a room change. However, when I went back down, the check-in staff informed me that there were no rooms available for a change, as there was no prior notification. Moreover, a room on the 7th floor had just been checked into moments ago. This made me even more upset. Why was the service so disorganized? If there had been no confirmation call or if the staff had not recommended booking a specific floor and room, I would not have minded, as I thought I might have checked in late. But this was not the case. The staff even said, "I don't see any staff member who informed you of anything." So I told them the name and told the staff who spoke that it was not their problem, but I wanted to change rooms. I said that I would review the hotel and room, but what I received was service that lacked coordination or internal communication. The staff also spoke to me in a way that suggested they were not taking responsibility. I waited for almost 30 minutes, and what I received was a room on the 6th floor, which was the type I had booked. I asked to see it first, and when I went in, I saw the view of Doi Suthep and the condition of the room. It was okay, and I accepted it because I wanted to rest. Sometimes, paying attention to customer details and resolving issues is better than initially refusing a customer without checking anything. In such cases, some places might even upgrade the room. At the very least, they should not leave customers waiting for a long time. This was my experience staying at CMOR, a 4-star hotel in Chiang Mai city. My first stay was not very impressive. When I booked, I thought it was a place I would like to stay at and would recommend to others, as the room's design and functionality seemed perfect. It was beautiful, clean, and inviting. There were also comments saying that the service was good and the food was delicious. However, since I encountered this situation, I have to review it honestly. Here are some pictures of the room.

As the sun begins to set behind Doi Suthep, after watching it for a while, it slowly disappears behind the view of Doi Suthep. We must prepare ourselves for a night out in Chiang Mai. Let's see where we will take you.

The journey begins with a ride on the hotel's tuk-tuk, followed by a red taxi. These taxis charge 20 baht per ride, but it's crucial to inform the driver of your destination immediately upon boarding. Failure to do so may result in the driver prioritizing another passenger who has already stated their destination, even if your desired location is just a right turn away. This can lead to the driver continuing straight instead of taking the shorter route.

We intended to visit a temple, Wat Phra Singh, or its full name, Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan. It is one of the significant temples in Chiang Mai. We did not expect it to be open at night. Upon entering, we were awestruck by its beauty. The golden-hued wiharnหลวง (main hall) shone brightly. Walking inside, it was a bit quiet. We were determined to pay respects to the Phra That Luang, the principal Buddha image for the year of the Monkey, our birth year. This stupa enshrines the relics of the Lord Buddha. Another highlight was the nearby Wihan Lai Kham (Golden Lacquer Hall). Standing in front of the wihan, we felt an irresistible pull towards the Buddha image inside. Entering, we were captivated by its splendor. The Buddha image before us was Phra Singh, or Phra Buddha Sihing, the sacred Buddha image of Chiang Mai and the Lanna Kingdom. During the annual Songkran festival, the image is paraded around the city for people to pay homage and bathe. Our intention was fulfilled. We had set a goal to pay respects to the Buddha image of our birth year for good fortune at least once in our lifetime.

After that, it was time to find food and walk around. On Saturday, we had to go to the Wualai Walking Street, but when we arrived, there was a lot of traffic. We couldn't get off the car and find a place to park, so we walked around the walking street first. It wasn't a walk, it was a flow. There were so many people, we just flowed along the way. When we reached the street, someone led us to the entrance of a temple. We didn't think there would be a temple there. The temple seemed to be holding some kind of ceremony, so we asked the villagers nearby. They said it was a lotus flower offering ceremony, but we didn't have any lotus flowers. They said we could offer money instead. So we walked to offer alms, but what we saw in front of us during the ceremony was like a dark ubosot, but it must have been beautiful because the carvings were exquisite. But as the ceremony was about to end, we were stunned because the temple turned on the lights. The silver ubosot was so beautiful and magnificent. Then the temple sprinkled holy water and gave blessings for good luck. Let's watch the pictures together.

Translation:

To be honest, I got goosebumps because the person next to me, who doesn't usually like to visit temples, took me there and later revealed that they felt like they were being pulled in. Regardless of the reason, I consider it a good thing because we were able to make merit, receive blessings and holy water, and admire the magnificent beauty of the temple. It is Wat Sri Suphan. If you have the opportunity, please visit it.

After strolling down the walking street, we decided to find a place to eat or head to the other side. The crowd thinned out towards the end of the street, but there were still no restaurants open for dining. We then changed our plan to find a bar in the Nimmanhaemin area. As we walked, we spotted a set of bracelets and rings, which we decided to purchase as a souvenir for this trip. Upon reaching the end of the Wualai Walking Street, we hailed a red songthaew to Nimmanhaemin Road. This time, the fare was slightly higher, at 40 baht per person, likely due to the pink color of the vehicle.

Upon reaching Nimmanhaemin Road, we were unsure of which restaurant or alley to choose. We left it to the driver to decide where to stop. After parking, we searched for a suitable place to eat, crossing the street back and forth. We passed Beer Lab, which had a pleasant atmosphere but was crowded, leaving us unsure if there would be any available seating. We continued walking until we reached the famous Warm Up pub and a food court that offered little variety. Consequently, we returned to Beer Lab, where we found seating on the upper floor at the bar counter. While it was acceptable, a group of customers sitting outside on the second floor left, and we quickly requested to switch tables. The ambiance was excellent, the food was delicious and fusion-style, and there was a wide selection of beers to enjoy while listening to pleasant music in the cool Chiang Mai air.

Translation:

It was a worthwhile experience to witness the vibrant nightlife of Chiang Mai. However, the shops closed a bit early, around midnight, so we had to quickly finish our food and beer before catching a red taxi back to the hotel. Fortunately, the taxi dropped us off right at the hotel. Overall, it was a great way to experience the city's nightlife. We slept soundly after that first night.

Good morning with a view of Doi Suthep.

A Disappointing Stay at CMOR Chiang Mai

Upon waking, I eagerly headed to the hotel breakfast, anticipating the delicious spread praised in online reviews. However, the reality fell short of expectations. The selection was limited, and the quality was underwhelming. Additionally, despite being informed of the hotel's supposed full occupancy, the breakfast provisions seemed insufficient. We arrived promptly, but the offerings were meager, leaving us with a less-than-satisfying meal.

After a brief rest, we prepared to check out. Notably, the staff promptly contacted us when we were 15 minutes late, despite no such follow-up during our delayed check-in the previous day at 2 pm. Moreover, our room was not prepared as requested, and it took an excessive amount of time to gain access. The initial welcome lacked warmth, while the departure felt rushed and almost forceful.

While the room itself was satisfactory, and the security personnel and hotel tuk-tuk driver were courteous, the service provided by the reception staff, the inconsistencies between booking arrangements and reality, and the disappointing breakfast experience necessitate an honest review. Our intention is to prevent others from experiencing similar disappointment.

After leaving the hotel, we headed up to Doi Suthep to pay our respects at the temple. It was already past noon, so we decided to grab some lunch first. Nearby, we found Khao Soi Lam Duan-Fa Ham, a small restaurant with two storefronts. We had to park on the side of the road, but once inside, the restaurant was quite nice. Most of the customers seemed to be tourists from other provinces. We were determined to try the khao soi, so we ordered both the beef and chicken versions, along with a northern Thai appetizer platter and some delicious lemongrass and pandan leaf water. It was a good value for the price, even though the khao soi wasn't as rich in flavor as we'd hoped. Overall, it was a satisfying meal before heading up the mountain.

It's time to go up Doi Suthep. We had to encounter GPS taking us on a shortcut through the village again... but at least it passed in front of CMU, Chiang Mai Zoo, and Kru Ba Srivichai, before gradually ascending. The road continued to wind and turn, passing through challenging curves like Khun Kan and Hak Sok before reaching Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. These are legendary curves that CMU students are likely familiar with. Upon reaching Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, we took the cable car to the top. However, it now resembles an elevator.

Upon arriving at the temple, we were required to wear a sarong if our attire was deemed too short. We then proceeded to pay our respects at the revered Doi Suthep temple, a landmark of Chiang Mai. Tourists visiting Chiang Mai must make this pilgrimage, as it is considered an essential part of the experience. This temple is particularly significant for those born in the year of the Goat, as it houses the relics of the Buddha. We observed the customary practice of circumambulating the temple three times while reciting the devotional chants provided. This experience was particularly meaningful, as we had the opportunity to complete the three rounds with someone born in the year of the Goat. We believe this act brought auspiciousness to both of us. Afterwards, we explored the temple grounds and admired the panoramic views of Chiang Mai city and the airport from the designated viewpoint. The scenery was breathtaking, despite the slight haze in the photos due to the cool weather and limitations of our mobile phone camera. Nonetheless, the memory of this beautiful vista remains vivid.

On the way back, we descended the stairs. There, we encountered young children from the hill tribes who were playing. They invited us to take photos with them in exchange for 20-30 baht, depending on whether we offered more. Many of them had woken up early and were tired, but they still had to work to earn money instead of playing like other children.

Translation:

We embarked on a journey to Doi Mon Cham, yearning for the embrace of nature. The winding roads, coupled with a GPS-guided shortcut, led us through a landscape devoid of notable landmarks, save for the magnificent 700th Anniversary Stadium. As we continued our drive, we sought respite at a charming café, Aeng Doi Cafe, nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Pong Yaeng Aeng Doi resort in Mae Sa Valley. The tranquil ambiance, adorned with vibrant flowers and diverse flora, was further enhanced by the soothing sounds of a nearby stream. We savored a refreshing cup of coffee and a delightful strawberry smoothie, relishing the moment of serenity. Though tempted to linger, we pressed on with our adventure.

Translation:

We set off for Doi Mon Cham to check into our accommodation before nightfall. We were welcomed by the cool embrace of the mountains at Mon Ing Dao. The air was still crisp, and our cabin perched on the hilltop offered breathtaking panoramic views. Lush greenery, diverse flora, and a variety of lodging options awaited us, including rooms in the main building, villas, and treetop cabins at the stargazing platform. However, the hot water system here differed from the city's, with an external gas tank. The resort provided instructions on using the bathroom safely, which we were advised to follow diligently. Tents were also available, but they shared bathroom facilities. As a general rule, it's always wise to familiarize ourselves with the regulations of any accommodation we choose. We spent a considerable time immersing ourselves in the natural surroundings, capturing photos, and savoring the cool breeze before darkness enveloped us.

Translation:

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As dusk settles, the path is illuminated by lights, resembling giant fireflies dancing along the steps. For dinner, we had a delightful barbecue. Initially, we were hesitant when the resort suggested it, thinking, "Barbecue on a mountain?" But upon trying it, we realized it was worth the price for a meal on the peak. However, with a smaller group, the abundance of food made it seem like a feast.

The atmosphere was incredible, with the cool evening air setting the scene. Without the delicious barbecue, staying outside for long wouldn't have been possible. After dinner, we sat under the stars, feeling the chill and enjoying light alcoholic beverages. It was truly a paradise on the mountain, a natural therapy that never disappoints. We slept soundly that night, embraced by the mountains.

Good morning, world, with the sun about to cast its beautiful light. At first, I woke up waiting to see the sunrise, but by the time it rose and with the morning mist, the cold air made me shiver and I had to go back to snuggle under the blanket. When I woke up again, the sun had already woken me up.

After checking out, we headed to a restaurant across the street from Mon Ing Dao, where we enjoyed a delicious meal with stunning views. The food was incredibly affordable, with prices in the hundreds, while the scenery was truly priceless. We savored a simple yet satisfying breakfast of fried eggs, a favorite dish of my companion, while taking in the breathtaking panorama. The experience was both delightful and fulfilling.

We then headed to Mon Cham, which wasn't too far away, but I must say the road was winding and narrow. Upon arrival, we parked our car in the parking lot and walked a little further up.

Upon reaching Mon Cham, we encountered restaurants and cafes, although seating options were limited. The weather remained cool, and the view was less than spectacular due to the afternoon hour. Nevertheless, we decided to embrace the experience and create memories amidst the relaxing natural surroundings. We enjoyed tea and coffee while taking photos and resting before continuing our journey towards the city center.

On our way to the parking lot, we stumbled upon our favorite treat: strawberries. They were huge and affordable, and we were tempted to take them all home. However, fearing they might get bruised, we settled for just one box, feeling satisfied with the opportunity to savor the "Phra Ratcha Than 80" variety.

Before entering the city, we had some time to visit Wat Phra That Doi Kham to pay respects to Luang Pho Phra Tan Jai and the sacred objects there. It is considered another beautiful temple, and luckily, when we went, there weren't many people because I heard that this place is very popular for worship. Let's see the pictures.

Translation:

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Translation:

After that, we started heading into Chiang Mai city center for dinner. We drove around for a while and passed many beautiful temples. My companion suggested we stop at Wat Loi Khruah to make merit and "float away" bad luck. As the name suggests, the temple is associated with releasing misfortune and welcoming good fortune. While this is a personal belief, making merit is considered a positive aspect of travel, promoting peace of mind. We participated in the ritual, believing it wouldn't hurt and might even be beneficial. Importantly, if someone expresses a desire to make merit, don't discourage them. Instead, support their good intentions, as making merit ultimately benefits the individual.

After making merit to ward off bad luck, we had to find something to eat or we would be late. We went to the restaurant "Huen Puen", which has two sections. The section we went to is open from morning until 5 pm and has a wider variety of food, including single-dish options like Khao Soi and Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao. The other section opens later and has a beautiful interior. We couldn't wait any longer and ordered a full spread, including Gaeng Hang Lay, Tam Tua, Sai Oua, and Larb Kua. We were stuffed!

Translation:

Oops! We had some time to spare, so our kind companion took us for a quick spin around Nimmanhaemin to find a place to relax. We stumbled upon this charming café with beautiful décor and a fusion menu. We opted for some delicious pastries and coffee instead. The café has a strong homemade vibe, with meticulous attention to detail in the décor, food presentation, and pastries. As you can see from our order, it was a worthwhile experience. The food was delicious, the music was soothing, and the atmosphere was perfect for another dinner date. We lingered for quite a while until it was time to return the car and check in at Chiang Mai airport.

Before returning, we had a thrilling experience wondering if we would miss our flight. We were circling around looking for a gas station and the car rental return point, which was located on the other side. When we checked in our tickets, the AIR ASIA staff invited us to check in at the automatic check-in kiosk. We quickly explained the problem we encountered: on the way there, our seats were separated. If we were sure that the seats would not be separated because it was the same booking, we would check in at this kiosk. The staff member made a face as if to say, "Then you should go to the counter to check in." The line was long, so we asked, "How long will it be? Will we miss our flight?" They then took us to another line to expedite the process. We rushed to the gate, but as soon as we sat down, the departure time was delayed by 15-20 minutes. We had rushed so much, and everyone else arrived on time, so boarding was very quick. The plane did not depart much later, and most importantly, we arrived earlier than scheduled. This trip ended beautifully.

With a variety of memories in various forms, as many people say, the world is vast, so the people around you are important. This is exactly right, because if you travel with someone and it's difficult, tiring, or you encounter any obstacles or problems, but if you're with someone you feel comfortable with, at least it will go smoothly. Living with someone 24 hours a day is not easy or too difficult... no matter what status you go with... boyfriend, friend, sibling, family. The most important thing about living a happy life while traveling is that we must know how to share, help, and take care of each other. Put yourself in the other person's shoes and see things from the perspective of the person you're traveling with, like relying on each other... that trip will be a trip that creates memories between each other... Many people may look at the destination they are going to, but they often forget that... the beauty of the journey depends on the people we travel with as well... Thank you to my fellow travelers who took care of me throughout the trip and created surprises in many moments. Thank you again for the birthday gift this time... Thank you for being my source of encouragement. Thank you very much. Let's go together again... Please follow our travels in the Once Slow Life style again...^_^