Doi Suthep Madness Today

[hellodolly]

Doi Sutthep mountain is my favourite place in Chiang Mai. I had planned on going up there for another hike today, but I knew what the holiday traffic was going to be, and decided against it even on my scooter. It will all settle down once the Bangkok tourists have left. It's a holiday and that is what Thai families do... they go to places they can't visit every day.

Not sure whatt a scooter has to do with a hike.

But if it is as bad as the OP makes it out to be I am quite sure a hike would be faster and for sure more scenic. I believe there is even a restaurant on the way. Not sure about that.

not sure; not sure !!!

I bet you wouldnt be sure if you lost a horse or found a rope

I am not sure but I think you have found me out. Let's just keep it between us.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

This shows it well.

Bangkokians are moving their traffic jam upcountry for the holidays.

[rene123]

Doi Sutthep mountain is my favourite place in Chiang Mai. I had planned on going up there for another hike today, but I knew what the holiday traffic was going to be, and decided against it even on my scooter. It will all settle down once the Bangkok tourists have left. It's a holiday and that is what Thai families do... they go to places they can't visit every day.

Not sure whatt a scooter has to do with a hike.

But if it is as bad as the OP makes it out to be I am quite sure a hike would be faster and for sure more scenic. I believe there is even a restaurant on the way. Not sure about that.

It is 6 km from my hotel to the base of Doi Sutthep. Although I could add that distance to the 18 km hike, it's a pain ducking and dodging all the traffic while walking on the road. I like to hike in the forest. I put up with walking along the roads.

[siamamerican]

Doi Sutthep mountain is my favourite place in Chiang Mai. I had planned on going up there for another hike today, but I knew what the holiday traffic was going to be, and decided against it even on my scooter. It will all settle down once the Bangkok tourists have left. It's a holiday and that is what Thai families do... they go to places they can't visit every day.

Not sure whatt a scooter has to do with a hike.

But if it is as bad as the OP makes it out to be I am quite sure a hike would be faster and for sure more scenic. I believe there is even a restaurant on the way. Not sure about that.

It is 6 km from my hotel to the base of Doi Sutthep. Although I could add that distance to the 18 km hike, it's a pain ducking and dodging all the traffic while walking on the road. I like to hike in the forest. I put up with walking along the roads.

Where does the trail start that goes to Doi Suthep? My feet finally feel OK and I want to get off the bike some days. I live near the intersection of Huay Kaew and Canal Rd.

[circusman]

Suthep strawberry sellers: You have out done yourself this time. The box of nice looking strawberries we bought for 200 baht from you contained 2 inches of berries on top and 4 inches of paper and banana leaves under them. Nicely weighted to simulate the weight of 6 inches of real berries. If I could find you again seller, I would stand in front of your stand with the same box open so all could see. But, being new years time, I will just wish you a kinder, more honest year.

[bluweyze]

This is a 4 day holiday, which for a Thai with very little holiday is significant, it is a great temptation to go to Chiang Mai for New Year and experience the famous cold weather (which seems not to be here this year).As in every country on a big holiday the major sights suffer badly from the congestion. On Friday and Saturday the road north (towards Pai) was a nightmare and tomorrow the road south will be worse. I feel sorry for those who have so little holiday opportunities they end up travelling and sightseeing at such a congested time but it doesn't necessarily make them stupid because it is repeated even in those countries with more vacation choices.

[siamamerican]

This is a 4 day holiday, which for a Thai with very little holiday is significant, it is a great temptation to go to Chiang Mai for New Year and experience the famous cold weather (which seems not to be here this year).As in every country on a big holiday the major sights suffer badly from the congestion. On Friday and Saturday the road north (towards Pai) was a nightmare and tomorrow the road south will be worse. I feel sorry for those who have so little holiday opportunities they end up travelling and sightseeing at such a congested time but it doesn't necessarily make them stupid because it is repeated even in those countries with more vacation choices.

Yosemite Park in America is a Zoo during the summer holidays. Not just a Thai thing. What makes it hard here is that this is a recent development in Thailand. Thais are mobile now and have money. It will only get worse or better depending on your perspective.