Recommendations for Days Out, Places worth visiting, Restaurants, Short trips

[pmf113b]

We live in Chiang Mai for 6 months and have friends visiting us in mid November for 2 weeks. They have traveled to Thailand before and been on all the "tourist trips".

Would really appreciate some recommendations on day trips, places to visit and short trips in and around Chiang Mai as we have access to a car. Also would really appreciate some recommendations for eating venues and bars (they are Irish) so if anyone knows of a good Irish venue that would be much appreciated too.

[eyecatcher]

Obviously you need to assess what your friends interests are, age etc

If I had a mate coming over or my sons would probably venture to the following::

samoeng

Doi khan national park

Mon jam

Doi suthep/phuping/doi pui hill tribes

Lake huay tung tao

After that lot you deserve a beer or three

Sent via tin can and string after pigeon shot

[masuk]

Obviously you need to assess what your friends interests are, age etc

If I had a mate coming over or my sons would probably venture to the following::

samoeng

Doi khan national park

Mon jam

Doi suthep/phuping/doi pui hill tribes

Lake huay tung tao

After that lot you deserve a beer or three

Sent via tin can and string after pigeon shot

Drive up highway 1001 towards Maejo, enjoy the hills and forests for a further 30 or so km, and follow the signs to the waterfalls a few km past mae ho phra, A nice spot for a picnic lunch, but not on weekends.

[Jonathan Fairfield]

There is a whole load of info on things to do in Chiang Mai here: http://chiangmai.thaivisa.com/

[khwaibah]

If you want to get out of town for a couple days. Visit the Thanthon Orange Orchard (800 rai) GPS .20.052999, 99.405265 (Thanathon Orchard,สวนส้มธนาธร,Tha Ton,Mae Ai,ท่าตอน,แม่อาย,เชียงใหม) this on highway 1089 that joins the 107. about 190 km from Chiang Mai. This is more than an orchard its a garden and the oranges are fantastic they rival anything from the US. There are some great guest house and resorts in Ta Ton. You can take a boat ride down the river to Chiang Rai or you can carry on by road to Maie Sia and the Golden Triangle.

http://www.tntorchard.com/intro.php

Edited October 23, 2013 by khwaibah

[pgrahmm]

There is an Irish Pub in CM....

Chiang Rai with the White & Black temples...The Queen Mothers Garden.

Pai is interesting for a couple of days with a drive or tour to the Long Necks, waterfalls,parks along the way. Hill tribe areas also...hot springs...elephant rides or feeding/photo op (20B for bananas)....waterfalls along the way up....

Doi Inthanon is a half day trip...highest peak in Thailand with beautiful gardens and shrines.

Ob Luang National Park has a nice gorge with hiking, petroglyfs from ancient man...along with caves and a geyser.....

River rafting in Hang Dong.....

Temples ala-carte all over.....

Of course the Saturday/Sunday/Night bazaar markets....

One guest recently took a 4 day course in Thai cooking from the CM Cookery School and loved every minute of it...can take 1-2-3-4-5 day up to you.....

Bo Sang - Baan Tawai for interesting shopping/strolling.....

Edited October 23, 2013 by pgrahmm

[Aussie Paul]

UN Irish Pub - Rajawithi Road

[HughJass]

UN Irish Pub - Rajawithi Road

theres nothing Irish about that place apart from the fact that its original owner was Irish many years ago.........there is another bar called O'Malleys that looks like a typical irish

traditional bar behind the Night Market....they sell Guinness at a fiver a pint

http://www.omalleys-thai.com/

Edited October 23, 2013 by HughJass

[morpho]

If you're interested in getting farther outside of Chiang Mai, you can go to Doi Inthanon (highest mountain in Thailand) for a day, or to Chiang Dao for a day or two (suggest staying at Chiang Dao Nest), or drive up to Pai for 2-3 days (rent motorbikes and explore the surrounding countryside is the best), or you could spend 2-3 days in the Golden Triangle/Chiang Rai area, or if you don't mind driving but want to see some beautiful country you can do the Pai-Mae Hong Son-Mae Sariang-Chiang Mai loop (or in reverse) which is best with 3-4 days or more

[Chiengmaijoe]

UN Irish Pub - Rajawithi Road

theres nothing Irish about that place apart from the fact that its original owner was Irish many years ago.........there is another bar called O'Malleys that looks like a typical irish

traditional bar behind the Night Market....they sell Guinness at a fiver a pint

http://www.omalleys-thai.com/

There has never been an Irish owner or connection at O Malley's other than the decoration. I like both places and both owners by the way. Both of them sell Guinness at about the same price.

[wileycoyote]

I find Wat Umong very relaxing

[dunque]

UN Irish Pub - Rajawithi Road

theres nothing Irish about that place apart from the fact that its original owner was Irish many years ago.........there is another bar called O'Malleys that looks like a typical irish

traditional bar behind the Night Market....they sell Guinness at a fiver a pint

http://www.omalleys-thai.com/

2 places to avoid - duly noted - thanks!

[KhunOr]

Too many suggestions for a forum post space, but I highly recommend that you subscribe to Luxe City Guides. Cover every major tourist city in the world. They have one just for Chiang Mai and the 8th Edition is due out in November, so just in time for your guests. You can get it delivered to your smart phone, or get the pocket book. Non-sponsored, independent, no advertising, all reviews anonymous and lists all the best hotels, restaurants from street to posh, activities around Chiang Mai and half a dozen shopping itineraries that list only the outlets worth seeing. They do one for Bangkok and Phuket also.

www.luxecityguides.com and their byline: "The consumately stylish pocket travel guides, packed with astute, opinionated information for the busy and sophisticated visitor".

Edited October 23, 2013 by KhunOr

[redcardave]

try http://www.tntorchard.com/intro.php

[pmf113b]

Thank you to everyone for all suggestions

Extremely helpful