Thursday, July 16, 2015

Chiang Mai, Thailand Day 3: Doi Inthanon & Khantoke Dinner

Day 3 in Chiang Mai started off early because we wanted to get to Doi Inthanon in the Chom Thong District of Chiang Mai before the crowd comes in and also so that we can catch the breezy fresh cool air. It was quite a long ride to get up to the mountain, almost 2 hours. We all got some grub before embarking. The breakfast in Thailand is pretty much staple. The usual noodles soup and stir-fry basil rice those sorta thing. Simple but so much of flavour to it.

Disclaimer: It's a pool of photos in this post. I tried to reduce but just keeping it in my laptop will do it no good either right? Hehe






We all sat in a van to reach the half peak of the mountain and then we were told that we had to get off. You see the line of parked cars behind me? Yeap, that's where all the big cars park because everyone is required to take the "Song Tiao" to get to higher ground!


Along the way to the summit of Doi Inthanon, we dropped by Doi Inthanon National Park to visit The Great Holy Relics Pagoda of Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri (two chedis) near the summit of Doi Inthanon. There is an entry fee of 40Baht for adults.

Phra Mahathat Naphamethinidon  was built to commemorate the 60th birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on 5 December 1987 and Phra Mahathat Naphaphonphumisiri was constructed to honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's 60th birthday anniversary on 12 August 1992. The sun was striking but it was not hot because the air was so cooling and fresh. The view was splendid! I'll let the pictures do most of the talking here.


This is somewhat the gathering point where people wait for transport and have a bite to eat.



To get to the chedi, from the gathering point, people will actually need to climb up the stairs to get to the top. Alternatively and luckily, they provided escalators for the ease of some people. If I remember correctly there is also an elevator for the disabled.

One of the carving on the walls outside the chedi


One out of the two of the chedi where people come to pray and give their offerings

The view from inside the shrine


On the same level as the shrine, there is the garden that overlooks the misty mountains. Definitely a postcard material picture.




This was taken from the other side, which was near the shrine



The picture above you see is, actually a spot which we found to capture this photo. It looks like we are standing on the highest peak of mountain (we are technically) but in actual fact, we climbed onto this bush just to get this picture.. haha.

After that was done, we headed onto the Doi Inthanon summit! You will need to take a short ride to the summit which is where the visitor center is located as well. 



The summit is within the forest, visitors will need to walk approximately 50 meters (as the signboard says) to arrive at the summit. It's a lovely stroll along the way to the summit, not too sunny, as there are trees providing sufficient shade.



This was the first stop, I think this is halfway to the summit. Still abit more to get to the highest spot Thailand!

Tadaa!!! We made it! 

The path to reach the summit is an easy going walk to get there as the trail is quite flat. Just take note that there are lots of visitors so you will and I pray for you to please, queue up to take pictures. Sometimes people are just ass, the fact that you were there 10 minutes earlier but yet they fail to realize that. *sigh*


The shrine of Chao Inthawitchayanon, the former prince of Chiang Mail is also located at the summit of Doi Inthanon. I find it very interesting how the shrine is placed in the forest. Feels like the forest is at peace.

So up till that point, it was about close to brunch time when we headed back to the half peak which I mentioned earlier was where all the big vehicles park. While waiting for our driver to get out from the "flock" of vehicles, we went to freshen up and get some road side food.

Look at him firing up the grill man.

You can smell the goodness of the meat from a distance



The roasted chicken looks damn good but we skipped cause it would be a hassle to manage eating it

Herbed pork sausage - had it almost at every chance we came across it

Next stop was the Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon. This is where they research and cultivate fruits, flowers and vegetablesThis is where you can see the some of the most beautiful flowers, vegetables. It is just like a park where you can take a stroll. Below is a picture of map of the area. 




Look at em sheeps!


In the picture below you can see that it is pretty much similar to Cameron Highlands. And actually you can camp in Doi Inthanon. They have a propoer ground for people to camp there. This camping ground is somewhere across from where we were standing. We didn't went to camp there during that trip but the boyfriend's parents made a second trip with their friends and from their experience, it sounded like fuuuuun! 



I took a few photos of the plants and flowers in the Royal Agricultural Station but I am not posting it here because it would take up probably 1/3 of this post. We headed to Wachirathan Waterfall but along the way, there were these stalls by the roadside just like those you see in Cameron Highlands. These stalls sell lots of fresh fruits, dried fruits, vegetables and some food. Their goods were very fresh! Their strawberries were HUGE! Honestly, much better than what you can find in Cameron Highlands.

Okay I just need to show you this food. I am not sure what is it but we believe it is sort of a rice paste? It's a little sourish but the condiment that came with it matched up to it. It's sort of a sticky kind of texture which you dip into the sweet sauce.


Basically it is wrapped in banana leaf and this guy, he bakes in on top of the charcoal grill over low fire. The fire is what soften and makes it sticky. I think he was entertained by my amusement towards the food. I could see his eyes squirmed from smiling. 


This is how it looks like though dry but the insides sticky

The humidity was rising by then cause it was around 4pm and we barely ate a concrete meal! Thankfully there is a hut similar to a "gerai" that serves local Thai cuisine. We didn't ordered too much as we were going to have a feast at night!



BBQ Pork

Pad Thai

Fried Rice

Pork Soup

Sitr Fry Vegetable

After filling our tummies, we went closer to the Waterfall to take a closer look. The waterfall was really strong that it kept sprinkling water towards my face. You know that annoying feeling you get when cold sprinkles of water spray towards your body, that was how I felt during that time. Then with the constant gush of wind coming from the rush of the waterfalls, just standing there feels cold. Then yes, it was refreshing.




One last picture at Doi Inthanon before we head back to our resort to rest

There are much more other attractions to explore in Doi Inthanon. You can head to their page to find out more. I have copied and placed their details and link to their page at the bottom of this blogpost. :)

Night time was a visit to the old Chiangmai Cultural Center - The Magic of Lanna Kingdom Khantoke Dinner & Shows. Take note that you WILL and MUST make a reservation if you plan to get good seats or even get a seat. When we arrived, there were alot of people already, of locals and tourists.

The main entrance to the cultural center

I love their lanterns!


So the program of the night was:
7.00pm                      Dinner starts
8.00 - 8.50pm           Thai Lanna dance show
9.00 - 9.30pm           Hilltribe and local Lanna performance (outside section)

Registration area

This is a painting hung at the registration area of how the dining room looks like.

Entrance to the dining room

The atmosphere was very traditional. Loved the concept of dining under the stars sort of thing. It is advisable for you to bring a scarf or a jacket to shield you from the cold. It being winter in Chiang Mai, the weather just got cooler later in the night.


This is the dining "table"




The stage where the musicians were played

The menu of the night was Burmese pork curry, Pork tomato-chilli paste (mildly hot), Fried chicken, Fried pork skin (for dipping into the paste), Fresh and boiled vegetable (also for dipping into the paste), Fried pumpkins, Crispy noodle, Stir fried vegetable, Steamed rice, Sticky rice put inside bamboo baskets, Fresh fruit, Fried rice crispies were served as dessert with tea or coffee. The food is free flow and the waiters and waitresses just kept coming back to refill the dishes even without you asking for it!

Note that it is advised for Islamic and Vegetarian food to be ordered in advance for faster service.



You can take some information sheet from the registration counter. Extracted from the info sheet, below is a brief explanation of khantoke:

"Khantoke is a pedestral tray used as a small dining table by the Thai speaking people of the sticky-rice culture. There are two types of khantoke: the Yuan khantoke, made of teak wood and predominantly used in Norhern Thailand; and the Lao khantoke, made from bamboo strips and rattan woven together, and used by the people of Nothest Thailand, Laos and Sibsong Panna in South China"


The food although seems simple but was superbly delicious. Yums!

Dessert which will be served almost towards the end of the program

Let the show begin!







After we were pretty much done with our dinner, this happened.



After the last performance ended, there was a short session for visitors to join in with the dancers in a simple dance. 


Not too bad? haha

Dinner ended close to 10pm actually. We were so full and kinda tired but decided to take a walk at the night market since it was along the way.

Okay, #truestory, I was very full so to speak till the point that my tummy hurt very very badly. I think because during that point of time, I was eating eat clean alot and my portions were very small. So when in Thailand, it was non-stop chow down. The pain wasn't the "I need to poop" kind of pain nor was is period cramps but I think can challenge. It felt like my diaphragm was stretched so much that something inside tore and an alien is bout to come out. What a way to describe it but... You figure it out yourself... haha. I was in so much pain that walking was such a chore and we were walking through the night market (mind you, the night markets here are like dragon-length) before we decided to call it a night. When we got back in the hotel I just slumped on the bed and got the boyfie to place a warm towel onto my tummy to ease it. From then on.. Note to self, not to overeat.

Phew, what a day it was but my Chiang Mai Trip is not done just yet! I still have our second last day to share. Till the next post! :)

Check It Out!

119 Ban-Luang, Amphur Chom Thong,
Chiang Mai, Thailand 50160

Tel. 0 5328 6728 - 9

185/3 Wualai Rd., Haiya, Muang,
Chiangmau 50100,
Thailand

Tel. (66.53) 202-993-5

Opens Nightly 7.00 - 9.00pm


22 comments:

  1. Wow!! Amazing pictures you have shared here. I would like to visit this place with my friends. You know it’s my dream to enjoy party at nice place like Los Angeles venues and visit Thailand with friends. I hope my wish will come true soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Everybody,
      My name is Ahmad Asnul Brunei, I contacted Mr Osman Loan Firm for a business loan amount of $250,000, Then i was told about the step of approving my requested loan amount, after taking the risk again because i was so much desperate of setting up a business to my greatest surprise, the loan amount was credited to my bank account within 24 banking hours without any stress of getting my loan. I was surprise because i was first fall a victim of scam! If you are interested of securing any loan amount & you are located in any country, I'll advise you can contact Mr Osman Loan Firm via email osmanloanserves@gmail.com

      LOAN APPLICATION INFORMATION FORM
      First name......
      Middle name.....
      2) Gender:.........
      3) Loan Amount Needed:.........
      4) Loan Duration:.........
      5) Country:.........
      6) Home Address:.........
      7) Mobile Number:.........
      8) Email address..........
      9) Monthly Income:.....................
      10) Occupation:...........................
      11)Which site did you here about us.....................
      Thanks and Best Regards.
      Derek Email osmanloanserves@gmail.com

      Delete

    2. Do you need Personal Loan?
      Business Cash Loan?
      Unsecured Loan
      Fast and Simple Loan?
      Quick Application Process?
      Approvals within 24-72 Hours?
      No Hidden Fees Loan?
      Funding in less than 1 Week?
      Get unsecured working capital?
      Contact Us At :oceancashcapital@gmail.com
      Phone number :+16474864724 (Whatsapp Only)

      LOAN SERVICES AVAILABLE INCLUDE:
      ================================
      *Commercial Loans.
      *Personal Loans.
      *Business Loans.
      *Investments Loans.
      *Development Loans.
      *Acquisition Loans .
      *Construction loans.
      *Credit Card Clearance Loan
      *Debt Consolidation Loan
      *Business Loans And many More:

      LOAN APPLICATION FORM:
      =================
      Full Name:................
      Loan Amount Needed:.
      Purpose of loan:.......
      Loan Duration:..
      Gender:.............
      Marital status:....
      Location:..........
      Home Address:..
      City:............
      Country:......
      Phone:..........
      Mobile / Cell:....
      Occupation:......
      Monthly Income:....

      Contact Us At oceancashcapital@gmail.com
      Phone number :+16474864724 (Whatsapp Only)

      Delete
  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. NOW LIFE IS WORTH LIVING WITH THE HELP OF EDWARD JONES FINANCE

    Hello Every One, My Name is Trevor Cohen live in Texas and life is worth living comfortably for me and my family now. I really have never seen goodness shown to me this much in my life as i am a struggling Dad with three kids and i have been going through a serious problem as my son encountered a terrible accident last week, and the doctors states that he needs to undergo a delicate surgery for him to be able to walk again, and i could not afford the bill for his surgery then i went to the bank for a loan and they turn me down stating that credit score was bad, from there i run to my father and some of my friends but they could not help, then when i was surfing through the net i came across a loan lender EDWARD JONES who provides loans at an affordable interest rate of 2% and i have been hearing about so many scams on the internet but at this time, in my desperate situation i had no choice than to give it a try and surprisingly it was all like a dream, i received a loan of $85,000.00 and i payed for my son surgery and thank GOD today he is okay and can walk. I could in turn start something profitable with the remaining amount and i said to my self that i will shout loud to the world of the wonders of GOD to me through this GOD fearing lender EDWARD JONES and i will advise anyone in genuine and serious need of loan to contact this GOD fearing Company via: Jonesloanfinance@yahoo.com OR Text him +1(307) 217-5388

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am grateful for this blog to distribute knowledge about this significant topic. Here I found different segments and now I am going to use these new instructions with new enthusiasm.
    รถ มือ สอง ไม่ ผ่าน คนกลาง

    ReplyDelete
  5. Do you need Personal Loan?
    Business Cash Loan?
    Unsecured Loan
    Fast and Simple Loan?
    Quick Application Process?
    Approvals within 24-72 Hours?
    No Hidden Fees Loan?
    Funding in less than 1 Week?
    Get unsecured working capital?
    Email us:(flourishloancredite@gmail.com
    Application Form:
    =================
    Full Name:................
    Loan Amount Needed:.
    Purpose of loan:.......
    Loan Duration:..
    Gender:.............
    Marital status:....
    Location:..........
    Home Address:..
    City:............
    Country:......
    Phone:..........
    Mobile / Cell:....
    Occupation:......
    Monthly Income:....
    Email us(flourishloancredite@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for sharing valuable information nice post,I enjoyed reading this post.

    crown casino

    ReplyDelete
  7. I like your blog,I sincerely hope that your blog a rapid increase in
    traffic density,which help promote your blog and we hope that your blog is being updated.
    casino iwin89 online

    ReplyDelete
  8. Here is the actually meritorious travelling for me professionally. Direction strait you're largely on the very best doodlekit When i identical-possessed witnessed. Invest with regards to putting up that will state-of-the-art information. That is meticulous exactly what When i has been with regards to searching for. order organic food online uk


    ReplyDelete
  9. The espy of hiring ridiculous invention seed was gaze gone. We freedom overseas our suffer container extra in canada that promised to adventure forehead novices coarse solitary everydays ESP. They downright made placement on scorns for numerous ascends. Withhold nullify-blooded of expedient notion which impetus mothers to harmonious partnering sophisticated them. Black granite


    ReplyDelete
  10. Do you need Personal Loan?
    Business Cash Loan?
    Unsecured Loan
    Fast and Simple Loan?
    Quick Application Process?
    Approvals within 24-72 Hours?
    No Hidden Fees Loan?
    Funding in less than 1 Week?
    Get unsecured working capital?
    Email:(perfectfinancialcredite@gmail.com)
    Application Form:
    =================
    Full Name:................
    Loan Amount Needed:.
    Purpose of loan:.......
    Loan Duration:..
    Gender:.............
    Marital status:....
    Location:..........
    Home Address:..
    City:............
    Country:......
    Phone:..........
    Mobile / Cell:....
    Occupation:......
    Monthly Income:....
    perfectfinancialcredite@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Do you need Finance? Are you looking for Finance?Are you looking for Finance to enlarge your business?We help individuals and companies to obtain Finance for business expanding and to setup a new business ranging any amount. Get Finance at affordable interest rate of 2%, Do you need for Finance business to clear
    your bills? Then send us an email now for more information I'll advise you can contact us via email at
    whatspp +16146620720
    abdullahibrahimlender@gmail.com
    Mr Abdullah Ibrahim

    ReplyDelete

  12. Hello Everybody,
    My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in Singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of $250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of $250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius, call/whats-App Contact Number +918929509036 via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Invest with 200$ and get a returns of 5,000$ within seven business working days.
    Why wasting your precious time online looking for a loan? When there is an opportunity for you to invest with 200$ and get a returns of 5,000$ within seven business working days. Contact us now for more information if interested on how you can earn big with just little amount. This is all about investing into Crude Oil and Gas Business.

    Email: investmoneyoilgas@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Do You Need a Loan, Loans from $20,000 - $10,000,000 00. Get your no obligation FREE quote now! Repayments up to 54 Months. No Collateral, Money paid into your account within 24 hours after approval. For more Info contact us today via email: fastloanoffer34@gmail.com whats-App +918929509036

    ReplyDelete

  15. Do you need Personal Loan?
    Business Cash Loan?
    Unsecured Loan
    Fast and Simple Loan?
    Quick Application Process?
    Approvals within 24-72 Hours?
    No Hidden Fees Loan?
    Funding in less than 1 Week?
    Get unsecured working capital?
    Email:flourishloancredite@gmail.com
    Application Form:
    =================
    Full Name:................
    Loan Amount Needed:.
    Purpose of loan:.......
    Loan Duration:..
    Gender:.............
    Marital status:....
    Location:..........
    Home Address:..
    City:............
    Country:......
    Phone:..........
    Mobile / Cell:....
    Occupation:......
    Monthly Income:....
    where did you hear about us ;
    flourishloancredite@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. EASY LOAN PROGRAM 

    During these uncertain economic times, many people are finding themselves faced with a situation where they could use some financial assistance. Whether it be for an emergency, home improvement, consolidating debt or even a family vacation – a low interest personal loan is a safe and reliable way to meet your financial needs. At Alta Finance LLC, we specialize in Reliable and efficient Loan funding programs.
     
    Kindly visit our website to know more about our services www.altafinance.org 

    Contact me via my personal email to know more about our lending process 
    Email: robertraymond@altafinance.org
    Whatsapp: +17026022533

    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Are you in financial crisis, looking for money to start your own business or to pay your bills? I got mine from Mike Fisher. My blank ATM card can withdraw $2,000 daily. I got it from Her last week and now I have $14,000 for free. The blank ATM withdraws money from any ATM machines and there is no name on it, it is not traceable and now i have money for business and enough money for me and my family to live on .*email: int.hackers002@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. DO YOU NEED AN URGENT LOAN???
    INSTANT AFFORDABLE PERSONAL/BUSINESS/HOME/INVESTMENT LOAN OFFER WITHOUT COST/STRESS CONTACT US TODAY VIA Whatsapp +19292227023 Email drbenjaminfinance@gmail.com

    Hello, Do you need an urgent loan to support your business or in any purpose? we are certified and legitimate and international licensed loan Company. We offer loans to Business firms, companies and individuals at an affordable interest rate of 2% , It might be a short or long term loan or even if you have poor credit, we shall process your loan as soon as we receive your application. we are an independent financial institution. We have built up an excellent reputation over the years in providing various types of loans to thousands of our customers. We Offer guaranteed loan services of any amount to people all over the globe, we offer easy Personal loans,Commercial/business loan, Car Loan Leasing/equipment finance, Debt consolidation loan, Home loan, ETC with either a good or bad credit history. If you are in need of a loan do contact us via Whatsapp +19292227023 Call/Text +1(415)630-7138 Email drbenjaminfinance@gmail.com
    ®Capital Managements Inc™ 2021.
    Share this to help a soul right now, Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  19. We offer certified and verifiable financial bank instruments via Swift Transmission from a genuine provider capable
    of taking up time bound transactions.
    FOR LEASING OF FRESH CUT BG/SBLC
    MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M
    LEASING PRICE = 4%+2%
    FOR PURCHASE OF FRESH CUT BG/SBLC
    MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M
    PURCHASE PRICE = 32%+2%
    Our BG/SBLC Financing can help you get your project funded,
    loan financing by providing you with yearly.
    RWA ready to close leasing with any interested client in few banking days
    I will be glad to share with you our working procedures.
    Name : Christopher Liam
    Email : trustedfinancemandate@gmail.com
    Skype : trustedfinancemandate@gmail.com
    WhatsApp: +13475948294

    ReplyDelete

You may also like:

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...