This Month's Destination
Year-end cool adventure holidays for the family - Northern exposure in Mae Sa Valley
CHIANGMAI, next to Bangkok, is the Thai destination Singaporeans have longest been aware of, and is remembered for its cool climate, forested hills, and the fabulous shopping at its famed night bazaar.
But a rash of hotel developments has turned the once sleepy hill resort into a bustling city. Now, those looking for the laid back Chiangmai charm of yore must incorporate into their itineraries a trip to the nearby countryside, so that their trips offer the best of both worlds.
Mae Sa Valley, about half-an-hour from Chiangmai, is a verdant retreat of thickly forested slopes dotted with terraced gardens, thatched cottages and best of all, plenty of places to immerse yourself in local culture and practice arts and craft.
At a 2,000 feet elevation, the days are not too hot for a wander through the botanic gardens or for a forest trek. Visitors can get a taste of the valley in as little as half a day, during which a cooking class might be a great way to start or finish. Crispy spring rolls and green papaya salad are among the favourites they get to make and eat, and experienced chefs turn out a proper lunch for those who can’t quite nip, tuck and slice properly. Head for the restaurant for fresh valley-grown greens cooked in fiery Thai style if you don’t fancy a DIY lunch.
Morning trips are the best time to take a hike, while the air is still fresh and cool and dew sits prettily on the temperate and tropical blooms growing on the slopes. Bicycles are also available for rent to those hoping to cover more ground, and hard-core trekkers can get guides to take them higher up the slopes.
Should you visit in the afternoons, the art and craft options are a great way to stay out of the sun.
Parasol or ceramic painting is a great way to channel your artistic energies into a souvenir of the holiday.
But watch your posture as some have been known to get so absorbed they walk away with a backache!
Other hands-on activities include sa paper making. This pretty artisan product becomes a unique work of art as you get the chance to arrange petals and leaves among the wet mulberry fibres, and leave with gorgeous sheets of your very own handmade paper.
An outdoor khantoke dinner is for many the highlight of a visit to the valley. The cool night air allows you to sit around a fire as course after course of northern Thai food are brought out and dancers weave their fancy footwork to folk rhythms.
Finally, those staying overnight in the valley will have time for activities such as Thai massage in the traditional health centre, or visits to the nearby elephant camp, lobster farm, or Meo tribal villages.
Also promising lots of colour is the Royal Flora International Horticultural Exposition in Chiang Mai. Horticulturalists and ordinary flower lovers will have a chance to see a riot of blooms in the largest such show the country is hosting.
As part of its offerings in this part of Thailand, Royal Orchid Holidays has dedicated hill tribe visits and trips to Mae Sa Valley, as well as itineraries combining these and a visit to the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek with a stay in Chiang Mai.
Customise all these with Royal Orchid Holidays, available in Singapore through Sunny Holidays.
Call 6767 6868
