So when gong gong sprung up the idea of going to chiang Mai, this mummy just couldn't resist! Who wouldn't? Plus daddy was busy visiting the koalas and kangaroos in Sydney and the tulips in *click here* Amsterdam (*for work that is)... So why not??? Hahahhahaha...
Off we went! U must be wondering why po po didn't go as well....well, she was busy enjoying her time with her other grandchild, zach ha-min...
This was our first time visiting chiang Mai... Kinda weird destination as it wasn't a beach destination and neither was it a big city! But we just decided to go as gong gong heard its a big tourist spot but not sure why it was such a big hit....
To all mummies, be prepared as it isn't a stroller friendly place! (Unlike krabi and Phuket) I was not prepared as I left my baby carrier in Singapore... But we managed to just push through the uneven pavements and narrow busy roads with my trusty old 2nd hand stroller (which by the way is being overly used when we travel outside of Singapore).
But let's just say that there's nothing much to do in the city of chiang Mai itself... Many tourists would travel up north to the city of chiang rai as there's many sightseeing to do. The famous (wat rong khun) aka White Temple is worth a visit. But too bad we couldn't go as the travel journey was quite far by land for baby Si.
We decided to take the 1 day tour which by all means is well worth it. And it's baby friendly which is a BIG PLUS in this mummy's book. Paid 1000baht per person which includes:
. transport
. lunch buffet
. Elephant show and ride
One of my many "to do things" on my bucket list is to ride an elephant! Had many opportunities to do so (India, Phuket), but just didn't get to it... So happy that I finally got to check it off my list! But let me tell u, it will be my first n last time! Just like my bungy jumping experience (of coz bungy jumping is 100 times worse)... Let me tell u why, I've alwiz tot that people riding on elephants look so comfortable, serene, and calm! But it is NOT! So uncomfortable with the swaying that my butt hurt! The only person that enjoyed it was baby Si! So happy all throughout even under the HOT sun...I guess the extra cushion in her diapers is shock resistant!
The elephant show was really entertaining! They could play soccer, basketball, dance and even draw!!! (See pics)...baby Si got scared when the elephant came close to the audience! Gong gong had to sweep her away.
. Ox cart ride
Much much better than the elephant ride. And it had a shade! (See pics)
Along the ride, you can buy bananas and sugarcane to "reward" your ox and elephant.
. Bamboo rafting
Nice ride...but a bit too long in the heat of the afternoon sun! They should have put up a shade....doesn't cost that much does it? Well another option is we could have brought our umbrellas...oh well...
. Long neck village
Was looking forward to this the most... But was really disappointed when we found out from the tour guide that it wasn't an actual village! It's more like a show and tell kinda thing where a greedy business man paid a few long neck people to come n "stage and showcase" their way of living for all there eager tourists to see.
. Butterfly farm
Quite interesting as the butterflies would fly up close and personal... Baby Si got scared when a swamp of them came "attacking" her...
. Orchid farm
Really pretty, colorful, healthy looking orchids... Rows n rows of them!!!
Should have bought a few to beautify my apartment... But since we travel so much, I guess plants and puppies and all living things will just have to wait :( only cockroaches and lizards manage to survive...*yucks*
Ok this post is getting way to long...
So to cut the story short, lets just say other than that, as usual we visited the night n morning market (yummy food and shopping), massages almost every day (Thai massage 200baht and foot massage only 120baht <~ super duper cheap), Thai coffee n thai tea everyday and lots more...
One unique thing about chiang Mai city is that it had back alleys which is lined with small unique cafes, pubs, backpackers place, huts, guest houses, etc which are cute, quaint, nicely decorated, charming, pleasant. Gong gong said it reminds him of Japan alleys...
Gong gong managed to sneak in a Muay Thai boxing show while mummy n baby Si rested... Didnt think seeing sweaty wrestling adults and kids was worth it with baby Si! But gong gong enjoyed it...
Oh yeah, this will be the FIRST n LAST time also traveling just the 3 of us! If u know Thailand u would know why... All the *evil eyes and stares*!!!
My bro Jeff said gong gong should have bought a t-shirt from the night market that says, "THIS is my daughter and THIS is my granddaughter"!
OK Enough said...
P/s: thank you gong gong for the wonderful vacation!!!
Enjoy more pics ~> Click here
Oh yeah stay tune for our next "secret destination" adventure to celebrate baby Si 1 yr old bday!
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