Chiang Mai Travel Forum

Hi all,

I'll be in CM from Jan 7-10th and am figuring out what to do... I have a few q's that I'd love some help with:

1. What's the best way to travle from CM to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep? (rent a car? moped? taxi?) How much time should I allot?

2) I'd like to learn a little about meditation. Where would you suggest I do this?

3) Should I go rafting here? or down south? I'll be down south from the 11-17th.

THANKS!
Lana

I can only answer queston 1, I would hire a taxi to get there, and plan for about 3 hours including transit to/from Chiang Mai and up the hill. You can arrange for the taxi driver to wait for you. Note, I am not recommending a tuk-tuk, but a enclosed car! (A little harder to find.) I think you'll pay about 500 baht, or $15US.

Actually, I'll take a stab at #2, just because I thought of it. At Wat Chedi Luang in downtown Chiang Mai there were a few signs that said "Ask a monk", and that you should feel free to speak English and ask the monks there any questions you had. As I had a couple of Thai friends who had done thier service as monks I had already asked them all the questions I could think of, but that could be an option.

You can also take a songtaew if you are on a budget. The service, however, depends on the number of passengers. On the returning trip, I have to wait for 15 minutes before it has enough people. You can charter one too if you pay more.

Thanks for your suggestions. Much appreciated.

I agree with a prior post, a songtaew (communal taxi) is the best way to go to Doi Suthep. You being in Chiang Mai at the peak of the high season, I doubt you'd have much of a wait.

Three-hours should be enough.

I think the rafting is better in the north.

1) I have a transportation tip on how to get to Doi Suthep on your own on a budget.

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/82eb1/160f65/9/