Chiang Mai is the jewel of Northern Thailand, a beautiful city which can be found 800kms from Bangkok, following the Mae Ping River and lying close to the Burmese border.

The city of Chiang Mai is renowned for its arts and crafts, spa/massage, shopping and exciting outdoor activities.

A visit to Chiang Mai would not be complete with out a traditional Thai massage. The friendly locals (Lanna) have perfected the art of a number of massage techniques which have been practiced, developed, studied and passed down for centuries.

Other massages available in Chiang Mai’s multitude of spas are relaxing oil and aromatherapy massages and reflexology/foot massages which are extremely popular with tourists after a long day on their feet.

Make sure to put your bargaining boots on for a memorable visit to Chiang Mai’s famous night time bazaar, where you’ll be able to pick up everything from antiques to knock-off Cartier watches, handicraft souvenirs, cheap DVDs, exquisite Asian jewellery, colorful silk, and tailored suits.

Every evening, the centre of Chiang Mai comes alive as thousands of tourists flock to this iconic market to soak up the charm, chaos and craziness of it all as they wander through the countless pavement stalls and arcades.

For another quintessential Northern Thailand experience visit

Chiang Mai’s Mae Sa Elephant Camp were you can enjoy an elephant ride or alternatively you can watch these graceful creatures play soccer, paint their own masterpieces or you can play with them while they bathe.

Thrill seekers will enjoy the city’s Treetop adventure Ecotours which offers up an exhilarating opportunity to get in touch with your inner Tarzan with a one-day tour called Flight of the Gibbon.

This activity will see adventurers soar 2km through the rainforest in Chiang Mai using a series of tree houses, platforms, cables and “sky-bridges.”

In Chiang Mai, accommodation is easy to find and ranges all the way from reasonably priced guesthouses to first-class hotels.

The Montri Hotel is an excellent budget establishment fairly near to the Night Bazaar. Also near here is the 15-storey Imperial Mae Ping, an well priced contemporary hotel with stylishly decorated rooms, a Jacuzzi and an outdoor swimming pool.

The old city also offers several moderately priced choices you might want to check out including Chiang Inn Hotel & Lodge, Lanna Palace Hotel, Park Hotel, Royal Princess, Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel, Suriwongse Zenith and Downtown Inn, to name but a few.

Accommodation near the Mae Ping River ranges from inexpensive such as the Marena Inn Hotel, Galare Guest House and People Place, to the more luxurious establishments, such as the Diamond Riverside and Porn Ping Hotel.

Credits: etravelblackboard.com

Phuket Continues To Attract Holidayers

Known as ‘the Pearl of the South’, Phuket is reclaiming its position as Thailand’s key destination for honeymooners and families alike.
Located 860km south of Bangkok, Phuket is known for its sandy beaches, lush forest tumbling waterfalls and ancient shrines as well as its  Indo-Portuguese and Chinese architecture that reflect the turn of the century.

As more holiday-makers seek for adventure thrills, it seems Phuket is up-to-date with activities such as bungee jumping, shooting ranges, ATV offroading, go-carting, horse-riding and Muay Thai boxing.

On the other hand, the various white sandy beaches including Bang Tao beach, Kata Noi Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Kamala Beach, Surin Beach, Pansea Beach, Kata beach, Nai Yang beach, and Rawai Beach, provide much incentive for travelers, with scuba diving, sailing, sea canoeing and kayaking available.

Another contributing factor to Phuket’s attractiveness is its nightlife, with Patong Beach recognised as a hot spot for its clubs and dining options.

And with the great exchange rate, Phuket will continue to draw international visitors with its affordable accommodation and wide range of attractions.