| gonetraveling.com "I am a part of all that I have met. Yet, all experience is an arch where through gleams that untraveled world where margin fades, forever and forever when I move." |
| playing tourists |
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| With so many options of what to do in Chiang Mai, we decided we would start with a guided tour of the city and visit some of the attractions that Chiang Mai is most popular for (not including temples). Our adventure started as soon as we got in the Tuk Tuk, a psuedo-truck that resembles a three-wheeled motorbike with a bench seat for passengers, absent of either windows or doors. Its natural air conditioning made this our favorite way to travel in Thailand. For 500 baht (approx. $12 USD) we had the taxi and driver at our disposal for the entire day. Famous for their canned tours, he gave us his "premium tour" of Chiang Mai's Orchid Farm and Butterfly Farm, Snake School, Monkey School, Lacquerware Factory, Silk Factory, Gem Institute and more. It was almost as if we were on Willy Wonka's high-speed boat and couldn't get off. |
| 2002-2003 |
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| > thailand |
| > home |
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| Completely exhausted after just four hours (we rented the Tuk Tuk for six), we decided to end our tour early and save the remaining sights for another day, or two, or three. |
| NOTE TO THE THAILAND VISITOR: While we enjoyed the whirlwind tour of Chiang Mai in one day, you don't need to actually do it in one day. The inexpensive fare for a personal driver is part of a greater money-making scheme where the driver is paid a "tip" by each local business owner that they stop at. Regardless of the scheme, it is still the best way to see your first sights of Chiang Mai. And if you can find him (go to Gap's House), Kasem is an honest and expert tour guide. |
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