The Chiang Mai story

A 45-minute flight from Bangkok takes you to North Thailand. As the plane descends, it affords an enchanting view of lush green mountains on all sides. This is Chiang Mai, Thailand’s quaint hill station that offers an mix of tradition and modernity.

Chiang Mai demands time, or if that is not an option, a proper plan.

On the first day, one can undertake the handicraft tour. The road leading to the Borsang village is a fascinating stretch filled with ceramic centres, silk stores, handicraft stores and at the end of the road — umbrella workshops. Borsang village is situated about 10km from the main town and is easily accessible by taxi.

Once in the village, you are greeted by a range of umbrellas, in the brightest of colours, for use in your terrace, gardens or just as a parasol. The Thai artisans work with deft fingers, getting the wooden skeleton of the umbrella done first, then pasting the paper on the skeleton and finally painting it with bright motifs. They sit on low stools and are very willing to pose for photos. If interested, they even ship the umbrellas back home for you.

Next on the cultural trail is the Celadon pottery store, home to exquisite pale green pottery. Although slightly expensive, a tiny cup or plate makes for a good souvenir.

Another village worth a visit is Baan Tawai which is located about 30 minutes from the main city. Filled with big and beautiful handicrafts it beats a visit to any shopping mall. Baan Twai for the longest time was the largest handicraft village in Thailand, having earned a world wide reputation for its skills and craftsmanship.

On the second day, if looking for a little rustic adventure the Patara Elephant Farm is a good choice. The farm is a rural setting from which you can spot plenty of elephants lazing around, eating or standing patiently.

Pat, our instructor gave us a simple presentation on how the elephant is very important to the environment. Then we faced our practical sessions.

Each elephant had two people taking care of it. Pat first showed us how to check if the elephant is in a good mood, how to feed it, communicate with it, to check its health and how to tell him to sit, stand and walk. We even got to bathe our elephant.

For the more adventurous there is an added task — climb up the elephant and take a ride on his bare back (head actually) to a nearby waterfall. Here awaits a sumptuous Thai picnic of sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves, paad thai noodles, coconut sweets and exotic fruits like rambutan, sapodilla and mangosteen. After the meal, we fed the vegetarian leftovers to the elephants.

If food is on your mind in Chiang Mai, a meal at the Empress Hotel, preferably for lunch, is a must. There is also the Chao Nang Coffee Shop which offers a buffet with traditional Thai, Chinese and western cuisine and lip-smacking desserts.

Later in the evening if you are up to it, pay a visit to the most famous temple in Chiang Mai, the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Situated at a height of 3,500 ft it is accessed by a winding road. Once you get there you can choose to climb the 300 odd steps up or take the cable car to the top to visit the temple. A few prayers later, you have your reward: a spectacular view of Chiang Mai city.