VIP Bus Chiang Mai Luang Prabang Vang Vieng

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“Let’s fly!..fly AWaY!” JunGLe FLiGhT

The best adventure in Chiangmai

I enjoy getting lost. Taking a map, my camera, some water, and follow some deserted mountain road, looking down on valleys, looking over mountain ranges. This is how I found the beautiful little village of Baan Namkhong just a few weeks ago at the end of a winding road, in an area where my maps show absolutely nothing. They couldn’t be more wrong. At the altitude of 1050 metres, this little community is surrounded by ancient lush jungle, huge timeless rubber trees, amazing green scenery, and deep silence and serenity.

That is, until an adrenalin-fuelled scream breaks the silence.

This is the home of Jungle Flight, Chiang Mai’s ultimate jungle adventure: sliding from giant tree to giant tree on cables for over two kilometres, sometimes as high as 40 metres above ground. It is difficult to let go, to jump into thin air at first, but then, the flow carries you away quickly. If you are longing for some thrill, but bungee jumping is a bit steep for you, I think Jungle Flight is just what you have been looking for. However, you will find yourself at the end of a rope all the same, and I tell you that tree is coming real fast as well!

tree up close!

Take a deep breath. Just let it happen to you. Once the first adrenaline rush is over, and those shaking legs support you firmly again, you will find yourself looking at the jungle from a completely different angle, surrounded by treetops, wild orchids – and the word “depth” gets a whole new meaning. There is something timeless and ancient about Jungle Flight, which in a way reminds me of snorkelling.

silent giants

Our guides Pang and Yud are great with people, they know how to make people relaxed, how and when to tease or encourage. We all received lots of personal attention. The guides showed us coffee beans, flowers, a bees’ nest, gave us plenty of time to stop and admire the view, there was time for joking and fun.

When I asked what happens if someone doesn’t have enough momentum and stops in the middle of the cable, they showed me – they left me hanging there in the air, like a giant bird stuck in the canopy. That was the most carefree moment of my past couple of months, in the middle of nowhere. It is amazing too how quickly strangers bond on top of a tree.

It is a crazy idea to slide between trees when you first look at it, but at second glance, it looks perfectly safe. The longest and highest ziplines have two cables running parallel, and you get secured to both during your flight. The three abseil sections also have double safety lines. You are always attached to a wire while standing on any of the 22 platforms or walking the two wobbly skybridges. The guides hook you to the right places all the time, you cannot make a mistake. All equipment was imported, complies with international safety standards, and so does the safety training received by all the guides.

down here?! – no way!

At the very end, to descend from the last platform, you have no choice but to leap into the abyss – an eight-storey gap in the middle of a platform. You can ask to be lowered slowly or to have it with more of a free-fall twist. All I can say about this bit is that screaming actually does help.

There is a little bit of steep jungle walk back to the village, where a tasty lunch awaits the returning members of the expedition. You may also buy locally made herbal tea, honey, herbal pillows, or a Jungle Flight t-shirt. The restaurant overlooks the jungle and more giant trees, where you may wind down and share your favourite moments.

my favourite trees

The tour price is 2,200 baht for the entire 7-hour adventure, and includes round trip transfer, water, insurance, and a short stop at the local hot springs on the way back. You need to pay extra for lunch. If you choose an early pick-up time (6 to 6:30 a.m.) or a late afternoon adventure (leaving at 1-1:30 p.m.), the discounted price is 1,980 baht. You need to be taller than 120 centimetres and weigh less than 150 kilos to sign up.

that’s me at the end of my rope

Seven additional platforms will be completed by the end of April, including the longest zipwire in Thailand – 260 metres. There are plans for a daily ticket with unlimited number of rides. Personally, I can hardly wait for that one!

the longest cable at the moment – 130 metres

I think it is great value for money. First, it may sound too much for a daytrip, but just compare it to what the normal price of a bungee jump is. Jungle Flight takes three hours, you get to ride the longest zipline in Thailand, marvel at the jungle up close and from a bird’s eye view, and actually feel like a bird. It is as close as you can get to flying, something we all dream about. It is an adventure of a lifetime. The only problem is, you may get addicted!

jungle staircase

Your money also helps the local community. This little Khamu hilltribe village of 30 families is too high in the mountains for rice farming, so, the coffee plantations provide the main income. Jungle Flight brings in much needed income and jobs to the village while respecting the community. Part of the profits go towards funding a school van and school lunches to all children in the village, as well as towards maintaining the narrow winding road and providing clean water. Socially responsible businesses like Jungle Flight benefit local people, give them alternatives to cutting down the precious jungle, and are worthy of your support.

Baan Namkhong village

Also, a homestay scheme will be up and running in the near future, which should attract people looking for peace and quiet away from the city, overlooking the mountain ranges. The climate is noticeably more pleasant at this altitude, the trees are still green, an ideal place to escape to in the upcoming hot season.

The price includes transfer but if you would like to “get lost” on your own, head out of Chiang Mai on the Chiang Rai highway for 27 kilometres. At the sign to the Sankamphaeng hot springs, turn right and go a further 4 kilometres. Then follow the Jungle Flight signs for another 13 kilometres up the hills. It takes one hour to get there. A 105 cc motorcycle can just about make it, but that is not something I would like to try again.

I would like to thank the owner of Jungle Flight, Mr Songsai Mangklad (Sonny) for inviting me for a site inspection. Sonny gave me the grand tour personally and took care of me all along the way.

Bettie

http://www.thai-blogs.com, supported by Jungle Flight

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Getting Around Chiang Mai (New Version)

Planning a Trip

Arriving By Plane — When planning your trip, keep in mind that Chiang Mai has international links with major cities throughout the region. Lao Airlines (tel. 05322-3401; http://www.laoairlines.com) connects Chiang Mai to Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos four times each week. Air Mandalay (tel. 05381-8049; http://www.airmandalay.com) has limited flights to Yangon and Mandalay, in Myanmar (Burma). Silk Air (tel. 05390-4985; http://www.silkair.com), the regional arm of Singapore Airlines, connects Singapore with direct service three times a week. Budget option Tiger Airways (tel. 02351-8333; http://www.tigerairways.com) connects Chiang Mai to Singapore four times a week. Thai Airways has direct services from Kunming in Yunnan, Southern China. For international reservations in Chiang Mai, call tel. 05392-0999.

Domestically, Thai Airways (240 Phra Pokklao Rd.; tel. 05392-0999; http://www.thaiair.com) flies from Bangkok to Chiang Mai nine times daily (trip time: 1 hr. 10 min.). There’s a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket daily (note the return sector is not direct). The daily 35-minute hop is also the fastest way to get out to Mae Hong Son. Bangkok Airways has an office at the airport in Chiang Mai (tel. 05328-1519, or 02229-3434 in Bangkok; http://www.bangkokair.com) and flies at least twice daily from Bangkok.

For rock-bottom prices, check with new budget carriers such as Air Asia (tel. 05392-2170; http://www.airasia.com); they fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for as little as 800B (US$22/£12). Nok Air (tel. 05392-2183 or tel. 1318; http://www.nokair.com) offers similar deals (book well in advance via the Internet, or via ticketing agents listed on their sites), while SGA (tel. 02664-6099; http://www.sga.co.th) works in tandem with Nok Air to provide connections to Chiang Rai and Pai from Chiang Mai. One-Two-GO (tel. 05392-2159; http://www.fly12go.com) also has regular flights.

Chiang Mai International Airport (tel. 05327-0224; about 30 minutes from Old Town) has several banks for changing money, a post and overseas call office, and an information booth. Taxis from the airport are a flat 100B (US$2.85/£1.55) to town, a bit more for places outside of Chiang Mai proper. Buy a ticket from the taxi booth in the arrival hall, and then proceed to the taxi queue with your ticket.

By Train — Of the seven daily trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the 8:30am Sprinter (11 hrs.; 611B/US$17.45/£9.40, second-class air-conditioned seat) is the quickest, but you sacrifice a whole day to travel and spend the entire trip in a seat. The other trains take between 13 and 15 hours, but for overnight trips, second-class sleeper berths are a good choice (881B/US$25/£14 upper berth, air-conditioned; 791B/US$23/£12 lower berth, air-conditioned). Private sleeper cabins are also available, but at 1,353B (US$39/£21), the cost is the same as flying.

Purchase tickets at Bangkok’s Hua Lampong Railway Station (tel. 02223-7010 or 1690) up to 90 days in advance. For local train information in Chiang Mai, call tel. 05324-5363; for advance booking, call tel. 05324-2094. Reservations cannot be made over the phone, but you can call and check to see if space is available.

By Bus — Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are many and varied: from rattle-trap, non-air-con numbers to fully reclining VIP buses. The trip takes about 10 hours. From Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal close to the Mo Chit BTS (tel. 02936-2841), six daily, 24-seater VIP buses provide the most comfort, with larger seats that recline (755B/US$22/£12). There is also a frequent service between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, Phitsanulok, and Chiang Rai.

Most buses arrive at the Arcade Bus Station (tel. 05324-2664) on Kaeo Nawarat Road, 3km (2 miles) northeast of the Thapae Gate; a few arrive at the Chang Puak station (tel. 05321-1586), north of the Chang Puak Gate on Chotana Road. Expect to pay 60B to 150B (US$1.70-US$4.30/95p-£2.30) for a tuk-tuk, and just 30B (85¢/45p) for a red pickup, songtaew, to the town center and your hotel.

Visitor Information

The TAT office is at 105/1 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd., 400m (1,312 ft.) south of the Nawarat Bridge on the east side of the Ping River (tel. 05324-8604). There are a couple of free magazines available at hotels and businesses — Guidelines Chiang Mai, Welcome to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and What’s on Chiang Mai — which contain maps and useful information. You can also find any of a number of detailed maps distributed free, chock-full of adverts for local shopping, dining, and events.

City Layout

The heart of Chiang Mai is the Old City, completely surrounded by a moat (restored in the 19th century) and scattered remains of the massive wall, laid out in a square aligned on the cardinal directions. Several of the original gates have been restored and serve as handy reference points, particularly Thapae Gate to the east. The most important temples are within the walls of the Old City.

All major streets radiate from the Old City. The main business and shopping area is the 1km (2/3-mile) stretch between the east side of the Old City and the Ping River. Here you will find the Night Bazaar, many shops, trekking agents, hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants — and some of the most picturesque backstreets in the area.

To the west of town and visible from anywhere in the city is the imposing wall of Doi Suthep Mountain, where, at its crest, you’ll find the most regal of all Chiang Mai Buddhist compounds, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, standing stalwart as if to give its blessing to the city below. The road leading to the temple takes you past a big mall, a strip of modern hotels, the zoo, and the university.

The superhighway circles the outskirts of the city and is connected by traffic-choked arteries emanating from the city center. If driving or riding a motorbike in Chiang Mai, the many one-way streets in and around town are confounding. The moat that surrounds the city has concentric circles of traffic: The outer ring runs clockwise, and the inner ring counterclockwise, with U-turn bridges between. The streets in and around the Night Bazaar are all one-way as well. This means that even if you know where you’re going, you’ll have to pull your share of U-turns.

Getting Around

By Bus — There are five routes in and around the city, each charging a fixed 10B (30¢/15p) fare. Services start at 6am, finish close to 10pm, and run approximately every 15 minutes. From Chang Puak Bus Station, there is frequent, inexpensive bus service to the nearby craft villages of Sankampaeng and Bo Sang, and to Lamphun.

By Songtaew — Songtaews (red pickup trucks) cover all routes. Fitted with two long bench seats, they are also known locally as seelor (four-wheels). They follow no specific route and have no fixed stopping points. Hail one going in your general direction and tell the driver your destination. If it fits in with the destinations of other passengers, you’ll get a ride to your door for only 15B to 30B (43¢-86¢/20p-45p). Some drivers will ask exorbitant fees as if they are a taxi (especially when they’re empty); let these guys just drive on. If you can deal with a bit of uncertainty along the confusing twist of roads, a songtaew is a great way to explore the city.

Songtaews can also take you up to the top of Doi Suthep Mountain for 40B (US$1.15/60p) and only 30B (85¢/45p) for the easier downhill return trip.

By Tuk-Tuk — The ubiquitous tuk-tuk (motorized three-wheeler) is the next best option to the songtaew for getting around Chiang Mai. Fares are negotiable — and you will have to bargain hard to get a good rate — but expect to pay at least 40B (US$1.15/60p) for any ride.

When talking prices, it is good to write it down on a scrap of paper, so there is no argument when you get there and the driver asks for 200B (US$5.70/£3.10) instead of the 20B (60¢/30p) you agreed on.

By Car — Avis has an office conveniently located at the airport (tel. 05320-1798; http://www.avisthailand.com). Avis self-drive rental rates for Chiang Mai are the same as they are elsewhere in Thailand, from 2,500B and up (US$71/£38) for a compact sedan. Budget has an office at the airport and offers comparable rates and services; contact them at tel. 05320-2871 (www.budget.co.th). Both companies offer comprehensive insurance and provide good maps — even a mini guidebook.

There are dozens of local car-rental companies with sedans for 1,200B to 1,800B (US$34-US$51/£18-£28) per day, and Suzuki Caribbeans (oft-derided as a death trap) for as low as 1,000B (US$28/£15) per day. Most travel agents will arrange a car and driver for about 1,600B (US$45/£25) per day.

By Motorcycle — Many guesthouses along the Ping River and shops around Chaiyaphum Road (north of Thapae Gate in the Old City) rent 100cc to 150cc motorcycles for about 200B (US$5.70/£3.10) per day (discounts for longer durations). Larger 250cc Hondas (as well as others) with good suspension are commonly available and are the best choice for any trips up-country because of their added power and large fuel tanks; they rent for about 700B (US$20/£11). Helmets are mandatory — even if locals tend to ignore this law, they may be able to wriggle out of arrest, but as a foreigner, you won’t be let off lightly. Expect to leave your passport as security (don’t leave any credit cards). Traffic congestion and confusing one-way streets make riding within the city dangerous, so if you are tempted, employ defensive driving techniques and take it slow.

By Bicycle — Cycling in the city is fun and practical, especially for getting around to the temples within the Old City. Avoid rush hour and take great care on the busy roads outside of the ancient walls. Bikes are available at any of the many guesthouses in or around the old city and go for about 30B (85¢/45p) per day.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com

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TreKKinG TiPs!

To do Trekking in Chiangmai the following trekking tips might help you to enjoy your adventurous trekking for once in a life time!.

What you need for trekking

– Medicines for headache or stomached, balm, band and etc.

– Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste

– Towel

– Tissues

– T – shirts

– Jacket

– Sunglass, a cap

– Pants or trousers

– Sneaker / Sport shoes / hiking shoes ( rainy season )

– A pair of slippers

– Short pants

– Swimming suit

– Flashlight

Trek included

– Meal on a trek included the first day lunch to the last day lunch.

– Trekking equipment for instance : rucksack; sleeping bag ; mosquito

net, life jacket, blanket

– Transportation ( by pick up truck )

– Accommodation

– Traveling insurance

o Bodily injury coverage is up to 100,000 bath for medical expenses. However, tooth injury is not insured by the insurance.

o Coverage maximum 200,000 bath in case of death.

– Left baggage, Valuable belonging in the safety box and storage.

***Remark*** : At present, opium cultivation by the tribes people in Thailand is no longer to be seen. Frigid vegetables and flowers have been introduce into the area to replace opium. However, narcotics are still used in the form of illustration or advertisement by some trekking companies and guides to attract customers, aiming for their sole benefit. This might cause great damages to tourism industry at large.

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Chiangmai Car Motorbike Rental

if you like to be free to go where you want, when you want, at your own pace, driving is a good solution. It is not as difficult as it seems to some people and it is not as easy as it seems to others. You must be an experienced and confident driver because in Thailand it is tricky and not only because they drive on the wrong side of the road. If you’re from the UK , you’ll be ready!

Fact is, Thais don’t learn how to drive before using a car, it will come as no surprise that they have a very high rate of road casualties. A liking for heavy drinking (beware at night) and the widespread use of mobile phones don’t help. But if your careful for two you should manage.

To visit the city and its close surroundings, like the Doi Suthep, the Sankampaeng road (factories, hot springs, Borsang village) or the Mae Rim area (elephant camp, orchid and snake farms, waterfalls) a motorcycle is more than enough.
You can choose a full automatic scooter or a semi automatic one (auto clutch) better suited if you go in the mountain. Prices should vary from 100 baht to 300 baht a day (gas not included).

Note that there is no full coverage insurance, in fact if you’re the culprit, you’ll pay for any damage you cause. Nobody in the rental shop will ask you for a driving licence, but you better have an international driving licence ready if you  ever need your own insurance to work. You will be asked to leave your passeport or a photocopy + 2,000 baht in deposit.

The police will not stop foreigners if they wear the customary helmet, most rental shops will propose some filthy plastic bowls for free… they are helmets. You may prefer to spend 300 baht to get a brand new one, especially if you’re to spend a few days riding the countryside. 300 baht is also the price for the ticket if your caught not wearing a helmet. Past the 15 of the month, chances are greater to see policemen on the hunt (nothing to do with the lunar calendar, it is just that their meagre income doesn’t last that far).

If you want to go farther away from Chiang Mai, like the Golden Triangle, the Mae Hong Son loop, or the Doi Inthanon Park, you’ll need a car. You’ll find local rental shops or international names in the city. The cheapest car you can rent is a Suzuki Carribean, 4WD, the closest thing you’ll find to a tin can. But at 800 baht a day it’s a good deal. Otherwise a good full automatic sedan is enough to deal with the roads as long as you don’t venture into side tracks.

Gas stations are plentiful, only a few accept credit cards, so be sure to have some cash with you.

On the mountain roads, trucks and buses can be agonisingly slow. Overtaking is an art you have to master if you don’t want to be stuck in dense black fumes for 10 minutes. There are no rules, Thais can overtake in curves, or just 200 meters from you. There is only one thing to do, stay on the left side as much you can and stop if necessary because the incoming car won’t.

Expect to be stopped by the police along the way (at least 3 times if you go to Chiang Rai). They may or may not check your papers, your car, yourself… just smile and hope they like the football team of your home country.

A number to remember : 1155, that’s the Tourist Police. In case of problems, they’re the ones you need to contact. Don’t let the local police handle your case.

For more information please contace us:

Queen Bee Travel Service the best! car & motorbike rental in Chiangmai

recommended by Lonely Planet!

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Toyota Sport Rider 3.0 4WD Air Con.

Flight Of ThE GiBbOn

     

Flight of the gibbon

  is a one day tour including : about three hours in the canopy on cables and bridges, one hour trekking alongside Mae Kompong waterfall, about one hour having time for lunch and visiting the village. Add 45 minutes to one hour travel time each way. Allow 7 hours from pick up time.    Included in Flight of the Gibbon package is a visit to the unique village of Mae Kompong where time has stood still. Once a poppy growing area and a bastion of hill tribes, it is now home to a small community of forest dwellers who cultivate tea and coffee plantations. Experience the culture of the local people who are ready to show you the way of life from a bygone era. Hang out in the tea house and shoot the breeze or stay overnight and sample traditional cooking and crafts         

Chiangmai Trekking Mae Tang 3Days 2Nights

DAY 1 09.30 a.m. Departure Chiang Mai for local market (Mae Malai) pick up truck about 1 hour. Continue driving to Akha village for 1.5 hours. Lunch will be served. Start trekking to visit Karen village about 2 hours. Keep on walking to another Karen village. Dinner overnight.  DAY 2 After breakfast, hiking for 2 hours to visit Karen village. Lunch en rout. Walk to the elephant camp for 20 minutes. A memorable elephant riding for 1.5 hours to absorb beautiful natural view. A trek to visit Lahu village about 30 minutes. Dinner overnight.

DAY 3 After breakfast, get ready for an advanturous bamboo rafting from Lahu to Shan village for 2-3 hours. Lunch will be served. Adrive by pick up truck to visit the waterfall. Walking to visit the waterfall about 2 hours. Enjoy shower and relaxation. Return to Chiang Mai and drop off at 4.30 p.m.

Chiangmai Thai Cookery Course

 

 

  

 

Chiang Mai Thai Cooking Courses half-day, one-day, two-day courses, as well as a short evening course. All of our courses are completely “Hands- on” and in each course each student prepares and cooks a starter, a selection of main courses, and a dessert.

Depending upon which Thai Cooking course you choose, 
course activities inclusive:

1. Visiting a local market
2. Assembling curry pastes “From scratch”
3. Learn how to buy Thai ingredients
4. Learn how to cook sticky rice
5. Learn how to combine season sauce to balance the flavors
6. All the ingredients for cooking
7. Each student has his or her own cooking station
8. Learn how to make dipping sauce
9. 6 dishes per day
10. Vegetable and fruit carving
11. Drinks tea, coffee , water
12. Color recipe book
13. Transportation is provide upon request

For more information contact:

Email: queenbeetours@gmail.com

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Chiangmai Motorbike Rental Open Roads and Eyes Opening Views

For a vacation that combines your passion for riding a motorcycle with stunning scenery, a warm climate and relaxed surroundings, Chiangmai is the place to visit. Explore the wide open spaces and diversity of unspoiled landscapes via an extensive roading system that takes you through one of the world’s most beautiful city where it is called “ The Rose of the North”.

Feel the freedom of the clean, green environment, the fresh air and amazing scenery

Chiangmai’s stunning landscapes, lush forests and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. Society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural. The honesty, friendliness, and openness of “Kon Muang”(native Chiangmai local people) will impress you. Doi Suthep mountain rises 1,676m above and be hide the city makes it visually striking, providing a picturesque back drop.  That will leave you asking yourself why you haven’t come sooner.

However the biggest advantage of Chiangmai is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are within easy riding distance of each other!

Join Chiangmai Motorbike Rental for the Ride and Time of your Life

Whether you’re a seasoned motorcyclist or a relative new comer, we can help you take the ride of your life

So congratulate yourself on the best holiday decision you’ve ever made and join Chiangmai Motorbike Rental by Queen Bee number one motorcycle rental and tour company on a motorcycle adventure of a lifetime.

Contact: http://www.queenbeetours.com

Email: queenbeetours@gmail.com

Trekking Chiangmai Whitewater Rafting Mae Tang

08.30 Pick up from your accommodation and a drive by pick up truck for 1.30 hours to Shan village. Visit Orchid & Butterfly farm en route.Drop off at the elephant camp.

10.00 Memorable elephant ridding through the jungle for an hour.

12.00 Lunch will be served. Thai food dish (fried rice or pad Thai and fruit)

13.30 Crossing the Tang River by hanging basket.

14.00 Hiking 45 minutes to visit water fall, enjoy sight seeing and swimming.

15.00 Get back to the raft station, safety orientation by the raft instructor.

15.30 Exciting a rapid White Water Rafting and Bamboo rafting for 1 hour.

16.30 Drive back to Chiangmai Make a stop at Akha hilltribe.Drop off at the hotel at 6.00 p.m.

Please contact us for more information

Queen Bee Travel Service

Tel 6653 275525, 6653 208988

Email: queenbeetours@gmail.com

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