Chiang Mai: Treehouses, Thai Cooking and The Golden Triangle
Arriving in Thailand. Chiang Mai was on my list of the cities I had to see. Even though it is inland. It offers so many unique and diverse attractions.
We checked into a hotel for the night and while browsing at the concierge desk I came across a pamphlet for the Treehouse Hideaway. A short drive north of Chiang Mai.
The Treehouse Hideaway had a car so they picked us up from the hotel and we drove into the thick, lush forests of northern Thailand.
Upon our arrival at the Treehouse Hideaway, I was immediately captivated by the scenery and rustic charm of the surroundings. Set amidst towering trees and verdant foliage, the treehouse accommodation offered a unique blend of comfort and adventure.
There were 6 of us in total in the treehouse however it could easily accommodate over 12. It was grand and not the average backyard treehouses we have come to know.
After settling in, they prepared lunch which was traditional Thai food and then you could relax for the afternoon.
Free Thai massages were offered and of course, I jumped on that freebie. These were all part of the package.
Day 2 came around and a guide approached us at breakfast to ask if we would enjoy a hike through the forests. We all said yes and were ready to go 15 minutes later.
He was very knowledgeable and pointed out plants that are used in traditional Thai medicine, cacao beans for chocolate, and just beautiful flora. As well as some forest creatures.
In the afternoon we signed up for a Golden Triangle Tour – a region where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge and was the Opium Growing Lands back in the day.
Upon reaching the Golden Triangle. We were told the history and significance of this area to Thailand. We had the opportunity to visit local villages, learn about the region’s rich history and culture, and even take a boat ride across the river to visit Laos Market for an hour or 2.
On the way back we stopped at the iconic White Temple – a dazzling masterpiece of Thai architecture and design. As we approached the temple, we were awestruck by its pristine white facade, adorned with intricate carvings and ornate embellishments.
Stepping inside, we were greeted by a dazzling display of murals and sculptures that depicted scenes from Buddhist mythology and Thai folklore. Each corner of the temple seemed to hold a new surprise, from the shimmering golden Buddha statues to the serene meditation gardens that surrounded the main hall.
On day 3 we woke up, had a lovely breakfast, and were transported to the nearby springs for a swim. It was secluded and overlooked a valley. It was a lovely end to a quick but unique tropical forest getaway.
We packed our bags and they took us back to the city where we had several other attractions waiting for us.
The next attraction on the list was to take a traditional Thai Cooking Class. We enrolled in the oldest school in Chiang Mai- The Thai Kitchen Cookery Centre
We started out with a trip to the local fruit and vegetable market where they pointed out the most used products in Thai cooking. We shopped for all of our ingredients and headed back to the cooking school.
For the full day package, you start with making your own curry paste from scratch. Then can choose from a few dishes for the starter you prefer to make. I chose Spring Rolls of course.
Next, you make your Red or Green Thai Curry from the paste you have made. Then your choice of a main- I chose Pad Thai and lastly your dessert.
All your meals are broken up throughout the day so you can enjoy your meal after it has been made.
After all your hard work and eating throughout the day, it’s time to say goodbye, but not before you are given a cookbook of all the recipes so you can recreate them at home.
Chiang Mai is filled with markets, restaurants, attractions, and more so if it’s not on your list to see when you visit Thailand, then make sure you add it!