Inspidea celebrated our 10th anniversary this year with the Tenniversary. The celebration was really all out, with an anniversary party in May and a 10-teams-for-10-cities company trip in December. Inspidea decided to go extra creative with its 10th anniversary. Instead of whole company went to one company trip, everyone, all in pairs randomly being group into a team of 10 (5 pairs). Afterwards each team played a game that will determined their holiday destinations (all within Asia). Our team actually won the best location; Taiwan!
But due to unforeseen circumstances, we could't go to Taiwan, instead we opt for the second option Chiang Mai, Thailand.
I could rant a lot regarding this situation (and yes even to this day I'm still mad, so many things can be solved easily but everyone just had to make things complicated - the higher ones especially) and here I guess it's painfully obvious I was annoyed.
Arriving Chiang Mai
Upon arrival, our team immediately went to tour section and we managed to book one van for the next three days. We decided to let the driver suggest us destinations.
We toughly already have plans for the next three days, but we allowed our tour guide to add any new itenaries along the way.
Sai Thong Guest House
We were debating between conventional stars hotels or boutiques. I suggested for boutique hotels since we wanted an interesting holiday. Luckily everyone agreed and i was given the duty to choose the hotel based on everyone' budget.
I picked up Sai Thong and my god i am so glad I'm did! the place is cozy and beautiful!
Exploring the City
Just us having breakfast at 7-11 and Tuk Tuk (An auto rickshaw is a motorized development of the traditional pulled rickshaw or cycle rickshaw. Most have three wheels and do not tilt) all around the city.
During the night we walked around the night market and encountered many drag performers. This is totally something new; you won't see this in Malaysia. At least openly.
And I become super addicted to the local Rotee - a popular Thailand snack of banana or mango pancake with sweet sauces like chocolate. While there I eat Rotee daily 😂
Thaphae Boxing Stadium
Our team decided to end the night by having the Muay Thai experience first hand. However most of us ended up feeling sleeping halfway haha...
Thapae Boxing Stadium in Chiang Mai and have the option to select standard, ringside, or VIP seats. The stadium is known for the high caliber boxers that perform, and you can skip the lines to this popular attraction by booking in advance. You may even be able to go ringside and snap photos with the boxers after their matches.
Wat Phra Singh
Wat Phra Singh is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. King Ananda Mahidol, the older brother of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, bestowed on it the status of Royal temple of the first grade in 1935.
I don't lie, I hate climbing those stairs 😂
Tiger Kingdom
Next stop is the Tiger Kingdom! Everyone have the opportunity to take photos with the adult tiger as part of our trip expenses. As for the cubs, they're optional. They're quite expensive but I thought to myself, "When else I might get this opportunity?"
Luckily my team didn't mind waiting for me while I'm enjoying myself with the cubs. It does felt weird these cubs act exactly like domestic cats (they're feline anyway duh) to know they one day will be way bigger than me (and they already heavier during this time).
Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai is part of a breeding program of tigers in Chiang Mai. Safe and controlled interaction with animals in the centre is an effective educational tool to encourage public awareness and understand of wildlife. The animals themselves have been socialized since birth and enjoy all the personal attention.
Bo Sang Umbrella Making Center
Located just to the east of Chiang Mai city, the village of Bo Sang (also written as Borsang) is famous for producing hand-made bamboo umbrellas and parasols. It’s a long-standing tradition and you only need to take a wander around Bo Sang to see how proud the community is of this heritage.
Bo Sang village (you will also find the spelling 'Bor Sang') is located about ten kilometers from Chiang Mai city. It is famous all over Thailand for paper umbrellas making. It is a monk who discovered umbrella making in Burma and launched it in the village more than a century ago.
Sankampaeng Hot Spring
I've been to several hot springs in Malaysia, and while they're hot, they're not as hot as Sankampaeng! We eventually bullied the youngest member and made him stay in the hot spring long 😂😂
Sankampang Hot Springs, Chiang Mai is situated about 23 kilometers away from Sankampang district and about 36 kilometers from the city. The spring is located in the scenic surrounding of the spectacular hills and in the shelter of the large and shady trees. After visiting the factories on Sankampang road, and if you are in love with nature then head away from the tourist trail and visit the Sankampang Hot Springs.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon is one of the most popular national parks in Thailand. It is famous for its waterfalls, few trails, remote villages, picturesque montane farms, viewpoints, sunrise/sunset watching, birdwatching and the all year round cold weather on higher elevations. The main park entrance is about 70 km southwest from Chiang Mai city center.
Sirithan Waterfall
Also known as "The Roof of Thailand", Doi Inthanon National Park covers an area of 482 km² in Chiang Mai province north of Thailand. The park is part of the Himalayan mountain range with elevations ranging between 800 and 2,565 meters asl. The highest peak at Doi Inthanon Mountain which is the highest mountain in Thailand. The park has high humidity and cold weather all year round.
Ang Ka Nature Trail
The park is named in honour of the king Inthawichayanon, one of the last kings of Chiang Mai, who was concerned about the forests in the north of Thailand and wanted to preserve it. After his death his remains were placed in the park as he ordered and the forest was renamed to Doi Inthanon.
Naphamethanidon
About 3km before the summit, set amid lush tropical gardens, the twin stupas of Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphapholphumisiri were built by the Royal Thai Air Force to commemorate the king’s and queen’s 60th birthdays in 1989 and 1992, respectively.
The elongated flowerbud shape of the red granite Naphamethanidon chedi is mirrored by the purple granite spire of the Naphapholphumisiri chedi, both constructed in a modernist style that marks them out from other monuments in northern Thailand. The two chedi enshrine Buddha images and bas reliefs of Buddhist scenes, and offer great views from their terraces.
Latern Festival @ Night Market
Chiang Mai is known for two things; it's night market (and the market become more extravagant on the weekends) and the lantern festival in November - and I was lucky to be able to experience both of them!
Yee Peng Festival in Chiang Mai (sometimes written as ‘Yi Peng’) is celebrated on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month ever year, which normally means mid-way through November, but this can vary. The Yee Peng lantern festival is held in November every year.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is the main neighbourhood for shopping and nightlife. It's a must-see while in the city. Its epicentre is located at the intersection of Chang Khlan and Loi Khroh, but the whole area spreads out for two blocks in either direction. Set up time is around sunset (usually about 18:00) and the festive energy continues unabated until about 22:30, with a few vendors remaining open even later.
While I'm still salty with the Taiwan incident, I'm glad Chiang Mai be able to offer me new, (probably) once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The trip also helps me to get to know few of my office mates and I ended up bonded with one of them :)
Last shot in front of Chiang Mai International Airport.
Finally we are back to Malaysia and arrived to Equatorial Hotel Selangor where all of us shared our adventures. I was in charge with our team video journey as I have taken the most photos (why am I not surprised haha). We all given beautiful batik scarf as a gift.
We are the only team to pose with all the stuffs we purchased during our trip.
One last photo or everyone before we all head back to KL.
I must say I'm quite proud with the outcome of the video. Could had shown less but it's hard! Each photos have a story and I couldn't skip any. It was a fun journey regardless.
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