Quick Chiang Mai questions
 

Hi,

Am traveling to Chiang Mai with my 6 mth son in a couple of weeks. Couple of questions.

1. Is it safe for my son?
2. Have been reading about Doi Suthep and would like to go. How long does that trip take?
3. Have also heard about going to a temple at dawn to see the monks walk? Does that sound familiar to anyone? How does one do that?
4. Recommendations on a spa?
5. Any other suggestions on what we can do?

those are quick questions?

To go up Doi Suthep, it took us ~30-45 minutes by Sangathew (we rented the whole thing, round trip for 400 Baht).

Be careful if you're prone to motion sickness. We are and had felt sick since we forgot the motion sickness tablets.

Your hotel can also arrange a private car to Doi Suthep. The driver will wait for you, and drive you back. Very reasonable rates, usually. And maybe more convenient with a baby.

The monks leave the temples around dawn and collect food in their alms bowls from residents, who will be on the sidewalks. But this doesn't happen at every temple in Chiang Mai, and it's not a huge procession like it is in Luang Prabang. I'd ask at your hotel about the best place to watch.

There are many things to do in and around Chiang Mai depending on your interests - visiting an elephant camp is very popular. If you search here under 'Chiang Mai,' you'll find hundreds of posts.

I note that the questions were quick, as advertised. Rizzuto's objection is overruled, ...again. It's the answers that may take longer.

Quick answers:

1. Yes, but not for you. HE will be spoiled rotten by Thais, and then YOU will have to deal with it when you get back.
2. The ENTIRE trip takes a minimum of 3 hours, if you just do Doi Suthep. If you go on to Phuping Palace or the Hill Tribe village at Doi Pui, figure 6 hours.
3. The monks go OUT of the temple to let people make their donations. If you're staying around Sompet market, that's a good place to watch.
4. Oasis. Lets Relax is also okay.
5. Perhaps he is still too young for the zoo, but it's a nice place for kids.

While in Chaing Mai last summer, I got up at 6:00 a.m. to experience the monks on their morning walk into the city from the monastery. First I went to a market to buy already prepared baskets of foods and beverages. Then I stood on a street corner along with many others and waited for the monks to show up. Soon hundreds of monks began appearing, generally in small groups. A group stops in front of you. Then you place the food in their baskets, bow down in front of them in the street and they say a prayer over you. Then they're on their way.

I highly recommend this experience.

Now I understand why Hizzoner Judge Pander has never gotten further than Putnam Square District Court.