Chayprapat Waithayakul  

The limitless imagination mixed with the charm of the city of mist. The embrace of a fresh stream and the fragrance of wild flowers come together to create a place of beauty.

By the No.23 kilometer marker on Mae Rim Samoeng Road passing Doi Inthanon. Khum Ruk Kaew lies on tour rai of beautiful hillside surrounded by a big wooden fence that attracts the eye at first glance.

Roses of all sizes and numerous flowers blossom together and the moss covered roof set the atmosphere for this place. All eight barns and 300 ox-carts are transformed into Northern-style residences including Ruan Somporn-Uthai, the main house. And Ruan Pum, Ruan Pap, Ruan Por and Ruan Rarin. The smaller houses. When my mind down and my eyes see the details, the amazing scene unfolds in front of me.

Every corner and every nook and cranny is tastefully decorated with valuable ancient pieces and every single one reflects the charm and enchantment of the people’s way of life, thoughts and local culture. Khum Ruk Kaew is like a paradise for those who love antiques. The only question is how mush time will be necessary to experience and appreciate all the art at Khum Ruk Kaew.

Dr. Somporn Ragrachagarn, the creator of this resort tells us how she began collecting antiques. She came across a small house owned by a merchant and was so impressed by it that she asked the merchant to build another like it.

Although the merchant had no experience in architecture, she trusted him and ended up with this beautiful place. After that, she fell in love with antiques because of it’s limitless imagination and principles. Therefore it is not surprising that Khum Ruk Kaew has become as unique and special as it has. Not only is the location interesting. But the food is also.

From the look in Dr. Somporn’s eyes, filled with passion for ancient art, and smiles from the cook, as everyone enjoyed their meal, made me realize that “Only passion is enough to create wonderful things Khum Ruk Kaew Resort is full of passion, happiness, and beauty. Maybe because of its charm and enchanting atmosphere, time cannot ruin or reduce the value this place.”

Khum Ruk Kaew : An Antique Resort Hotel
43/1 M.8 Pong Yaeng, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180
For more information please visit : http://www.khumrukkaew.com/

 Sankhamphang Hot Springs

The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Sankampaeng Cooperative Village collaborated in making improvement to the surroundings of Sankampaeng Hot Springs so that it could become a popular recreation area very near to Chiang Mai City. The spring is 34 kilometres from Chiang Mai by either the old Sankampaeng road or the newer bypass.

Sankampaeng Hot Springs is an ideal destination for those interested in health and well-being. A natural spring emitting water with high sulphur content, the spring is said to cure ailments and rejuvenate the body. The water has a temperature in excess of 100 degrees centigrade and the area is so active that there is ongoing research into how to tap the springs as a potential energy resource.

Sankampaeng Hot Springs is open daily and the admission fee for children is 15 baht and adult for only 30 baht.

Along the way to the hot springs, you will see the Mineral Watercourse  that many people sit and soak their feet.  This water temperature is about 45 degrees centigrade.  I’d done that too.  It’s feel very relax.

Other than The Mineral Watercourse, you can enjoy at the Mineral Swimming Pool or Mineral Bath.  Thai Massage is available here too.

If you would like to boil eggs.  You can buy fresh eggs at the shop near by the hot springs and try to boil them.

- Soft Boil = 3 Mins.

- Half Done = 9 Mins.

- Welldone = 10 - 15 Mins.

The water has a temperature in excess of 100 degrees centigrade.  You should be careful!

 After refreshing myself, It’s time to go back to Bangkok again.  That’s the end of our 3 days trip to Chiang Mai.  See you next time.

Chiang Daw Cave :
We woke up about 07:00 to had breakfast at the hotel and start our today trip at 08:30.  This morning we’re going to Chiang Daw Cave at Amphoe Chiang Dao, 72 kms north of Chiang Mai town, turn left at the entrance route and proceed for 5 kilometres on an asphalt road.  This cave is an electricity and oil lamps illuminate.  Chiang Dow Cave is one of the largest and most beautiful caves in northern Thailand.  The entrance is only 20 baht per person but you need to pay for the local guide and a lamp to walk along with you in the cave for 100 Baht per lamp.  1 lamp for 5 people.   This cave filled with grottos, Buddha images and many legends.  We walked and crawled through the cave complex for approximately 3 kilometres.

This was very exciting for us because we never been into the cave before.  At the front of the cave was colder than inside.   We’re really enjoy what they had in the cave.  It’s very beautiful that you can see some of the pictures that we posted here.  It took us about 1 hour to finish the trip in the cave.  Before we moved to the next place, we’re relaxed at the front of the cave with various kinds of fish swimming in a stream.

Sport X :
After lunch, we’re headed to get some adventure at Sport X.  Let’s drive ourself wild!!!  This place is located at Ampur Maerim.  They have 2 kinds of off road for you to choose Buggy and ATV.  We chose 2 buggies and 3 ATVs.  Because this trip we had children.  We decided that kids can ride and play in the trainning course.  The others will go the off-road track in Mae Rim.  We drove across road, field and go into jungle through the challenge adventurous mountain trails along to view point to see Mon Long Mountain.  This off-road trip time is about 1 - 4 hours depending on how much time you can stay in this place.  Unfortunately we had only1 hour to be here.  This is one of our unforgettable experiences.

Daily Program : 09:00 - 12:00 and 03:00 - 06:00

Sunday Night Market :
It’s shopping time!!!  This was the time that we’re waiting for.  Sunday Night Market located at Ratchadamnoen Road.  This is an absolute must that we plan to be in Chiang Mai.  This market has only on every sunday.  Relatively new to Chiang Mai it has become the most popular and busiest market attraction after the famed Night Bazaar and occupies four blocks along Ratchadamnoen road as it traverses the old town from Tapae Gate to the Three Kings Monument.  This place you can find variety of things such as art, handicrafts, souvenirs and more are accompanied by buskers, food stalls and lots of people.   

Cushion cover, scarves, candle holders, lampshades, jewelry, aromatherapy oil and so much more can also be found at the Sunday Market.  If you are running low on energy you can have something to eat from any of the food vendors.  You can also receive a Thai foot massage.  We are recommended that this market should not be missed.

Shopping Time : 17:00 - 24:00 (Sunday only) 

We’d finished shopping at Sunday Night Market at about 21:00.  Then we’re back to our hotel to have a bar BQ party there until 24:00.  What a great day! 

To be continue in day 3 …