As you all know by now, I spend almost all my weekends in Thailand. And, over the Christmas period, I travelled one week to Chiangmai and Mae Hong Son. Temperatures were 5 – 18C, lower if you are up there in the mountain tops. Visited the National Parks & resorts, enjoyed the fresh air, dry season, mists, mountain views, rivers and reservoirs, and nice people.
A number of Singaporeans enjoy great holidays in 5 star hotels and fabulous buffets. For a change, I like to share with you another type of holidays. Camping and tenting in the mountain and national parks of Thailand’s north. No hotels to stay. Clean and safe, with toilets (no hot water) and good roads. Two persons in a 4 persons tent. Enjoy the scenery and air. Eat only fresh vegetables from breakfast to dinner.
Two years ago, a few of us including Oi Cheng and Ann Giri went up to the above described places. We enjoyed it, because there was no shopping.
This year, I am pretty determined to organise something bigger for SHC members only. Fly Singapore/Chiangmai, arrive at 6am at Chiangmai airport. And, immediately whisked to the mountain resorts. Hopefully, the return flight will cost us $180. There are no hotels to book, I suggest you start to look for a 2 – 4 person tent (costing around $40 – 50) and share. For tent mates, make sure you find acceptable snoring partners. Sound travels far at night, even in different tents.
Food and fruits, we share, cannot cost a bomb. If we cannot cook, I might look for a local cook to travel with us. And, last depending on numbers, we will travel in 10-11 seater vans. We share cost of transportation.
For those who loves cycling, walking, fresh air, quiet surroundings, waterfalls, and consider. And, we will be comfortable, have fun and safe. Even, if the trip is just to chat among friends, consider join this trip. The date Tue 18 – Tue 25 Nov 2008. Your thoughts?
Here are the list of dreamers. The ones who wants to see the stars, be a veg for a week, bathe in cold water, wants fresh air, and a comfortable tent. This list is tentative until 31 Aug 2008.
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Andrew Yeung
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Kathy Dng
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Gingko Tay
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Veronique Lee
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Alice Seah
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Rene Leong – 51% participatiang
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Norlinda
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Su Zhang
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Joyce Tan
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Kenneth Tan
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Caroline Gee -
Oi Cheng
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CJ Ang
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Ann To
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Janet Chan
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Ann To
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Dee Ang
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Alice Teo
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LH Jie
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Molly Chua
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Andrew Kuan
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Ron Koh
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Lily Ho
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Melissa Khng
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June Lim
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Sompho
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Terence Seah – definitely on.
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Dan Huang
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Mary Chan
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Grace Wong
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Eyvonne Chew
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Gwyneth Lee
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Ron Koh
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Ros Chan
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Cheryl Ho
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Elizabeth Hwang
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Margaret Tian
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Sompho Homjumroon
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Charles Chua
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ChristinaCL Chan
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Annie Loh – 51% attending
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Margaret Chan
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William Chan
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Helen Wong
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Daisy Yeo
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All names above are pending leave approval, available of hot water, comfortable tents and acceptable sleeping partners. Closing date 31 Aug 2008.
Terence Seah
Here’s my Talentime debut
“Now come and sing “yolay hee who”
with your ole little lady too”
Love mountain climbing when younger. Climbed many in Asia incl Ophir, Gunong Tahan, Kinabalu.
“Two persons in a 4 persons tent..” Any local rental. How much. Is the other person included as an option? (hee hee)
Seriously, Why don’t we form an Adventure Group. Nothing fanciful. Just mild mountain walks and river rafting down waterfalls. Want more excitement and challenge? Just climb and raft the vertical drops.
The Adventure Group can invest in camping equipment. (Please include a portable water heater and satellite receiver.) Recover on capital invested by renting assets to subsequent trips.
Think of the advantages. Your retirement village and second home can be anywhere with an open sky.
Terence
When I saw this posting, I immediately mark the date on my calender. Are you sure you have not make mistake on the date this time (18 – 25 Nov 2008)? Ha ha
Please keep me on the loop, thanks
Andrew,
Aiyah, you worry me. I check the date, and it’s correct. Relief now.
Terence
Sounds interesting. However will one be bothered by mosquitoes and creepy crawlies at night? Singapore is so safe we tend to forget that outdoor elsewhere one may encounter wild life.
If not, may be interested. Don’t mean to be such a wet blanket.
Kathy
Kathy,
A good and valid question. First, I hate mosquitoes. So, we shall jaga this issue. Maybe we would employ a few mosquitoes swatters. No worries. During the cool months, and I don’t know why, up the National Parks, there are fewer mosquitoes. It is also mosquito-free, as we will be in the tents.
Anyway, we will bring the coils for comfort, although we would not need them,
Keep the date in your diary.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence,
Fear not. Veronique Lee and I are keen in this adventure trip. We will camp, tent and rough it out in the mountains for a week. Please count us in.
Hi Terence,
With such good weather in Chiangmai and the mountaineous region I reckon it’s a contributory factor to your youthful countenance and good complexion.
Any chance of planning the trip earlier — Nov is a long wait — although temperature may be a bit different.
I’ve been to Chiangmai and two tribal villages some ten yrs ago and love the cool crisp mountain air. If not for the language problem would have visited the place again. Enjoyed the elephant ride on the river and into the jungle followed by river rafting.
Agree with KT’s idea of forming an adventure group.
May I suggest that other than Chiangmai, what about organising a Bangkok sightseeing/cultural/shopping/eating (short)trip.
Cheers
Yahoo! Terence
Definitely going. I will block book these dates once I am back to office on Monday.
Joyce Tan,
Here is a good opportunity not to be missed! C your registration soon here.
Kathy,
Can understand your worries. Not sure whether you have been to any mountain climbing. At such a temperature, mosquitoes and creepy crawlies will probably go into hibernation. Anyway, If Andrew Yueng is coming, all mosquitoes will run away. heehee! So, now, would you still consider joining us?
Cheers
Rene
Yabada badoooo!..
Yes!Yes!I wanna go pls…been waiting this kind of adventure holiday for a long time,most my frens not daring enough..always want ‘comfort’ kinda thing…
no shopping?…fair enough for a chg, save my money leh..hehe, only eat fruits & veg bfast 2 dinner?..alamak,got bread?..hhhmmm..like that also can diet hor?not bad at all! :)
Terence, i was actually also ‘worried’ u always got yr dates mixed up,sori hehe..tks Andrew for yr concern..
then u said its gonna be in 10-11 seater van, does that means only one van?..what happens if got more ppl wanna join?
Like that i better call my other kakis to ‘chop’ cepat2..
helo helo, AhNee,Susan,Carly,Molly,Dolly,Lily..& the boys YewKwong,Ronald…mahu pegi tak?..lekas lah!
dinno Oicheng went b4?tell us,bagus tak?
Phew!..luckily not fasting mth!
so pls dear Terence, dates confirmed?..must block my leave lah..this period hot holiday period, must book cepat..hopefully i don clash with my partner’s exams!
Wah!..now can start dreaming,even a long wait as AliceSeah said, but its worthwhile waiting rite?..the planning is the best!
sleep in a tent,cakap2 under the moonlight,campfire..sit/picnic by the river,go fishing,climbing & do nothing under the old oak tree!…hhhmmm, sound fabulous!..once again,tku Terence 4 yr great idea!
Hi Terence
Thanks for organising this adventurous trip to Chiangmai. Sounds interesting. However, I am not sure if I can take it sleeping in a tent..hmmm.. I mean on hard surface ground without any mattress for more than a week… kinda uncomfortable leh… Nor, you sure or not, you want to go meh? If I can get a place like a resort up in the mountain, I won’t mind lah.
Nor,
Up in the National Resorts, there are blankets for rental. I think it is a Sing Dollar. You can put one on the grass, to cushion your shoulders and buttocks.
You may like to know that I am thinking of 4 vans and one local cook. Looks like I have a reputation for using the wrong calendar. Well, I have marked the dates in my calendar.
Terence Seah
Yes yes, Susan, I definitely agreed with you. I am also not in this kind of holiday lah.. No hot h20, i sure tak boleh 1 la.. so Nor dear, count me out oso la..
Dear miss Suzhang..apa lah u..spoil the fun leh..nvm lah, can bring sleeping bag,sure can tahan..its the same as when we go camping by the beach at east coast…only this time its much better!..up the mountain,fresh air, so serene & tranquil with the company of good frens!
alamak miss Dolly Pocket!…i can boil water for you lah..its very refreshing cold water u know..shud give it try..maybe it will help us more rugged & strong & youthful!!
Terence..whatever, im coming..its a different experience for me, well…at least i still have
Rene,Ginko,Veron & Andrew!…hhhmmmm i wonder the rest of my buddies wanna come or not?
its still a long way….perhaps Su & Dolly might chge mind?..hehe
Ya lah Dolly & Nor, very susah leh… no hot water…how? Already so cold up in the mountain, still need to bath in cold water, I surely cannot tahan lah. Apa macam, we are not there for 1 or 2 days leh, it’s more than a week, you know.
Sorry Terence, don’t mean to be a wet blanket like Kathy. I can still accept if stay in a 1 or 2 star kind of resort with simple facilities like with hot water & mattress, but really camping site style of stay, I don’t think I want. (Just stay 1 nite, maybe still can consider.) Or if you hv other option, I may consider…he..he..
Good nite…zzzzz
Hi hi Norlinda,
My mata2 mahu tutup but couldn’t resist to exchange a word with you. Ya, the thought of this trip excites me. Already I have in mind to bring along a sleeping bag to cushion my bony you know what. It would be quite an experience camping the night out between 5 and 18 degrees C, only to wake up the next morning to feel like an ice cube :-) Hmmm, November seems like a long wait…
Aiyo miss Suzhang!..
from now on…when after u finish gym every morning,bathe cold water!sure boleh tahan by Nov 2008!…oooppss!, i 4got, when the heater rosak u din go gym for wks!..hehe..exposed!
ok lah..beta tido!
Hi Rene / Terence,
18-25 Nov 2008 Marked. Been to Chiangmai once and still can’t forget the nice weather and hospitable people. No problem with vegetable diet too.
Saw some beautiful pictures about the resort somewhere before… yes, hope my leave can be approved…
Joyce
ya lah miss Ginko..
we beta tutup mata now & sweet dreams about our campsite up in the mountains!…zzzzsshh we will hv a long long dream till Nov…tak boleh tahan!
Hi guys!
18th November sounds like a long, long way away!
Meanwhile, as Oi Cheng and Ann have already experienced the kind of “adventure” that Terence proposes, why don’t we get them to give their comments on it?
I’ve seen some pictures taken on their trip (by their intrepid guide, Sompho) and they’re fabulous. But, and it’s a great big “but”, I cannot take such a gruelling trip… especially the compulsory morning shower with cold, mountain water!
Those who wish to participate, do what Nor is suggesting: bathe with cold water each morning at 6am! Sleep on floor with just a blanket between to cushion you. Acclimatise by sleeping in the fridge; and immunise by exposing yourself to mosquitoes (not the dengue ones). And for those with phobia of snakes and scorpions: sign up for jungle survival at Outward Bound.
Hahaha! I am only kidding… I met the first group in Chiang Mai just after their rigorous trip and they were none the worse for their experience.
But I need some degree of comfort like what Suzhang and Dolly said. Maybe, I’ll do the same and meet up with the group in Chiang Mai after their adventure!
Hello kakis,
I am the problematic one. I have problem sleeping in a strange/new/unfamiliar environment. With cosy nice soft pillows in hotel, I already can’t sleep, not to talk about sleeping in a tent. Moreover I am afraid of darkness and cold, no hot water to bathe, btw how’s the toilet (reasonably clean or not?). wei wei Nor, don’t scold me huh, you know me mah, don’t want to give burden to my buddies. If I fall sick, how? you want to look after me? I know I am going to miss the fun lor….but nvm lah, you enjoy your adventurous camping with Rene, Ginko, Veron & Andrew lor. :(
Ah Nee
alamak…3 kakis down..Su,Dolly&ahnee..sigh
helo buddies…common, give the spirit of ‘semua pun boleh’..with the exception of ahnee, ya lah..u abit problem hor?..but maybe this time diff..no strange beds or pillows…just the soft grass & sleeping bag..u’ll nvr know..with me to cuddle u tightly every nite…surely u will sleep peacefully & soundly…i usually dont ‘snooze’ lah..haha
aiyo…last time in kampong also no water heater wat?..early morning go to school also bathe cold water leh..only now we ‘manja’ too comfortable lah..
Kenneth..u wanna be macho tough guy rite? so cold shower..no fear!
oh ya…hope the toilets reasonably clean..if not, i shall bring wire brush!..i will make sure the ladies are clean hor…i also phobia of slimy thingi!
So lets hear from our experienced OiCheng & Ann Giri pls..
Nor
I would like to go. I like cool air but not too cold. I like fresh veggies. Cold bath I can tahan but creepy crawlies, leeches, snakes, scorpions….eeeee!
So apa macam?
Terence
Can I go again or must I queue at the end to let others who have not been fill up the places first? If can, please include myself and CJ.
Sue, Dolly, Ah Nee – it is an experience you will not regret.
Carly, no creepy crawlies but dogs, yes. On night, we left some food outside and in the morning they were all gone. The dogs came and had a feast while we all slept and did not hear a sound.
Nor, the water is not only cold, it is icy cold and the temperature can go below 0 higher up. Some mornings, we were up around 4am+ to climb higher up to watch the sunrise. The ground can be uneven and it is definitely not as comfortable as your bed. So my suggestion is to bring a big towel to serve as additional padding.
The toilets are many times cleaner than our public toilets.
Other than getting motion sickness when the car makes its way and down the mountains, I am glad to have a chance to experience nature as it is. I have a CD-Rom with most the pictures taken by Sompho, our Thai guide who brought us around. It is now with a friend and I will lend it to anyone who wishes to take a look.
Carly..
Yeah!…at least i got some hope fm u lah..
aiyo..don remind me of those..but i heard there’s a kind of powder that we can put around our tent to deter them away?..ada tak?..any experienced camper can tell us?
Btw..Terence, some of my gang are wondering, how come 7 days up the mountain?..what we do ah?..any clues?some suggests..half camp,half mountain resort?..hv or not ah?
how’s the toilet?…must share with guys ah?..ooppss!susah lah me…wait talk so much, in the end tak jadi!…hahaha!
Wah!…dinno miss Cheng has finally appeared!
no creepy crawlies..Carly, happy?
toilets super clean ah?..woo, im surprised..hhhmmm
Thank you so much OiCheng for yr feedback..that means its a nice place, since u wanna tag along again…come lah…sure boleh wat?
see girls…its not so bad after all..icy cold water,4am walk..not scared lah!
apa macam..got motion sickness, surely ahnee cannot leh :(
So..miss Carly, shall we go together?…sleep in one tent..at least now i got partner mah?hehe..
Nor,
We do not spend all the time up the mountain. During the day, we go sightseeing, eat with the local folks, sometimes a roadside stall, sometimes in their local foodshop. Then towards the evening we go to the market and buy our food ration for cooking up in the mountains. Ocassionally, we have wine.
We didn’t camp up the mountain everynight, some nights we do book into a hotel or resort overlooking the sea and we BBQ by the seaside.
We were awoken one night by alot of commotion. It was a procession by the local tribe celebrating their Loykrathong festival. All the sleepiness left us as we left our tents and follow them to the nearby river where they place their candles and let it flow out with the tide. It was a sight.
Hi Terence,
I am keen (but I have allergic problems). Keep me in the loop, please.
Nor & Oi Cheng
For now ok lah. If something urgent or very important crops up, then cannot ok.
Must start bathing with cold water from now :(
OiCheng,
I still mai la as I don’t think my weak stomach can stand those local food lor. Actually I did hv stomach upset when we last went for BKK trip and only Lily knew. Dun 1 2 make a big hoo har over tis to spoilt the holi mood lor.. so pls dun tempt me with other options leh..
Kathy, the mosquitoes there are as cute as monyets, they dont bite/sting but hugs so dont worry, you’ll get to like them very quickly.
Terence, you said you hate mosquitoes but wait for the day when the feeling becomes mutual then woe betides you……..you can run but you cant hide so say sorry to every mosquito from now on & make peace with them………….
Yeah!..miss Carly coming,at least for now..
we also hv Annto,don fret allergies…the mountains shud be fine..eat only veggies…cant go wrong rite?
Walah!..Olly,yr last trip sound so wonderful fun!tku vm for yr ‘selling’ story!but u nvr mention abt this camp with us b4 leh?
Dolly…we not tempting u lah…we want u leh…cos u so sweeet only will attracts ants,no other creepy crawlies lor! hehe
Hi Terence,
Count me in for this trip.
Thanks alot Rene for informing me.
Warmest regards,
J.C.
goodie Janet,so far now we oredi hv 11 ppl exclude Terence…sure boleh jadi..1 van full!
adventurer..Andrew,Gingko,Veron,Rene,JoyceTan,
Carly,AnnTo,OiCheng& hubby,JanetChan & me lah!
Norlinda and every body contemplating this trip,
You can bet it will be an enjoyable trip. Over the next many years, I hope others in SHC can also show the way to other nice places in the world.
As for hot water to bathe, I remembered when I was very young, my mother used to boil a small kettle of water, soak a towel inside and then gave my body a good scrub. I felt warm after that. Dolly can easily do that with some help.
I hope to tempt all of you with a trip with no itinery. Come with a clear and open mind. Details can be made available one day before flying off from Singapore. HaHa.
Terence Seah
Eh…. Terence
Got 5-star tent bo hah? If got, Dolly, Ah Nee, Sue n I wud like to book one please…. 4 to tent, we can keep each other warm.
Wow Carly, I hv 2 salute u hor, LLP.. Alamak, dat day at lily’s plc, slept oli a few hrs on d floor oredi heard dat u suffered backache liao.. now, u r going 4 1wk, u ai bai bo? Make sure u bring enuf salonpas n aimeimei hor…
Dolly, my back still aching from sleeping on the floor.
But, I will bring a big luggage with koyok, hong iu, charcoal stove, pillows, bolster, blanket, sleeping bags,bak kua, tidbits, kueh kueh, hot water bottle, pots and panns…….
Enough or not?
Btw, about bathing in the cold. Mys sister told me that when she was in Peru and the temperature was below zero degree, she wet one part of her body, soap, and rinse and wipe dry, then clean another part and do the same, eg the right arm and the left and so on. And when you have cleaned your whole body, lift a bucket of water and pour it down yourself for the final rinse and quickly wipe dry. This way, she did not “freeze”.
Carly, i tin hor, you beta include tatami oso lor..
aiyoh, wen i read d 1st 2nd sentences, i was thinkg dat u r trying to tell me dat oli wet/wipe/dry 1 side of body 1 day and then the other side d next day leh.. hehehehe. Anyway, jia you..
Hahahaha! Dolly you are so funny!
Wow Caroline, you bringing so much stuff ah? then I might consider going up the mountain with you & share same tent with you, can? (just for 1 night)….he..he… so good but how to carry ? btw, you wud need to lug along some charcoal if you intend to boil hot water & to cook… he..he.. If not, just pick up sticks or log along the way up the mountain I guess..he.he.. sounds interesting ai ?
Oh yeah, Caroline, you bringing pillows, bloster, etc…I shall bring a big comforter & mattress, maggie mee, eggs, oil, salt, sugar, coffee, sugar, a big pot, mosquitoe coil,….omg, endless items, so leceh leh…if I go..he.he.. we must gather more wood up so we can hv campfire near our tent to scare away creepy crawlies too.. he..he..
Wow sounds good Sue. We can have a big party with all those food. If we go, we must discuss what to bring so that we have varieties. Alamak many months more.
For now, I must concentrate on the D&D. April then we go into deep discussion ok?
weiwei, Carly n Sue, u reli tin hor Terence is getg a 5-star tent as requested by Lily 4 us 2 overnite hor.. good.. keep on trying.. mayb at d end day, we got wat we 1 hor. ANee, we still got chance if all these comfort r 2b there, rite??? LOL…
Hi Terrence,
I am interested, please keep me in the loop.
Wow, Carly, I must camp beside you so that I can share your kweh kweh, koyok and laughter leh… hahaha Really have to meet up in April to plan for this trip hor…….
Alice Teo
Aiyo miss Carly..so many barangs to bring ah?
like that hor, must hv 1 mini tent beside our big tent to serve as kitchen lah!then u can organise cooking class,not bad eh?
we cook rendang,lodeh,lontong…i will bring rice,lengkuas,serai,belacan,serunding..the rest surely available in the mountains!,more like play masak2!sedap!..hehehe
Norly & Carly,
Now that you have set up your kitchen up at the mountain, suggest u bring your maids along as well, so that u all will settle down more comfortably at the mountain, hee…hee…
Ah Nee
Norly, looks like we must have a very big tent. Sue, Alice,you and me. With all the rendang lah, lodeh lah, I think more people will come and join us.
Neely, if bring maid, must bring oven, refrigerator, aiya bring the whole house so no need tent.
I think Terence must be scratching his head. Apa ini semua gila already hehehe!
weiwei ladies, r u sure u r going with Terence for camping har… I hv tis feeling hor, all these ladies r going 2 5-star excursion leh..
ya lah miss Dolly…looks more like it hor..so by the time Nov comes, it will also hv water heater installed 4 u & the rest leh..hhmmm, so u wanna come?
helo ahnee..u kena marah lagi cakap2 at the wrong channel ah?..hehe…don fret, cakap here lah, sure Terence cudnt be bothered cos he knows we all gila bunch!..miss Carly ,he not scratching,in fact dreaming to savour our mountain-made lontong!..haha
Hi Nor,
I have been reading your comments, and am totally impressed with your wild dreams. Yet, and despite the craziness, I am all with you, as I see a lot of realism in your thoughts.
I am all for dreams. And, I am all for enjoying a good life. I like your style. If only we can share with more people, more SilverHairs. You can be sure, the camping trip will be an adventure.
There is a guy, whom Oi Cheng has mentioned. His name is Sompho, and he is double your level of craziness. He is Thai. I had spoken with him to join us, and although he will be transferred to Australia for 4 months, he will make it to the National Parks resort camping trip in Nov.
Soon, he will join us on this forum, as he has just crossed 45.
Meantime, I have been thinking about the 5-star resort requesters. We shall put them in Chonburi, Thailand. They can have all the comforts of warm blankets, hot water and good food.
Meantime, everybody, plse put these dates in your diary. They are firm dates, trip is ON.
Open minds, that’s what we all need after working so hard the whole year.
Terence Seah
Terence
Please keep Dee Ang in the loop.
Wah! Chonburi.. I have not been to Chonburi. I heard it is a nice place. Is Vincent still there?
Nor, with Sompho around, you will have lots of fun and laughter. He spends most of his leave on the mountains and he takes very good pictures.
Sompho, hurry up and join us on this forum.
Cheng
Waisey, Chonburi, Lily, ANee & Sue, we sure can go tis plc lor.. plus oso got shopping leh.. Oi Cheng/Nor, must pergi la…
Wei wei Caroline & Nor, I have a 8-man tent, yet to “open ceremony”, maybe we shld consider using that as our dining room or living room?…he..he…
Suely, we can also use your tent to house 10 people so when we squeeze together, we will feel warmer mah. We can have dinner outside with campfire so we wont feel cold.
You are right Norly. Terence is dreaming of the lontong already.
Whether its Chonburi or Mae Hong Son up in the mountains, Norly, Suely and Oily, you are on right? Neely, Dolly, Lily ???????
Hi Terence,
My hand is up for the 5 star resort requesters list. Bones too old to rough it out, but don’t want to miss out on this. Maybe we can be invited up for the Lontong meal. Just give us enough time to get down the mountain for Thai massage…………..Jie
Wow wow!
Wild dreams turn reality !!! Dolly “ai sai ke liao” Chonburi…..5 star resort! Yipeeee…Dolly, Lily, Oily, Carly, Norly, Suely, Rely, Andly, Joyce, Ann To, Veron & Gingko, lets continue to dream…..hello hello, Yewly, Ronly, Danly, Molly..boleh jalan tak? :)
Ah Nee
Terence..tku so much for yr kind comments!we r just trying to collate & lelong our dreams!..
well..yr 5-star is a definate attraction..now Dolly,Ahnee,Jie also aike oredi, yeah!
Ahnee…u forgot to mention AliceTeo
alamak Jie…if u want the lontong, must wake up early bcos im afraid by the time u reach up,all the mountain tortoise wallup oredi lah!..haha
Carly..saya tak main2 tau..mesti pegi lah, now even got Chonburi,Oily sure will tag along…donno Suely..think she will join the rich & famous at 5-star,rite?hhhmmmm
so u all come & play up in the mountain, when sleeping time must walk ‘home’…apa macam?
Hello hello,
I am on for mountain, no star or 5 star also boleh lah. I can rough it out but only coldness a problem ler. how…how. Must bring along winter jacket, long john, etc. etc.
Yeah!dear Molly is coming..mountain gang..u mean its so cold ah?,Cheng that time u went, which period ah?…was it very cold?…never been to snowland b4..only that time in Perth..it was 5deg..ok if no wind lah..if not..ggghhhhrrr…nvm lah..we can cuddle together in Suely’s 8-girl tent!
Weiwei, Molly, November for Chiangmai will b abit cold lor.. but Nor, definitely no snow la.. only afraid is raining la.. winter jacket not a must but fine 2 bring along oso – just extra weight on baggage oli lor..
Yea yea, ANee, ai sai kee Chonburi oli hor.. wa mai kee Chiangmai la.. ok…
alamak!…raining?..scared the tent will goyang2 then if it happen while we sleeping..next morning landed in Chonburi..like that very fun leh!…haha
hey Dolly, seriously how far is Chonburi fm Chiangmai?..if too far apart, how to play masak2 together?
Nor, very far la… Chonburi is at East n Chiangmai at North of Bangkok la.. so oli way 2 play masak2 is 2 take flight over lor..
Dear Terence
Please keep me in the loop; good to adventure again out in the beautiful nature, mini Shangri-la and areas depict in the Couching Tiger …….cool and fresh.
At such cool temperatures, mosquitoes are rarely around.
You have experienced there, would heavy rainfalls and monsoons are potential issues?
Hi Terrence,
Please describe the experience you had last year with regards to weather, comfort level and safety. Leave no bad occurrence out, give all the goodies and ugly side of this camping location. (Demanding again.Sorry. Need to know what to expect)Guess, you’ll probably advise on what to bring etc.
This way it can help me make up my mind.
Kathy
Kathy,
I guess you are not being demanding. You are just being Singaporean. Maybe one day, I can show you the pictures of my last trip.
Being scenic, the trip will also be pretty romantic for many. Let you figure out what it means. Best thing to do now, is to write the dates in your diary.
Terence Seah
Just my kind of trip – the great outdoors. The best I can do is to mark it on my calendar. May not even be alive by then :o)
The best way to deal with pesky creep crawlies is to them on the dinner menu. I’m sure Terence knows some Thai recipes.
Cheers,
Ron Koh
Seriously, Kathy, it’s like asking the koyok man to tell you the truth, nothing but the truth, abt his medicine.
What you’ll get to see & experience (enjoy shd, for me, be the word) the pristine, the rustic which does call for some roughing out.
There will not only be the creepies already mentioned but also snakes, scorpions, centipedes……….but rest yr worries, the guys will sleep in a ring outside the gals so it’ll be quite safe (unless these pests drop from trees, then bo pien, hehehe…….)
One’s script was already written the very day one was born; we merely act and live thru it.
Wonder why the coach driver was himself hit by a car shortly after ke knocked down & killed a woman at rochor/albert stree?
So just come and experience it when we’re still young enough to keep rheumatism, arthritis and whatnot in check………..
Yea Terence
Thanks for looking after the interest of those not willing to rough it out. I marked my dairy and calendars already.
On serious note, it doesn’t have to be 5-star. 2-star will do also. heehee.
I guess you’re right, Tim. Anyway, there’s still 10 months to build up one’s courage to brave the wild. Good that you made me realise that one has to be realistic about this trip. Fate, though, is something I don’t subscribe to.
Kathy
Hey Caroline & Nor, my 8-gals tent is new and have not been used yet, so not sure can tahan 10…. wait pengsan how ? Also don’t know can withstand rain or wind or not hor… Maybe good idea to put a tent within this 8-gals tent lor…. so double protection against creepy crawlies, rain & wind meh, right ?..he.he..
Hey those who want to share tent with us : must caution you first har…don’t blame me if you wake up in pool of water or the tent give way as I am also new to this lah.
Terence, how many days must we stay up the mountain? or must we stay up there all the time…must prepare ration & also mentally prepare for it lah.. or shld we go visiting you people up the mountain then go down to town to stay har ? how??… very leceh right?
Sompho, where are you? We need you to be our tour guide up & down the mountain lah..
Aiya Suely, no need to worry about the wind. If we have ten people, two people hold down each side I think should be ok. And if there is heavy rain, the remaining two will bail the water. What a sight hehehe!
Aiyo miss Carly…so much job to do ah?..must cook lontong,hold tent,bail water…alamak..
ini macam banyak susah leh our lives in mountain..
mana itu Sompho…tolong2!..LOL
Oooppss!…we forgot to call our another buddy..
helo helo!..missy June TGIF….u wanna come join us camping or not..im sure u like…remind us of the outbound school, those were the days..when think back, wow so fun rite..dinno we still game at our tender age,betul tak??
Hi Terence,
I am interested to join you guys. Is there any reason why you chose mid week to begin the trip(sorry for kaypoying). 18 Nov to 25 Nov (Tues to Tues) we have 8 days and one weekend that means people like me still working will have to take 6 days leave. If you could shift the date to 15Nov to 23Nov (Sat to Sun) we have 9 days and two weekends. I only need to 5 days leave. Warmest regards, Melissa
Lily, thanks to you too for so generously made that pro,mise “I marked my dairy…….”.
With a ready supply of milk from you, no one will be under-nourished (Sue’s concern abt rationing is addressed), come what may. Yes, I do note seriously yr reiteration that you hv made “a serious note” on that count.
Kathy, seriously again, dont worry, according to yr fate, you’ll be safe…….even tho you dont subscribe to it.
Sue, yr tent may be made for 8 gals but nites spent in the wilderness are cold and let the guys help out by keeping you gals warm. If you want us to tie our hands, we can but like that, who is to fend off intruders?
Melissa, you appear not to be aware that the emperor has the easter chamber & the western chamber so if he spends 1 wkend at EC he has to give the following wkend at the WC (haha, the acronym is incidental)
Some kings fell bcos they forgot to do that……..
Hven’t been visiting the website, or portal or forum ??..whatever!!…for a while…until I got a tinkle from someone to go in and respond to her comments :-))).
This is something I like…this camping in the outdoors biz :-)) The stars can die for!!!..Some years back, my frens and I were up in BeeYawTa village (9 hrs drive from CM) to visit the Karen tribe. At nite, we lay ponchos on the ground and gaze at the stars….so so so so many…never seen so many stars in my life!!!…and there are shooting stars too. So magical!! We were there in Dec…the day is fine, wear what u wear in Singapore but whn nite falls, so so so so very cold…u need winter wear. Perhaps it is bec we stayed in a house on stilts, floorboard floor, so there are the gaps which allows wind through..and rectangle holes on walls that serves as windows, but no cover so free flow of the cold cold air at nite. Sorry, I yak too much:-))). I am to say go or no go :-)))…One question pls, if we stay in 2star,3star or whatever star hotel…how do we spend the nite gazing at the stars? Think that is the main highlight for camping out. But on the other hand, I need proper flushing toilet and warm water leh….I love the stars and the daytime in the BeeYawta village but I still can’t get over the dig a hole toilet and the baths in river water…so so so so cold. :-)))…:-))
Hi Melissa,
Usually travel on a Tues is cheaper than travelling on a Fri or weekend.
Terence
wow wee!…my this fren…tak cakap, never utter a word…now, banyak sekali cakap2..haha
Yr experience is so interesting!..im sure it will somehow fish some enthusiasts!.
well…if u see Oi Cheng’s comments at #23..she said the water not only cold…but ICY COLD!..& no water heater ok…but got proper toilets…since she said its many times cleaner than our public toilet!…this is good news lah..
So..nvm lah the water…the most, u dry clean lor..LOL
on the other hand…yes lah..camping is the main itenerary..but some ppl wan comforts of hotel..so puzzle..Terence say the hotel ppl stay at Chonburi..campers at Changmai,but according to Dolly these 2 places one north & one east?..apa macam?..or is it Terence mean go at different timing?..kepala pusing oredi lah..
helo CEO Terence..pls clarify boleh?
Hahaha June Lim.
Precisely how I feel about camping. I will probably not enjoy myself at all. I still need some modern comfort and amenities. Cold water, hole for a toilet, planks or hard ground to sleep on…. oh dear.
Hi, Terence, count me in! Btw, can I bring water bed along?
Dan,
Where you going to get the water for your water bed? From the river?
Dan,
May be you can find a spring or a lake in the mountains?
If you can fill up the water bed, can borrow or not? Haha.
Talking about bed is making me sleepy. Good night all. Happy chatting.
Put it under the rain, very simple lah!
Hi gals, for a start try out one wkend using Sue’s 8man tent and camp 1 nite at east coast/pasir ris beach with the rest of the ppl (Carly, Norly, Suely, Neely, Renly, Oily) to get the feel of it during this cold weather. How about tat. hehehe….
Molly…yes can, not bad idea at all!but i cant guarantee at nite, Carly,Renly & me will cabot to our homes since we stay so nearby the campsite..hehe
Dan..hurray! u r coming, cos we need u to pitch our big tent pls..sure Carly will give some carrot cake,hhhmmm..
Hey, Molly
Good that you brought this idea – overnite camping at East Coast Park especially for those who have not experience before deciding whether they would like this type of holiday. Alternatively, we can bring our sleeping beds to lay it on the boardwalk of the Kelong instead of sleeping in the room. Much fun that you can watch the stars and listen to the rhythmic of the water.
Terence, to fulfill your dream to camp overnite at East Coast Park, You will be invited to guard our tent since you have been talking about it last year. Right?
Danzing Dan
You will be guaranteed a rock and stone bed instead. Well, if you are daring enough, get a raft and flow along the river. Save your trouble, no nid to bring waterbed lah.
All,
It is very refreshing and an unforgetable experience to camp in a mountain with good company if you never try it. Once in a life time, do it now or never. As you get older, you will have more excuses. Afterall, you dun even need to train to acclimatize and carry your own bag like I did to Mt Everest. Moreover, transport is provided and your energy is reserved for dancing around the campfire at night.
THINK YOUNG and ACT NOW!
Cheers
Rene
Hello,
Molly, Norly & Rely, I support your ideas leh. Let us try it out at East Coast. No need to worry a lot of things and if its rains or cannot take the cold in the night, we have 3 houses to stand by for shelter. he…he…hee…Carly, Rely & Norly, can or not? Try out on ground first before qualify to go up mountain!
Ah Nee
Wah!…campfire warden Rene…thot wr r u..so long tak cakap2,sudah hilang!
ah?..u ever climb Mt Everest?..apa macam i only Bt Timah leh..how? hahaha!
helo..wat u mean when we get older?, we r all young ok..nobody is old in SHC!…cakap baik2 hor,in that case semua must pegi lah!..maybe they want u to sing “Its now or never”..RonOz boleh?
Guess it will be fun camping at east coast.
Can also bbq but instead of charcoal must find wood and learn to start fire. how..how…Back to girl guide. ha..ha..ha
Molly, Norly, Dolly, Lily, Neely, Suely, Oily, Anly, Yewly, Renly, Ronly
Yes! Yes! Yes! Camping and Campfire and BBQ – 3-in-1
Hi Molly, Nor, Caroline & Ah Nee,
Are you gals serious ? Good idea to try it out on local ground. Should we try it out during one of the long weekend holidays like Good Friday or Vesak Day ? Just camping & BBQ… don’t think we can hv campfire lah Molly.. The park warden will come after us if we burn a big hole on the ground…he..he..
Shall discuss further if all are keen. Try this out, then decide if we can qualify to go up the mountain. :)
cheerio,
Suzhang
Good morning Dreamers,
Mine, what an overwheming response! This cool cool mountain camping adventure has surely evolved very rapidly into a collection of fiery hot hotter than Thai chilli padi dreamy dreams. It’s gratifying to see that many fellow members are raring to participate. There will never be a dull moment. No time to twiddle fingers, toes or earlobes. Most of all no time to wonder about wild “creatures” lurking around.
Terrence, may be we rough it out for three nights in the mountains and spoil ourselves rotten for another three with ?-star treatment at a hotel relishing connoisseur food, indulging in hot tubs, spas, jacuzzi, cozy bed, pipe-in music dot dot dot Then again, it would defict the purpose of having a mountain camping trip, enjoying nature and back-to-basics huh??
Looks like it’s women power here again raiding the Northern Thai territory. Well, we shall invade and one can imagine with all the noise coming from the group, tigers, snakes, creepy crawlies and whatnots will stay out of our way
Hi Ron Koh,
Ref. Comment #66. What a thing to say! Of course you will live to a ripe old age, only if you stop savouring those pesky creepy crawlies on your dinner plate. Want to try? Block the dates in your calendar!
Hahaha!!
You guys really serious, man!
Camping out to prepare for the November trip! And squeezing eight or ten in a tent!
By the way, Chonburi is miles from Chiang Mai. It’s where Pattaya is, in the south-east of Thailand. I don’t see how and why you should make both Chiang Mai (in the north-east) and Chonburi part of the same trip.
Anyway, for those who want a little comfort and great food in Chiang Mai, you can always do a combined trip… let those who wish to go into the wilds do so, and those who need the luxury stay in the city. Or you can time it that you meet for a few days in CM for a grand SHC gathering… a sort of overseas SHC convention!
hey Terence sounds like great fun…fresh air & healthy living…count me in.Cheers grace wong
Hi Terence
Count me in.
Thank you.
Hi Terence
I am in for it. You are great.
Thanks
Bravo, Ken, good idea…Terence, so how? can arrange bo? Sue/ANee/Lily, like dat we oso can go liao.. CM city oso lots of shopping hor… Nor, 1 2 join us bo??
Yes, Sue, we can discuss with the others about the camping & BBQ. Will see when is a good time. We have many months to work on it before the actual trip.
Hi Rene
Ref #86 -Not advisable to bring your sleeping bag & sleep on the broadwalk of kelong. For all you know, you’ll end up in the sea the next morning…ha..ha… Maybe Dan can lah since his is water bed, can still use it as a float meh… ha..ha…So Dan do tie your water bed securely before you tidoh eh.
Rene, you want to join us camping at EC if materialized ? …he..he.. but don’t be like Nor cabot home to sleep eh….apa macam Nor, if you want to go then must prepare to stay to try out the hard ground lah.
Gingko, #92 & Kenneth #94 – I like your idea. Meanwhile, let’s continue dreaming….
Yes! Yes! Well done Ken. All the ‘lys’ – let’s go.! :) CM here we come.! …… up in the hills and down into the city…… Uhmmm……somewhere over the rainbows, way up high…..dreams that do come thru…..
Kenneth,
I am sure to keep my plans to go up the mountains. If you have a few days, can you be down in Chiangmai, during the end of the trip.
You know Chiangmai well.
Terence Seah
Terence
Dare I stick out my neck and venture to say that I would be in Chiang Mai during your planned trip?
Anyway, Loy Krathong, the Thai New Year, will be celebrated from November 10 to 13 this year. This is a magical moment to be in Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai or Sukhothai. I remember that your first group had experienced Loy Krathong in a small Thai village.
In Chiang Mai, Loy Krathong is celebrated in a big way with thousands of hot-air lanterns, lighted floats on the river and a three-day local parade of floats.
I would certainly like to be in Chiang Mai then.
Kenneth, mai ah nee kuan leh!
Join us few days in the wild and then, descend to the city for your massage and do whatnots you want. You look so fit in today’s walk. Surely, you can conquered this mountain.
SuZhang,
As the Chinese saying go, “yao fook tong hiang; yao nan zi dong” (in Canto) haha! No worry, I have to show good eg. to convince you gals to join us in the mountain, how can I cabot rumah!
Terence,
I can’t access to your Star-conference. Encounter network error.
Dun wan to try anymore. Good night, Friends
Dear Terence,
– Ann To’s name appeared twice in #14 and #16
– Why is Dolly’s name not on the list hah?
You said : …..”wants to see the stars, be a veg for a week,…..” Be a veg for a week??? hee hee…. must be in a coma!
Su,AhNee..i wont cabot lah,only sneak out a while to bathe!..haha..cos our public toilets not as clean as in the mountains ( OiCheng said?)
Gwyneth..glad u coming, r u sure u wanna come?..cos i know u ‘dislike’ sun rays, that’s why i don call u earlier..don chg yr mind ah..
Dolly..tis time thot no shopping..want to go mountain only bring small bag, no space for shopping barang2 leh..
Carly…we not only do ‘tent testing’ but also will do icy cold shower lah!
Hi Nor sayang
I may dislike sun but Chiangmai sun is cool mah!!. Sun can wear hat and carry umbrella, You dont call me how do you know i dont like – different fun hor!!. Never miss good fun. I like camping but long time did not camp, as a schoolgirl always camping.. but make sure allow to take leave first that is the only worry.
But must have hot water leh.Bring mosquitoes patch, sulphur to frighten away snakes and crawlies, macham, macham lah!!
Gwen.
ok lah Gwyn…so we go camping together & hv great fun!..no need umbrella lah…banyak susah bring so many macam2 barang2..aiyo, yr hand not tired ah, carry so heavy, bring sun shades & hat boleh oredi lah…keep u cool while being stylo!hehe
Hi, Terence:
Please include my wife, Rosalind Koh, for the trip. She’s an SHCian too.
Thanks,
Ron Koh
Hi, Terence:
Re #109, could you please amend my wife’s name from Rosalind Koh to ROS CHAN.
She’s using her maiden name to avoid confusion as there is another Rosalind Koh in SHC.
Thanks,
Ron Koh
Hahaha, why why RonK??
Isnt it fun to have 2 Rosalind Kohs…………you only stand to gain? I am envious…………………
Hi, Terence
Ref #96. You have missed out my name.
Thanks.
HI Terence,
We are interested , pls count Me & Elizabeth Hwang in !
Thanks !
Cheryl Ho
Updates on the trip from Chiangmai to Mae Hong Son:
1st Day – straight from Chiangmai airport to the National Parks up in the mountains.
Last Day – stay one night in Chiangmai, before catching the flight home.
Terence Seah
Hello Terence!
U very clever in posting this thread so early in the yr..Im sure it will be alive & kicking till end yr!
Now…b4 Nov comes, im dreaming again in a monday morning..ooopps!..afternoon oredi…hhhmm…so nice
u see time really flies, so Nov not very far if we dont think abt too much, just relax & continue our daily busy,hectic,happy,adventurous blah blah
livelihood..then end year, all of us deserve the break up in the mountains!So lets beat it!
Must dare to dream…do the things that u nvr done b4..dont wait,come lets join the fun get together,its like going back to school camp!..imagine the excitement & experience a different holiday…plus still got one night stay in hotel!..maybe can go mini shopping!..hehe
Hi Terence
At last Friday’s gathering I expressed my interest in camping in Chiangmai from 18-25 Nov because after that I will stay on to participate in the Asian
Masters Track & Fields Championship to be held
in Chiangmai from 1-5 Dec. To avoid being bog down with the tents(carrying and checking-in)I suggested to you about renting tents and camping equipment in Chiangmai. As I will be in Chiangmai in mid-March,after the Thai Masters in Bangkok,I will find out more about rental of tents. I hope you will support my suggestion.
helo Lum Fook…
I din get to meet u at last friday’s gathering?..was late, only reached there arnd 7pm..u balek oredi must be..
Yes! yr idea of renting the tents is marvellous
then we no need to carry so much barang2 until our body all bengkok even b4 we reach the top!haha!
But Terence,OiCheng&some others hv done that
2yrs ago,did u all carry yr own?was it troublesome?my only concern is this Nov trip gonna be more pple..do u think there wud be enough tents for everybody?…hey don play2, if after we reach up the mountains then they suddenly said sori they dont hv enough tents for everybody…banyak susah..alamak cant imagine..must be chaotic!
So we will wait for yr feedback when u recky abt it in March..good job!..hopefully our dream will come thru
Norlinda, and everybody who has worked for the most part of 45 years,
I enjoy the openness on this forum.and I hope over the next few years, we develop this as a culture and a way to enjoy our lives.
I am glad Lum Fook is going to check on tents rental. They are cheap and workable. But some of us may not like to use “used” tents or sleeping bags. Let’s wait for Lum Fook’s report.
Oi Cheng, Ann Giri and Sompho enjoyed the trip. I loved the trip, and I know you will. I just checked a 4-women tent cost SGD 100. But I won’t encourage anyone to sleep foursome. Two per tent is very cosy.
By the way, you don’t have to lug the tents. We just need to load up the bus.
And the song playing in the background is “Words, don’t come easy”, by F. R. David.
Terence Seah
Two per single sleeping bag is even better. One price for two and half the cleaning cost. If it gets any cosier you will be arrested.
Terence
What is the name of the camp site in Chiangmai/Mae Hong Son? When I discuss
with the shopowner on rental of tents and
camping equipment he may want to know
where are we camping and may also give some
guidance on some good sites which can meet
the expectations of most interested SHCians.
Personally,I do have my expectation of some
simple comforts such as a permanent sheltered place for a good night sleep in the event of inclement weather.
Hi Lum Fook,
From Chiangmai, we head straight for Mae Hong Son. Along the way, there are a few National Parks. These are where they have camping grounds. Go ahead, try anyone. They are all well-maintained.
Terence Seah
Yes..think Terence is rite..2 per tent is just nice since we gonna be in it for at least 6 dys?
If too crowded nanti breathless & more susah!
Those still contemplating to go or not…keep thinking & meahwhile…im dreaming of the cool forest up the mountains…birds,bees,butterflies,stars,moon.. just laze around & elope from the hussle bussle of shentonway!
maybe got some fruit trees like mango,rambutan,durian,bananas…can we pluck?…hhhmmm..wow!
Wow, just stumbled onto a ten women tent and couldn’t believe the amazing things one can do in tents!! lontonging, lodehing,charcoaling, cleaning side by side!! Me always have impressions of tent flopping when pitched (as seen in cartoons)
BTW, dun really know the folks except Frauliene Caroline, how to choose tenting partners??? Couldn’t make it to gatherings as gotta jaga two grandchn FT 5.5/7 and 25/7
COUNT ME IN FOR THE STAR GAZING tho!!!
Margaret @ #123
Unless it is a motorised vacation in a cold country, it doesn’t make sense to carry a tent for more than 2-4 persons. Can you imagine the heat generated. And who is going to carry it for the rest.
Think about the risk. All eggs into one tent. If it is damaged or lost, all of you will be feeding mozzies or worse in the open until you get back to base.
Wong KT..u got the point, we r all very ‘fragile’..not much energy to carry so many barang2…thats why u must come & be our leader,boleh?
Nvm..LumFook gonna recky for tent rental..hopefully its fruitful…if one is not ‘fussy’..any kind of tent also boleh lah..
still many moons to reality..lets hear from the rest..
helo helo…those not really keen abt this trip can also contribute yr 2 cents worth!
Nor @ #125
AAhhh…Uagahh
pumping weights ….
Hint1: Find out who is always complaining about mozzies more than you. Choose her to be sleeping partner.
Margaret Chan,good! that u taking a break from babysitting yr grandchildren. we all need sometime to do our own things.wow!u so rajin think its tough to look after them?
If u hv no partner, call yr fren Frauliene Caroline lah & hopefully she’s not the same as my tent partner CarolineGee!haha
Wong KT @#126…saya mana ada complain abt mozzies? i always say this trip apa macam also must pegi..no heater,soft beds, rain or shine no problem!dont know abt u?im sure u not scared about risks rite?..u always playing it wat?…hhhmmm
Please log-on to the following website and you find out if camping in Chiangmai will meet your expectations, http://www.chiangmai-chiangrai.com/doi_inthanon_camping.html
It has definitely meet my expectation.
Happy viewing!
Nor @ # 127
Say “No” to lovebites from mozzies Now you can.
Here is an F&B secret.
Do you know why people have candlelight dinners in the open. No, it is not because it more romantic. It is because the candle keeps the mozzzies away. It is smoke that does the trick. So cheap candles from Ikea by the bag will also do the trick.
This is also why we are contemplating on putting romantic candles on our flea market tables.
BTW, have you decided what are you selling. No? Here’s an idea. Paint or stick-on lovebites. Make a fashion statement.
Next table could be Tim – on-line divorce attorney. “How to fund your lifestyle retirement with alimony”
This is what we call community cross-selling. Hee hee
Margaret, if you wish for a partner in a tent-lock outside of wedlock, none, not even KT, makes a better partner than tim……..and bcos he’s slim he makes space for you to scream in yr dream without kicking him, and also bcos he’s prim (& proper), you’re always safe even without the moon’s beam so start dreaming of tim……….
Tks, butty, on-line divorce attorney sounds great but isnt it better that I teach them “How to Have Fun – Horse-style, Dogstyle -With Your Enemy” than “How to fund your lifestyle retirement with alimony”
A World Without Enemies…………..suits all : pmLee, ANee, Gee, Rene, KT, Bengali, Bayi and of cos Me.
Lum Fook @ #128,
Thanks for the effort! Doi Inthanon looks like a cool beauty. I am ready to go.
Tku Lum Fook for yr webpage..so nice & interesting!so many things to do,even got so many waterfalls
Hey Suzhang,Dolly,Lily..got comfortable bungalow for rental on 300Bath per nite?..real or not?
helo WongKT..terima kaseh fyi,aiya don cakap2 banyak lah..lets go mountain & hv some fun..getaway fm yr investment ..apa macam so serious bizness all the time & no time to play ah?
btw..oredi put up items i wanna sell at flea market thread..u be my advisor boleh?..for free hor :)
Here’s a high profit idea for flea market that is so hot it will cause global warming and melt the North Pole.
Victoria Secrets made of color tissue paper. Rain and you will have global meltdown.
Any volunteers for models?
Hi Terence
After reading so many interesting & exciting comments cannot tahan already. Pls include me in the great outdoor adventure.
Thanks for giving us city dwellers a chance to experience living in tents.
Current plans are:
1. Upon arrival in Chiangmai – 1 x 40 seater coach to stay with us for the whole duration.
2. Everything loaded up the coach to the first National Park. Schedule being planned. Final destination – Mae Hong Son.
3. Last day – stay in a few large bungalows or hotel in Chiangmai city, before flying off the next day.
Hi Kenneth, you may have stayed in some hotels, and like the places. Please let us know the names, and we can check the rates. Let’s try to get some good rates early.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence
Glad to see all the responses to the planned trip… and am looking forward to be in Chiang Mai.
It may be a bit too early to plan things like airline tickets, hotels, etc.
There’s some bad news: Tiger Airways will stop flying to Chiang Mai from April… so no more budget flights unless Jetstar or AirAsia takes over.
Hotels in Chiang Mai that I like? There are quite a few… but we have to know the numbers as these places are usually smaller establishments and cannot cater to 40? There are many tourist class hotels though, and many of them will meet the needs of Singaporean travellers. We can try Suriwongse, Royal Lanna or Central Duangtawan which are right smack in the Night Bazaar area for a start.
Hi participants,
For those looking for a tent, I saw in Today’s Straits Times, HOme section, Pg H4 that Carrefour is selling 2 men-tents at a discounted $9.90 each. If you are going to Carrefour to have a look, come back with you feedback.
For those waiting until you come up to Thailand, you can also get tents for between $30 and $50 at those large cash and carry stores.
Gosh, it’s a long way to Nov.
Terence Seah
Senor Ah Seng, lately we hv been doing a lot of Mandarin talk so hv you heard of “mu tien si di”?
If not or heard of but dont understand, go seek out guru Andrew………..he can easily explain to you.
That understood, you dont need a tent unless you want cover when you do the bang bang………….
Remember it’s “mu tien si di” not “murthy”.
helo Terence
I saw the advert,it look ok in picture..donno how durable?..we dont want something ‘tragic’to happen while sleeping, wake up in the morning the whole tent kena blown away lah…apa macam?..LOL
Buddy Carly, my tent partner..yr ofis is around there rite..be a good girl..go take a look boleh? if bagus, get one for us..then the rest can buy tom if they keen,must cepat bcos its a 2-day special offer…how’s that?
btw..if its too heavy,u don buy,just call me..i will buy ok…so kiasu hor!..hahaha
Wow!…so exciting!..all yr ‘fault’ lah Terence for planning so very far..aaarrrggg!
Oh ya…StevenChan, u wanna come & join us in this camping trip?..surely fun with u around..
so tall, can pick wild fruits for us!
OK lah tent partner Nor. I will go and take a look after work and if boleh tahan, I will buy. Will let you know.
Terence:
You have got Ann To (at #14 and #16) and me (at #22 and #33) registered twice. Unless, of course, there are more than one Ann To and Ron Koh in SHC. :o)
Ron Koh
Terence is trying to make the list look longer.
Nor sayang
I went to see the tent last nite. Aiyo so thin and light and so small. I did not climb into it to try the fit but it looked so small, more suitable for children or the skinnies. I think for the two of us will be like bak chang so compact lah.
So I did not buy :(
Hahaha!!
Nor, you certainly must get the polar-fleeced lined sleeping bag if you’re thinking of using the $9.90 tent!
Yes, it’s for children who’d put it up in the house or in the garden…
But then… if you squeeze into it with the two (or three depending on size) of you, you could keep warm by hugging each other in your skinnies!
Joke, joke, lah!
Hahaha Kenneth you are right. The $9.90 tents are for children to put up in the house or in the garden.
Aiya skinnies I mean the thin ones not the other type of skinnies.
Nor and me, we have enough fats to keep ourselves warm and I think only two of us will fit into the teeny weeny tent, if it fits at all.
Dear Carly
Thank you so muah-muah for yr effort…so kesian, in the end its only a kiddy tent?..
alamak…apa macam lah Terence?..hehe
Kenneth..as usual, u very ‘jahat’, always wanna kacau2 but don wanna join us eh?
nvm, u joking..lagi bagus laugh at each other, more fun then marah2 make us tua!hhhmmm :)
Hi guys, esp Nor and Carly
It’s not that I don’t want to join you on the trip… but that my back and bones will not allow me to.
I’m seriously considering being in Chiang Mai at the same time as the planned trip. And I’m looking at the possibilities of joining you guys… if Terence comes up with the trip itinenary/schedule. So far, he’s only said that the first day you’ll depart to Mae Hong Son and the last day will be in Chiang Mai.
I take it that Terence will be doing the Mae Hong Son Loop which is 615km and needs about 4 days with the necessary detours and stops at hot springs, waterfalls, etc.
If he starts from the southern route via Mae Sariang, I could come as far (175km from CM) and still enjoy the mountain scenery, visit Karen villages and stay at a riverside guesthouse.
Then it’ll adieu to you all and back to CM for me for more R&R, good food, and a comfy bed. And, for anyone else wanting to… they can join me for a few days in this most charming of Thailand’s cities.
Hi Kenneth,
Your itinerary sounds interesting. Is this part for those who wish to forgo the camping and opted for the hotel stay/riverside guesthouse i.e. hot water and a good bed to luxuriate in.
Count me in if that’s the case.
Tks……….Jie
helo Kenneth
Understand yr sentiment & so sweet of you to explain.Well, November is still a long2 way..anything can change for the better.I am sure Terence is trying very hard to accomodate everybody’s ‘aches & pains’..ooppss!sori
Not bad ah…now u got Jie in yr bag, many more to join,surely
Hello Carly and Nor,
Wait till Sompho comes online in June then ask him if he could help buy the tents for us. Those will be more suitable for camping up the mountains. That is if I am not wrong. LOL….
Kenneth, hope like the last time we can meet up and you bring us to shop and eat. Must ask Terence to give us at least two days in Chiangmai. The last time was too short – I only had one good meal and not much time to shop.
Terence, can you hear me????? Ha HA ha!!!!!
Olly…that’s great idea!yeah!..our hands more free..hehe
I am pretty sure the numbers participating will be limited to 38 people.
If Kenneth’s schedule meets, we are quite sure now that we will end up in chiangmai, meeting Kenneth. At this moment, it is one day in Chiangmai. But, we may consider 2 days in Chiangmai.
Terene Seah
Just a note to some of you who may not be familiar with the terms ‘2-man tent’, 4-man tent’, etc: These terms usually refer to SITTING space in the tents for 2 or 4 people, and not sleeping space.
Just my 2 cents,
Ron Koh
Hi RonK,
If this is the case, are we supposed to sit sleeping in our sleeping bags inside the tents? Can imagine my tent mate and I will be like roly-poly knocking each other left and right into slumberland. Haha, will be great fun…
Hahaha! Squeezing into a two-man tent may be the most daring thing on this trip!
I’m looking forward to plan this Chiang Mai trip… if Terence can nail down the exact itinerary… then those who want to spend more than a day in CM can join me for a great time shopping and eating!
Or even those who don’t want to spend time up in the mountains with the flora and fauna (poisonous flowers and pit vipers included… joke here!) can come for several days of wanton gastronomic adventure!
More details to come!
RonKoh, are u sure yr term is rite? surely we can tido lah, only a bit squeezy for the big size..lagi bagus!
Gingko, for u shudn’t be a problem cos u r so tiny lor :)
Helo wiseman Kenneth..
Apa lah you..this is camping adventure,tak mahu shopping & eating so much lah..im trying to get away from being a shopaholic, now u get me ‘sum yok yok!’what is there to shop at Chiangmai? hehe..
Hi Terence
Your planned trip sound interesting. Meantime, put my name in. May I suggest for those who do not want to sleep inside the tents can have other option to stay in the nearby guest room/house.
Annie Loh
Hi Terence n Kenneth
Your combined itininery sounds splendid (#147)
Do put William and me on the list!!!
Many thankyou yous!!!
Hi everyone,
I am a new member here, only been to an intro tea and the Bkt Batok walk.
I came across this idea by Terence to camp out in Chiang Mai and am personally interested to join in this activity. I know that the no. of participants have exceeded 39, the maximum allocated but nevertheless would like to register as some may not be free by then.
I note too that the last comment was sometime in Jan ’08 and would like to rekindle interest in this idea. Perhaps we could have a seperate meeting among the interested participants to discuss some ideas, points etc that they would like, eg the month (Nov and Dec must be cold), the length of stay, what equipment do we need and who has already got some of it etc.
There was another idea, also by Terence, about driving in M’sia. Perhaps we could get some members who have cars and they could drive a small convoy up for a pre-arranged and pre-planned trip for some days. Of course we will help to defray some expenses for the car and we can crive up to Penang for their durians and other lovely street food.
I know of a place in Gopeng, near Ipoh where they can arrange for some white water rafting.
If we can give and take, we will have a nice ‘free and easy’ trip up M’sia covering food, walks, shopping, exploration and good company. I would be intreested if others are to discuss this further.
Cheers
Hi Charles,
Glad you are thinking of joining the North Thailand/Mae Hong Son camping. Give yourself sometime to read what has been discussed on this thread.
Many out-of-this-world questions and suggestions have been rased on this thread. Go ahead with yours. Fellow campers will defintely reply you.
Weather wise, Nov is the beginning of the dry season and the cool season.
On the Malaysian driving holidays, write a new Post. I am sure you will get a number of keen drivers too. Try it.
Terence Seah
Hi Kenneth #155 / Terence,
please count me in! Look forward to see Chiangmai again. Missed that trip Terence planned 2 years ago?
Hi guys!!
Yes, this thread is lost somewhat with all the current activities and happenings in SHC.
Yes, the planned trip/camping should take place if Terence is confirmed on the dates: 18 to 25 Nov 2008.
I will personally be in Chiang Mai during the period and hope to join the first leg of the camping trip i.e. to go to either Mae Sariang or Pai if Terence is taking the north loop first.
It’ll be Chiang Mai for the rest of the time for me. And for those who wish to just spend a few days in the city, you’re welcome to join me. You can come anytime between 18 – 25 Nov; I’d probably spend up to two weeks there.
Just two pieces of info that I think would be useful in planning and expectation:
1. Tiger Air has stopped budget flights to Chiang Mai. The only direct flight is by SilkAir (4 times weekly) and costs about $300 return if you can book their special offer.
2. The weather at the time is still quite warm and may only be cool in the mountains.
Hi Kenneth and everybody wanting to camp at Thailand’s northern National Park resorts. The dates 18 – 25 Nov 2008 are confirmed.
Kenneth has a second leg, so those who loves slow city life, please note his dates.
I think around Aug 2008, we should initiate air travel bookings. Likely we try to find a travel agent to do a group job for us. Anybody has a travel agent to recommend? Hopefully cheaper. Let us know if you are interested, even if you change your minds by August 2008.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence, Ken, Ron Oz,
How about a camping, white water rafting and fruit picking trip in Australia ?? now with cheaper air fares too.
On the same issue, Ron Oz, remember we did talk about getting more people like you who are in Australia to join us SHC ?? CAn do some emailing to people you know ? By the way forgot how you got to know about SHC ?
Then maybe we can more camping, cyclng , fishing trips in Perth, Sydney , Gold coast, or wherever the cheap budget airline flies ?? Not only Thailand, which by the way has got the cheapest hotels that cost less that camping with air-con, hot-water, bath etc but in Australia , yes hotels cost more than Airfare for 2 nigths.
And to make it even budget cycle , camp, fish , cook etc ??
Hi Ronald Wie
I cannot recall us talking about getting more people like me in Australia to join SHC. Am I right to assume that by “people like you who are in Australia” you mean Singaporeans who have migrated to Australia? Quitters?
In any case, I don’t think it’s right for me to be actively recruiting members for SHC.
I stumbled onto the SHC site while surfing the internet. I signed up because SHC’s rules suited me — I will be befriending people about my age, I’m not going to be harassed by people to join an MLM or pyramid scheme and I don’t have to put up with someone telling me I need to go to church, mosque, temple, synagogue, whatever. And as long as I’m “chatting” here, I’m happy to keep my politics to myself.
Anyway, your suggestion about venturing further away from Singapore in pursuit of the greater outdoors needs further discussion. Adventure trips to Australia are costly and you can’t do it over a weekend starting from Singapore.
By way of comparison, imagine me in Melbourne deciding to join you guys for the Pengerang cycling trip and the overnight kelong trip. Work out my logistics, costs and time (annual leave needed). Not impossible, but may be prohibitive — certainly requires much thought, planning and discussion.
Hi Terence
I would love to join camping in Northern Thailand – 18 to 25 Nov 2008. Hope to practice my yoya up in the mountain ya.
Appreciate if you could include my name for this trip.
Thanks & Regards
Helen Wong
Last month after the Thai Masters Field & Tracks Championship 2008 in Bangkok, I travelled North to Chiangmai and spent 5 days there including 2 days at Doi Ithanon National Park which is 80km from the city. I stayed in one of the bungalows which is simple and yet has all the basic necessities to keep one relax and comfortable. Camping tents of all sizes are available for rent from 50 baht onwards and cooked food is available near the Admin office. For less than 100baht you can rent BBQ utensils and the food vendor can arrange for fresh meat and fresh vegetable(you get what you see in the farm)for your BBQ.
I do not know which camping site Terence has in mind and I am confident he will bring you to a site that is as intersting as Doi Ithanon. I will be in Chiangmai to take part in the Asia Masters Field & Tracks Championship from 1st to 5th December. I will go back to Doi Ithanon after the championships.
For the camping period 18 – 25 Nov 2008, i plan to camp at a few camping sites. This is really beautiful, safe, clean and relaxing. Well, I wont give so much details, for fear I change my mind last minute.
Let’s wait until Aug 2008, and see the airfares. I am also thinking of engaging a few locals to pitch the tents for us. But, that’s lazy. Buying will cost maybe $100 or less. From lum Fook’s trip, less than $2.50 per day to rent.
Keep the excitement a secret. Thanks Lum Fook. It will be fun. But, must still be vegetarian lah. You just leak the secret of some meat. squirrel or bat’s meat. Ooops.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence,
Any idea why food must be vegetarian? Are eggs allowed?
I support your idea of paying the locals to do some work for us. How about our backpacks? Still keen.
Hi guys!
There are hundreds of trek/camp possiblities in Thailand and also as many companies who can arrange the trips. i think that we have to determine the number of participants (for sure) before we can make any kind of arrangements.
The last trip organised by Terence had many would-be participants, BUT, in the end, only two brave ladies turned up!
So Terence is still keeping the itinenary in his mind “for fear of changing it at the last minute” as he says.
And I must stop trying to figure out what he’s intending to do for the trip.
So here’s what I’m going to do:
Commit myself to a date when I’ll be in Chiang Mai.
Post an update to my plans, like what flights we can consider using, hotel/guest house recommendations, activites that can be organised during the dates.
So, anyone who would like to, can just put himself/herself on the flight, book your hotel on-line, and join the activity during the time of his/her stay.
I shall not operate like a guide or organiser… but rather consider me a consultant or facilitator.
And I will not restrict you to a schedule, fixed hotel or food choice… but there are many great places to eat in Chiang Mai.
Hi Terence
I follow, I follow, I follow where you’re going, I’ll follow you.
Must keep me in this exciting camping
eh, excoooose me!!!!
any short cut to this thread ah!!!
gotta NEXT PAGE all the time!!!
Hi Kenneth #170,
I think we can be flexible to join yours and my dates. The campers go up first to Mae Hong Son, and would then link up with you in the city of ChiangMai. I suggest we confirm the dates by mid August. Hopefully, I hope we can get good airfares too. Seems like the Silkair idea may have to wait until August. The other alternatives are fly to Chiangmai, connecting via Bangkok.
Currently, am working out the route and the stops where we will set up tents. From Lum Fook’s feedback, some may be interested to just use rented tents. Well, keep this in mind.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence & Kenneth,
Don’t forget those who had shown interest in going but with a few more comforts i.e. hot water and good bed, certainly no camping/tenting. Maybe, somewhere close by at a hillside resort.
Looking forward to it…………Jie
Hi Jie and anybody requiring hot water,
I have got a good idea this Sunday morning. Volunteer to boil the water, in exchange for scrubbing the back.
I think you will enjoy the trip, don’t worry too much. Our tents will be close together.
Terence Seah
You wish Terence…..and dream….
Inasmuch, we want someone to scrub our backs as well, and as many creature comforts we can get. Having another tent close by is not the idea. Better still, if you or Kenneth can arrange to have a masseur come to the chalet every evening we are there…ha …ha… how about that for living high on the hock.
I suppose I can dream too….can’t I….Jie
Hahaha!!
Now that Terence has confirmed the dates but nothing else… Can we get those interested to really put their hands up and say “Yes, we’ll be going!”?
I’ll be confirming the dates when I’ll be in Chiang Mai soon (probably around 20th Nov to 4th Dec). And I’m closely monitoring the airfares/offers that are available at present.
Unfortunately Tiger does not do any more direct flights to CM now and that leaves only SilkAir as the only airline that does. So it looks like we have to put up with higher fares (what with the rising fuel prices and surcharges) when we decide.
There are other alternatives: You can fly Air Asia either to KL and then on to CM, or Bangkok and then CM. Both means that the fares would include two sectors and longer transsit times.
Thai International may also have promotions but it also means that you have to transit in Bangkok.
Haha, Jie! I think we already need a massage thinking about the longer connections.
Hey Kenneth,
With the hassles higher fares, longer connections..etc..all the more reason to have a good long extended stay to make it worthwhile. It would be good to have a retreat for at least a week, hopefully more.
Lots of fresh mountain air, a healthy diet, lots of fruits and vegs, a little yoga, some shopping of local handicrafts with good friends. After that a massage/spa and glass of wine, a good dinner. the day is complete. How more idyllic can it get??
That’s what retirement is all about.
Still looking forward to it…………Jie
Hi guys!!
It’s August tomorrow and it’s also the travel planning month for the school/year-end holidays. There’s Natas Travel Fair and many other travel offers.
BUT, unfortunately, there are problems getting airtickets for the planned Chiang Mai – Mae Hon Son camping trip in November. I’ve just been to People’s Park to check out tickets and availability: Only three seats left on SilkAir on the 16th November. The high season fares apply from 14th November (start of school holidays). Only SilkAir offers direct flights and you’re restricted to two-to-go and 14 days maximum. Ticket costs range from S$630 including taxes.
I’ll be at Natas Travel Fair tomorrow to look for fares before deciding how to travel to Chiang Mai. We may have to travel by AirAsia via Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, and also book early if we’re keen on this trip!
Hi Kenneth and interested travellers to Chiangmai/Mai Hong Son,
Yes, I am also waiting for Aug to come. This is the right time, and if the travel market is right, the airlines will start to make their offers. As of now, ticket prices are $650 considered high.
To recap, the concept is Terence goes on his trip up to Mae Hong Son, while Kenneth lands in the valleys of Chiangmai city. We are likely to overlap by one day.
For those who wants to suffer the tortures and endures of camping in Thailand’s National Resorts and Parks, check your annual leave. Get ready because once flights are available and price is ok, got to book.
Dont worry, if you wish to back out, you can do so, after Kenneth’s visit to Natas travel fair.
Terence Seah
Hi guys!
I’m just back from the NATAS Travel Fair. For those who plan to go, here are some tips:
Be prepared to queue up to an hour before you get in. The charge is $3.00. If you pay by MasterCard it’s $1.00 less but you queue longer because of the time it takes to charge your card!
Some stands have their own queue number system and you need to take a number before you see a travel consultant. the popular counters are for the bigger companies (Chan Brothers, S&A, UOB Travel) and the Korea, Japan and Taiwan tours.
Visit the Thai, Cambodian and Malaysian tourism stands for brochures and tourist info.
Now to our planned Thailand trip:
SilkAir offers including two or three nights hotel (Suriwongse or other 3-star hotel) costs around $565.00 per person. You need two persons to travel together and there is a 14-day maximum stay limit.
The main problem is that you may not get tickets for the dates planned (18 – 25 November). There were only two seats left on the week before 18th.
Try Scenic Travel and Airelated Travel (Florence Hun) to get your dates and tickets.
Thai Airways offers are higher-priced and incurs a stopover in Bangkok (some tickets do not allow you to stopover/stay in Bangkok); so please check if you need to.
It does look that we have to use AirAsia and catch the Chaing mai flight from either Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok. For those who want to go on a budget you can bus to KL and then catch the flight, or fly to Bangkok and bus to Chiang Mai which is a nine-hour ride.
I will try to firm up the dates I’ll be in Chiang Mai so those wanting to meet in Chiang Mai will be able to plan their schedule. At present I’m looking at being there about two weeks.
Me again!!
I’ve just checked the AirAsia website:
Singapore – Bangkok 14 Nov FD3504 1535 1655
Bangkok – Singapore 28 Nov FD3505 1645 2005
S$232.00 including taxes but no express check in or luggage
Bangkok – Chiang Mai 14 Nov FD3242 1945 2055
Chiang Mai – Bangkok 28 Nov FD3239 1140 1250
Baht 3,240 (S$136.00)
So it’ll cost around S$368 if you fly by AirAsia via Bangkok. This looks like a suitable arrangement and price. And you can also spend a few days in Bangkok if you like.
Hi Terence
Count me in! This is exactly the type of adventure trip I’ve always wanted to do! With 182 comments before mine, it will take me a while to finish reading but I can certainly feel the excitement amongst all.
I don’t know if this has been touched on, I do remember a year when it was -2 degrees up in the National Park in Chiangmai. Perhaps it’s a good idea to have a contingency plan in place and yes, it would be nice if some hot water is available.
Hi Kenneth and everybody whose name appears on the list,
Now is the time to make the camping dream to Mae Hong Son (Chiangmai) come true. Finally, I see a deal in Silk Air today.
Spore – Chiangmai:
You can leave SIN on 17 or 18 Nov 2008.
The times are 1455 hrs – 1655 hrs and 1745 hrs – 2150 hrs. For our group, all must arrive by Mon 18 Nov 2008.
The costs for two persons: $416. You shd find a partner.
The tax for two persos: $358.
Total for two persons: $774.
Therefore, each person is $387.
According to SILKair promotion, closing date for booking is 31 Aug 2008. But, dont wait until then. Everybody book their tickets online.
More details later. For those who wish to withdraw, this is ok. Everybody have their own committments. Please let me know your withdrawal asap, for planning purposes. No problems. It will be fun.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence
I am quite definite to join. A lot of question in my mind, should I start booking my ticket after geting a partner(intend to book through M/S AirRelated Pte Ltd). Which date should we leave Singapore ? Where to meet – Chiangmai or Bangkok ? Is it possible that interested SHC members take the same flight from Singapore and landed at the same place and proceed with our journey.
I would like to hear your comments.
Annie Loh
Hi Terence and all SHCs interested in this trip
I’m not too sure whether we can get the SilkAir offer as Terence stated. It is really a good deal if we can get tickets for the dates we want. You’ll fly direct to Chiang Mai without the hassle of stopping over in Bangkok and the price unbeatable.
I’ll commit myself right now to being in Chiang Mai from the 25th November (when the camping group returns to CM) to the 1st December (when I’ll leave CM) regardless of what happens to the flight availability on SilkAir.
So, anyone who wants to join me in CM on any of the dates between 25 Nov to 1 Dec is welcome to book his/her own ticket and meet me there. I will be posting the hotel recommendations and some activities/tours you could do in the near future. But remember, I am not going to be the tour guide but just the facilitator.
It’s important that the airtickets are obtained soonest possible as November is the peak season and school holidays.
Terence
I am opting out of this as my “baby” will be sitting for her ‘A’ Levels exams so must be around to give moral support :)
Warmest Regards
Caroline Gee
I’ve just checked SilkAir site and the only dates left for the offer are 16th November to 24 November.
Not very exciting. Could someone check with their travel agent for a package offer from SilkAir?
Hi Kenneth
I have checked with M/S AirRelated Pte Ltd this morning on the Silk Air promotion, their company have no more vancancy and suggest to book On-line. Since the travel details is not out yet and I also don’t know how to book on-line and need help from somebody, meantime cannot do anything.
Hi Annie
It looks like there are no more promotion seats on SilkAir, particularly on the dates that Terence is targetting for the camp: Nov 18 – 25, 2008.
So all interested parties must get back to Terence and see what he proposes… but the dates are fixed, right?
well, I’ve stuck my neck out and will be Chiang Mai from the 25 Nov to 1 Dec. So if you like to come at this time, I’ll be happy to point you to activities/shops/tours/makan that you can do in CM.
Get your son/daughter or someone savvy with a Visa card to do your booking. Try AirAsia which flies to Bangkok then to Chiang Mai.
Terence: Annie and all intending campers need your help!
Hi Kenneth,
I look at the SilkAir.com website; and find that the promo is still open. Available Sun 16Nov and 17Nov Mon departures. Valid till end Aug, subject to availability.
A major restriction is that coming back 24 Nov, means that some of us cannot join you.
So, the airasia solutin may be workable. Which flights are you thinking of taking?
Terence Seah
Yes, Terence
As I said, the offer is only good for travel on the 16th and 17th November and the return available is only the 24th. Remember, SilkAir has a 14-day maximum stay too.
So, are you going to change your trip dates?
I am already booked and committed based on your original dates and would be in Chiang Mai from the 25th November and return on 1st December. I will be taking AirAsia and stopover in Bangkok to connect to CM.
So anyone interested in joining me on those dates, please book your tickets and let me know your travel dates.
I will be posting more info about possible hotels we can use if you’re not on package tours.
Hi Kenneth and participants,
At this moment, the feedback is I am spending too many days in the mountains. At the same time, there is no time allocated to Chiangmai. Silkair may not be able to meet our needs for all to fly in at same time. AirAsia looks like the next best connection via Bkk.
I shall look at the airasia connection tonight. How much did you pay?
Terence Seah
Hahaha!
Will all those really, really interested pls sign up and give your feedback!
My suggestion to Terence is to take you guys up to the mountains as planned. Then, on your return to Chiang Mai, spend a couple of days soaking in the spa/swimming pool, rubbing off the muck that’s accumulated on the camping trip; eating delectable meals at Thai, Italian and seafood restaurants; splurging at huge shopping centres or street markets.
So Terence, I’ll be there from 25th November to 1st December. Just plan your camp around these dates and spend 2 two days in CM with moi.
I have booked AirAsia for the dates mentioned and am fully committed to my trip schedule. Now, it’s up to you guys!
BTW, I paid S$251.50 for Sin-Bangkok return including insurance and one baggage check-in; and Baht3,290 (S$140.00) Bangkok-CM return including one check-in luggage on the flight back.
Hi Terence,
This post is “old” How about take this post to a current date. Besides myself, I believe many might have missed the recent revival :D
Getting the tix is 1 thing but I think there should be more details perhaps, an itinerary and/or logistics. Do we nid to bring our own tents? etc…etc…
Regards, ChristinaCL
#186 KennethT, alamak, how come you in CM only a week later.
I cant be away so many days as also have to plan for a company’s retreat for Dec.
But I am keen to join you in CM. I’ll wait a while… let’s see what Terence’s plans are.
BTW what you mean only ‘facilitator’? you will bring me/us to all the yummies & good spas m in nid of some good massages :D talk to you offline 1 of the nix days.
Rgds, ChristinaCL
Sorry, Chris
I’ve been waiting for Terence to come up with the itinerary for some time. But I decided that I should get the ball rolling as flights and hotels may become tight as November is a peak period.
I’ve now planned to be in CM from the 25th Nov (last day of the camp group) so as to give you guys more time to stay over in CM.
I used “facilitator” as I do not intend to be with guys all the way… i.e. I can point you to a good spa or massage, or arrange a tour to the Gardens or Elephant Camp, but I may not want to use the spa or go to the Elephant Camp… you know what I mean.
As for “food”… we should have a great time eating as I still have to eat! Hahaha!
One part of the dream camping schedule confirmed is that the tenting part will link up with the Chiangmai city part on Nov 25.
Based on feedback on the forum, it does appear starting on Tues 18 Nov requires many leave days. SilkAir is not flexible; and so now we have to settle for AirAsia Sin/Bkk/Chiangmai and back. Now, confirmed for ETA Chiangmai 20 Nov 2008. The return date is up to the individual, if you plan to continue with Kenneth.
Schedule: 6D to Mae Hong Son.
ETA Chiangmai – 20 Nov
ETD Chiangmai – 25 Nov. You may extend to visit Chiangmai city.
This is not a tour. Please read the Post for a gist of what you will experience. The final destination will be Mae Hong Son, and stops at each National Parks and Resort (camp area). Initially, we will plan for one mini bus (with up to 10 pax). A new post will be put up later this week. Unfortunately, I wont be booking for anybody; and with AirAsia, you can book alone online. http://www.airasia.com.
Please indicate your interests, on a FCFS basis.
Hi Kenneth,
SilkAir is not flexible for us, so we shall now work on AirAsia with a transit in Bkk. We shall come down from the mountains on the morning of 25 Nov, and be in the city of Chiangmai by about noon.
Your arrival is 25 Nov. What is the ETA?
Terence Seah
This Post is now closed with 200 comments. Please click here to go to the updated thread. http://silverhairsclub.com/2008/08/2063 .
Terence Seah