Golden Triangle trip, 4-8 Jan 2012

Each year, I like to take a trip to North Thailand.  Especially, when the weather is cold.  Coming next January, I plan to go to the Golden Triangle with Sompho.  This is where Laos, Thailand and Myanmar meets.  The weather is great, cold, and the pace is slow.  We plan to explore the kountains.

The plan is to do some shopping at the Burmese border., tour a few mountains, see spring flowers, speak Mandarin with the villagers who long ago came from China, take pictures of traditional Chinese buildings, eat local food, maybe some doggie meat, insects, and blow mist into the air. 

Weather is likely to be cold, around 5-15C, we get a chance to wear warm clothings, hug one another and see parts of Myanmar culture, Thaii Culture and even see Loas from high up, somewhere.

We are likely to tent, pretty comfortable, live in shared bungalows or in the vans.

As for dates, it will be 4-8 Jan 2012, both dates inclusive. Fly into Chiangmai, over night in Chiangmai, and we start the trip.  Return to Chiangmai, and you may overnight to do more shopping.

Please note I only organise *** travel.  If you are keen, put these dates in your diary.  Maybe, indicate your interest here.  You may withdraw, before  Nov 2011.

Terence Seah

Registration List:  (Strictly for SHC members)

  1. Terence Seah – Confirmed
  2. Janie Leong – confirmed
  3. Dolly Lim – confirmed
  4. Lily Ho – confirmed
  5. Charles Chua – confirmed
  6. Eillean Thean –  confirmed.
  7. Eyvonne Chew – confirmed
  8. Annie Tang – confirmed 
  9. Audrey Wong – confirmed
  10. Lilian Teo – confirmed
  11. Yat Sing – confirmed

 

Registered but yet to confirm:

  •  Lawrence Lee
  • Jessie Lee
  • Sekaran
  • Sislyn Tan
  • Annie Seet
  • Tim Liu
  • Sockie
  • Esther Mok
  • Josephine
  • Laura Ng
  • Ivan Lim
  • Tian Soo
  • Bobby Bok
  • Pearlynn Tan
  • Catherine Tan
  • Ann To
  • Daisy Yeo
  • Oi Cheng
  • Dee Ang
  • Ella Tan
  • Frisna Tan
  • Pauline Chew
  • Lena Ho

 

Author: Terence Seah

Founder

81 thoughts on “Golden Triangle trip, 4-8 Jan 2012”

  2. Terence

    This is really an INTERESTING tour – off the beaten track. I’d like to go before my legs get too weak to climb the mountains!

  6. Wow!! Another trip to Chiang Mai led by the intrepid Terence and Sompho.

    I am reminded of the last trip in 2009 when the group was almost stranded by the Yellow Shirts’ shutdown of Bangkok airport; but I think that the group had a great time and that it would be just as enjoyable this time around.

    North-east Thailand around early January would be the best time and weather but it could be really cold up in the mountains. So lots or warm clothes and hugging?!

    However, I am a city person and prefer to stay in built-up areas… so I shall plan to be in Chiang Mai around that time if possible. This trip looks like another 5-day marathon of driving and sight-seeing… and takes in the weekend.

    I prefer to be in Chiang Mai over the weekend… so I may plan to be there 13 or 14 onwards. Let’s see how this develops.

    P.S. AirAsia direct to Chiang Mai return is S$280 now at special promotion rate.

  7. Hi Kenneth,

    Is this AirAsia flight Sin/Chiangmai a direct or via Bkk flight? I have not check yet. Thanks Kenneth.

    I shall check later this afternoon.

    As a guide, most carriers will charge about $450 closer the date.

    Wait one more day to decide.

    Terence Seah.

  8. Terence, Kenneth,

    We remembered the very enjoyable trip you have organized for
    us to Chiang Mai and Mae Hong San 2 years back.

    4/1/12 falls on a Wed. Monday 2/1/12 is a Holiday. Why dont
    we make use of this holiday to start the trip and spent a
    couple of days in Chiang Mai after touring the triangle
    borders; ie, start on 2/1 and return on 8/1?
    What do you think?

    james

  11. Hi JamesT #8,
    The dates have been chosen because they fall just outside the school holidays. The date you mentioned is still holiday season, and Thais are still in the holiday mood. Airfares and hotels are expensive; and you will be cramped with many people.

    Let everybody get to work, and we can have a better time and space.

    Hi Anna and members considering coming,
    Cost-wise, unfortunatebly, this is not a package travel agent type of trip. Honestly, I wont know. But, I would put in a budget of SGD2,000 return tickets, SGD 400 for rice and soya sauce, SGD 500 for van and petrol, SGD 300 for tenting, SGD 500 for shared 1 star bungalows, and SGD 200 for tips. By the way, these costs are per person.

    We may need help and advice from our Chiangmai resident Kenneth Tan. I guess the major costs would be the return airtickets, your shopping, and the van and petrol. All others are within individual control.

    Dont forget, the cockcroaches will visit us, the toilets are rather visible to everybody and you will likely to get food poisoning after taking sticky rice.

    Have fun. Catch up later.

    Terence Seah

  12. Hi, for those planning to get airtickets at best prices and joining me for the Golden Triangle trip.

    This is the basic flight requirement.

    1. All must arrive by Jan 4, 2012, and stay overnight in Chiangmai. We leave early next morning.

    2. We will get into Chiangmai by Sun night, Jan 8. There fore all can leave by Mon, Jan 9, 2012, after breakfast. You may extend to do shopping.

    You may buy your airtickets at your convenience. Trip is confirmed. Please buy travel insurance asap.

    To a good trip.

    Terence Seah

  14. Hi Terence
    AirAsia departs Sin on wed 4/1/2012 late – at 1945 and arrive in Ch’mai 2135. Just in time for supper and bed in Ch’mai!

    I suggest if taking AirAsia to leave Sin on Tue 3rd and return to Sin on Sat.7th. (plane leaves Ch’mai at 1525)

    SilkAir has better flight times: Depart sin (4/1/2012) 0850
    Depart Ch’mai (8/1/2012) 1745.

    Think Tiger Airways has no more direct flight to Ch’mai. The last time i went Ch’mai was with Tiger – pleasant flight both ways.

    * apologies if info. is inaccurate.

  19. Hi Terence@11!

    Looks like there are quite a number already interested in going…

    AirAsia direct flights from Singapore to CM are around S$280 plus extras for luggage, seat choice, food, Visa payment charge.

    SilkAir offers a good alternative at $346 including taxes but they fly only three times a week now to CM.

    But the trip budget you mentioned are a bit on the high side:

    S$2,000 for air tickets? Going first class?
    S$400 for rice and soy sauce? Must be at Shangri-la Hotel.
    S$500 for van and petrol? Cannot say, it might be SuperVIP.
    S$300 for tenting? Got aircon or no?
    S$500 for one-star shared bungalow? Sounds like Bali.
    S$200 tips… This one Sompho & you deserve for putting up with SHC members. Haha!

    Almost S$4,000! I think, Terence, you must be giving a lot of leeway and buffer for shopping. Did the girls tell you to bump up the costs so that they can hide their shopping spending?

  20. Any body likes to help me sell away those who are coming for this Golden Triangle trip, especially the girls?

    Not to worry guys and gals, this list is only an expression of interest. You may withdrawn before 1 Nov 2011.

    Terence Seah

  21. Thank you Kenneth for calculating the costs.

    Altho I hv yet to collect my $50 winnings, that amount wont cover even 12.5%. It will be hard to cough out the rrst and still want to enjoy a quality life when we are told we hv anoither 39 years to live.

    Sorry Terence, the only trip I can make is to go to the airport and wave you folks bye bye.

    I am out.

  23. Hahaha!!

    I’m a “cheap” traveller; that’s why I go often to Thailand because it’s so cheap… or rather, affordable.

    So a Thai trip for me would cost around:

    S$120 to 300 for return air ticket, including taxes and Visa fee.
    S$30 per night for a twin-bedded room with aircon, cable and attached bath.
    S$30 per day for meals and refreshment.
    S$5 per day for daily transport needs.

    And I can do this to many destinations in Thailand including Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, and Samui.

    And yes, Tim, we have to stretch our budget… can we live as cheaply in Thailand discounting the airfare costs? I think we can and should.

  24. Wei wei Terence

    Dolly Lim @ #17 said : “Lily and Dolly are coming.”

    How come Dolly’s name is in the list but not mine hah?? U tua sway bak issit???

  25. Kenneth, right now, I am living like a duke (duped dude?) in Spore, buying $80 loafers, $18 for char kway teow, eating great food round the clock but not pulling any $ out of my wallet to pay for them.

    But of cos, nothing comes for free and there’s a huge price to pay. Sigh………….

    So anythg more than $50 in cash to pay has become a hard decision to make. And this trip will, conservatively, set me back by some $600 so I am out. Definitely out.

  27. Triangle trip, Tim, you are fast to withdraw. I thought I gave plenty of time. But, no worries, you are also free to rejoin the list anytime. And, Lily, oops I missed your name. The brain recorded the info but the fingers just missed it.

    Now, looks like we have a geographical problem. Looks like only the ladies have indicated they have the time to travel. I wonder if this is a SHC problem or a national problem. Likely the men have to go back and work, after the long holidays in Dec.

    I am likely to fly off to Chiangmai from Bkk during that time.

    Terence Seah

  29. Hi Terence,

    I missed your first trip to Chiang Mai the last time so I better register early for this trip.

    When do we have to buy the airtickets? By Nov 1st too?

  30. Hi Terence

    Please include me as I am looking forward to this camping trip in Chiang Mai.

    If the dates are confirmed, please let me know when we can book our air ticket?

    Mega

  32. Terence,
    This trip sounds interesting but costs seem to be on the High side.

    You mean we need to do our own tkt booking, travel arrangements, etc…?

    Do advise. Rgds

  33. For the Golden Triangle trip, please note the travel dates are confirmed. Do read Comment #12 before booking.

    1. Air tickets, please buy your own, and at your own time. Some of you have already bought the tickets. I will be flying in to Chiangmai from within Thailand.

    2. Food-wise, for those who have travelled with me before, there will be no “one order” for everyone. Everybody gathers into little groups of 2, 4 or 6 pax. You choose if you want spicy or no spicy, number of dishes or even what you want to eat. It’s like you travel on your own in small groups, except we travel together. Cost, really depends on your stomach.

    3. Shopping, again, it’s up to you.

    4. Accomodation wise, you pay on your own. I shall advise a central hotel, you can choose it or another one near-by. But, walking distance. Two star, or three or four or five, it’s up to you. But, like Kenneth, I am not a 5 star traveller when on these holidays. I go for clean, small and preferably new. Share or single, it’s again up to you, even who you sleep with.

    I am waiting to book the National Parks accommodation which can be wooden bngalows and tents. They vary from $10 to 20 dollars. You are not likely to book this from a travel agent. Chances we have one night camp and one night in a shared bungalow. Can be 10 – 12 pax per bungalow. Comes with free huge black cockcroaches and tiny soft lizards.

    5. The transport cost is probably one acception, as we [ay for driver, per day and petrol costs. That we share. I wont be able to tell, until we firm up the travel schedule.

    6. Places we go would likely include mountain hot springs (strip as much as you like), two or three romantic, misty mountain tops, local cultures with a bit of thai, loas and Myanmese. Large fresh markets, we get out and we come back at a fixed time. Late comers, just got to take off pants or underwear; that’s the condition to please those who are back on time.

    7. You can decide close the date, subject to some flexibility. The reason why I ask you to think early is for leave reasons, and also who you will have as a bed partner. Again, I wont decide for you.

    Have fun.

    Terence Seah

  34. Hi Terence #33

    You wrote at #12 “all can leave (CM) by Mon 9th..” Is this departure day confirmed?

    I HAVE to leave CM on Sunday 8th. If we can return (from the mts?) to CM in time for me to catch the plane (for Sge) at 1745, i can return (to Sge)AHEAD of the rest.

  35. Terence,

    Pls register Susan Tan and me for this Golden trip.

    At the same time, anybody keen to visit Chiangmai for
    a couple of days before joining Terence further up North.
    Since 2/1/12 is a holiday, we plan to arrive on that day
    and continue the Golden Triangle trip from 4/1/12.

    Budget hotel in Chiangmai better and costs around S$30-$40
    a day for two. Food and roadside shopping a plenty. Tutu
    are everywhere to bring you around at cheap fares.

    KennethT, are you in Chiangmai around that time?

    james

  36. Hi James #35,
    Yes, it is a good idea to team up with other members and be in Chiangmai before the trip proper. Enjoy.

    Hi Jassmine #34,
    We will be back by 6pm. But, at this stage, it will be difficult for me to confirm. Maybe we find a bus to send you down the mountains. Keep updated.

    Terence Seah

  37. Jassmine #34,

    Like Terence said, it would be wise to leave a day before
    catching your return flight in case of any unforseen delay
    during the Golden triangle trip.

    Who knows, you may decide to join the long-necked tribe
    (Karen) of Myanmar and stay for good !!!??? In that case,
    what’s the hurry to leave?

  38. Hi Terence #36
    No need to get a bus. A sturdy tuk tuk will do. More important the driver must know the shortest route to the CM airport! lol!

    Hi James #37
    Wish i could extend my leave beyond the 8th. Actually we can start the journey to the GTriangle on the 4th. (Silkair arrives in CM before noon) instead of the 5th (as Terence plans to). Then we could return to CM on the 7th(instead of the 8th)and i’ll be able to leave CM on the 8th after some shopping. :)

  39. Hi Boss,

    Just browsed through all the postings, looks good with all the BIG black cockcroaches visiting, see-through toilets for gals only, special food (potent) poisons for the guys and cold temperatures for the red hot-blooded ……

    Last trip to the Golden Triangle was about 23 years ago. Guess it’s about time that I make my gunjar trip and get re-acquainted with the GenY warlords or druglords or poppylords.

    So, please chop chop a place for me …. although I dun know yet if I am still alive in Jan 2012 to go.

    p/s: Do keep me posted on the best lobang for air-tickets. TQ.

  40. Jassmine, good idea to start tour on 4/1 and return on 8/1.
    I support that. However still depends on chief to be
    flexible with the new dates. That way, no need to waste one
    day leave just to fly back.

  41. Hi James@35

    It looks like I may not be in CM on the dates of the Golden Triangle trip; so I can only give suggestions on the places to stay/eat in CM this time around.

    On travelling by SilkAir:

    As there are only 3 flights per week, it does limit the choices on the dates available for you.

    You arrive on Wed 4th at 1545 (if there’s no delay) and if you leave for the Golden Traingle from the airport it would be around 5.00pm earliest.

    If you depart on the Sunday 8th, you have to be at the airport 1545 latest for the flight at 1745. If you travel back on the 7th, you again lose valuable trip time.

    I do not like having to rush my travel itinerary… but of course, I’m retired…

  42. Re the Golden Triangle trip,
    Please note the basic timing of the trip.

    * Participants must arrive ANY date or time before midnight Jan 4, 2011, and stay overnight in Chiangmai. We start trip early Thurs morning on Jan 5.

    * We will get into Chiangmai by Sun night, Jan 8. There fore, the earliest you can leave is Mon, Jan 9, 2012. You may extend to do shopping.

    Trip is confirmed. The above timings are not changeable. Some participants have already bought tickets.

    Please buy your air tickets and travel insurance asap.

    No worries, if you cannot make this trip, we can always go anytime in 2013.

    Terence Seah

  43. Hi Ivan #39,

    I am so glad you are putting the Golden Triangle trip into your diary. If your schedule is still free by then, I believe we will have a great time together, with all the other boys and girls.

    Terence Seah

  44. Hi Terence #42

    Regrets. Have to withdraw from the GTriangle tour. :( Wishing all who are going a safe trip and happy wandering along the mountain tracks! :)

  45. I was planning to visit Chiangmai when the weather is cooler at the end of the year. My intension was to check into a health spa to get rid of 10kg. But so far the Spas I have inquire require me to undergo ‘Colon Cleansing’. I can endure eating ‘rabbit food’ for 2 weeks but feeding coffee into my bottom is too scary just to think about it.

    CharlesC recently told me he lost 4kg from getting diarrhoea.

    Maybe I should join you guys up the mountain and eat the food that the ‘huge black cockcroaches and tiny soft lizards’ had walked over and defecate. I may get to lose 10kg. I will also be cheaper than going to the Spa.

  46. Hi Terence and James,
    This Golden Triangle trip sound interesting and adventurous. #35 James,#36- Yes it is a good idea to spend extra days in Chiangma from 2 Jan 2012 afterall we have spend a large chunk of the expenses on airticket. I dont mind joining you and if anyone who are free for this period are welcome to accompany me to share hotel accommodation etc I would book air ticket to Chiangma on 2jan2012 and back on 9Jan2012. Otherwise will stick to arrival on 4jan2012 at CM and departure back on 9jan2012. Please email me to bobby88@gmail.com so that I can coordinate to book the airtickets etc. Cheers..
    Bobby Bok

  47. Hi Terence,
    Pls count Catherine Chan in. She’ll be my room partner.

    Since dates for GT (4th – 8th Jan 2012) is confirmed, wld greatly appreciate if you or someone from the group can advise when best to book airtickets, etc.. Also who’ll help to make room booking @ Chianmai for overnite stay on 4th as well as on 8th (depart ChiangMai for SIN on 9th Jan).

    As 1st time going for this type of trip, do advise a rough estimate to bring for the whole trip. Wont be doing alot of shopping. Dont need to stay in 5Star, just 3Star will do – clean bed w nec amenities.

    Tks & regards

  48. Hi Terence,
    We (DL, LH, ET, EC) had already booked our tickets thru’ Airasia from Jan4 to Jan 9 liao… GT, here we comes…

    BTW, anyone in d group are keen to join to buy group insurance for this trip, kindly write to me at dlgummy@hotmail.com. Cheers.. Dolly

  50. The trip to the Golden Triangle is on. So, no worries, I read all your emails, and I shall put up the list of those coming sometime in Aug.

    No, no durians and no Chinese monkeys. But, got strawberries. Am hunting for a hot mountain stream for a hot spa.

    Dont think about the hotels yet. I shall advise sometime in Aug/Sep too. So keep a watch out for cheap flight tickets.

    Terence Seah

  51. Hi Terence,

    Just FYI, I have also bought my air ticket from Air Asia. It costs me $332, 2 way baggage and free seating, so must go early.

    Still early but look forward to it

  52. It is still a long time away from the Golden Triangle trip. Dont worry too much about airfare. I am sure sometime this year, there will be low fares available. But, if you spot any good fare announcements, please share with us.

    By the way, the trip is STRICTLY for SHC members.

    Terence Seah

  53. Hello Terence

    I would like to continue with the second episode of your North Thailand adventure and Lilian Teo would like to experience it too!

    I shall remember to bring my supply of sour kanas to share with you but will leave the “kong” for drinking and bathing at home.

    Thanks & Cheers
    Daisy

  65. For those who are keen on joining me on the Golden Triangle trip, I like to say the trip is ON. It is not off, as we still have some time.

    As update, it is likely I shall close the number of pax to groups of 8, the first likely number is 16. This means two vans. I am pretty sure, we not not exceed 24 pax. 8 per van is comfortable, as we will be moving around the northern part of Thailand.

    Terence Seah

  66. Hi Terence,

    Audrey and myself, both confirmed flight on Air Asia.
    Flight # FD 3452 & coming back on FD 3451. Fr 4 Jan 2012 to 9 Jan 2012.

    Dolly, confirmed, FD 4111 and FD 4110 changed to FD 3452 & 3451. According to the officer I spoke to they will send you the notice of changes, at least one month b4 departure.
    So lookout.
    Regarding buying group insurance, we are in. Do let us know what info to provide you, Thks for the arrangement.

    Cheers,
    Lilian

  67. Lilian,
    OK, will proceed with the travel insurance as agreed upon.

    Audrey/Lilian, pls refer to email for future requirement with regards to info required. Cheers.. Dolly

  72. Kenneth is organising a trip to Chiangmai in Feb 2012, in time for the World Flower festival. On this Post, i am organsing a trip to the Golden triangle from 4 Jan to 8 Jan 2012, both dates inclusive. 4 Jan, you can arrive anytime. We begin 5 Jan early morning.

    The max number of pax is set to 16. Apology, I wont be able to handle more than 16. This will be two vans for SilverHairsClub. We will also meet Mary Tan and family from Perth and my family from Thailand. Sompho will be our local tour guide. Total will be three vans and 1 car.

    We will leave after early breakfast on the 4 Jan and be back in Chiangmai on the 8 Jan evening, approx 6pm.

    Now, we are going to pick the hotel we are going to stay in. The hotel should be either 3 or 4 star, located in Central Chiangmai. Let’s target for a room night at less than SGD 50 per night. Let’s pick two hotels nearby to one another. If you have stayed in a hotel in Chiangmai or you like a hotel recommended on the website, please share it here. We close this choosing hotel on by 21 Oct. From the responses, we decide on 22 Oct. Pretty democratic process.

    Expense wise: Hotel, you will book and pay yourself. You find your own partner sharing. I shall let you know which of the two hotels to choose from.

    Transport wise: it will be van rental, with driver and petrol and entrance fees, shared.

    Meals: It’s easy. You find a group of 2-4 people, with the same chilli taste, onion taste, your type of taste, and share among your own table. Very easy. I can help with translation.

    This is an off peak period, at least the dates are outside Thai school holidays. Weather is expected to be cool and we are up North. Have fun.

    Terence Seah

  73. Terence,
    Is there some typo error in your comt #72?

    Para 1, u said We begin 5Jan early morning” but
    Para 3, u said “we will leave after early breakfast on the 4Jan”

    I am sure most of us had booked our flight to leave SG on 4Jan arriving Chiangmai around 10pm, hence, there is no way that we can start on Jan 4.

    So, this is a typo error rite?

    Cheers.. Dolly

  74. We begin trip to the Golden Triangle on the 5 Jan 2012 early moring, and return to Chiangmai late Sun 8 Jan. An email with a map has been sent to all confirmed participants of the Golden Triangle holiday.
    Time to start preparing for the trip. A welcome to everybody.

    Participants:

    Sompho Homjumroon (Thailand) – Leader and guide
    1. Terence Seah
    2. Lily Ho
    3. Dolly Lim
    4. Janie Leong
    5. Charles Chua
    6. Eyvonne Chew
    7. Annie Tang
    8. Eileen Thean
    9. Lilian Teo
    10. Tang Yat Sing
    11. Audrey Wong
    12. The rest have not confirmed as air tickets are not confirmed. Max number is 16 pax.

    Sompho will be our tour leader. He will have an assistant to help on this tour with the physical work and running around. Mary and family and my family are likely to join on this tour.

    Schedule:

    • Thu 4 Jan 2012 – Everybody must arrive by 4 Jan night. You may do your shopping if you come early in the day. The Golden triangle trip starts 5 Jan 2012 morning. We will recommend 2 hotels within week. I would suggest we stay in the same hotel when we come back. Keep our shopping bags, and retrieve them when we return on the last day.

    • 1st day Fri 5 Jan 2012 – We will follow route 107-1130-110 to Golden Triangle. First day, Jan 5th ,Chiangmai – Doi Mae Salong, 1600 meter, good food, good tea (one of the best tea areas in Thailand). We may be there by afternoon. Enjoy yourself with nice scene, cold weather. Bring a good warm jacket.

    • 3rd day 6 Jan 2012 – Golden Triangle, Mae Sai market. The meeting point of laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Working on hotel now.

    • 4th day 7 Jan 2012 Doi Ang Khang, visit royal project, lots of fruit like strawberry, avocado, apples, Japanese pears, or fish like rainbow trout(very nice), camping at night up there. Frozen morning dew very likely, depend on the weather.

    • 5th day 8 Jan 2012 enjoy Baw sang village on the way back to Chiangmai by 6pm. We will recommend two hotels this week.

    On this trip, we have shopping, camping and everything. For those who likes to know more about the places, go to Google, using the words in bold.

    • For food, it is good to break up into 2 or 4 persons. Order by group, preferable spicy/not spicy group, more veg/less veg group, big eater/smaller eater group. Payment may be little in baht, but pay by per group.

    • For accommodation, one night, we will stay in a National Resort bungalow, so share around. For other nights, for hotels, group in 2s or 3s.

    Notes:
    • It’s not wintry, but bring a warm jacket, that can take winds and chills.
    • As this is a 3 or 4 star trip, there are no hair dryers, no tooth brush and paste, no swimming pool, not internet.
    • You may bring your phone, if you have roaming. Incoming SMS to you in Thailand is free. Outgoing SMS is chargeable.
    • I will have a Thailand number available for your family to contact if necessary (Incoming only).
    • If you want to have your own Thai number, you can buy a SIM card at the bangkok airport, for around 99 Baht.
    • Exchange rates in Thailand, approx 1 Sing dollar = 23.5 Baht. (fluctuates)
    • For bags, please try to bring flexible bags, not hard bags to go into the vans.
    • There are likely no mosquitoes at this time. There may be cockcroaches.

    I have included Kenneth Tan, for info, and also other suggestion.

    There will be more info in the next few weeks. In another email, I shall introduce Sompho, our Thai member.

    Terence Seah

  75. Hi guys!

    It’s last May that this post was started… and now it’s time to plan the trip!

    Terence, I think you should re-post this again to get it up front on the website.

    At present, you can buy airtickets on AirAsia for around S$300 and Silkair for $400, departing 3 or 4 January and return 8 or 9 January.

    Exchange rates are quite good now at around Baht24 to the dollar.

    As usual, I think that a five-day trip is too rushed for me and I recommend that would-be travellers consider taking some extra days in Chiang Mai to just chill out. For flower lovers there’s an exhibition on (Flora Ratchapruek) at this time. If you stay in CM over the weekend don’t miss the Walking Street craft market in the Old City.

    I think we can look forward to a great trip again with the agile Sompho and intrepid Terence at the helm!

  76. Hi Kenneth,

    Amora Tapae is a nice hotel, right at the entrance of Gate. This is rather central.

    I have also been thinking of a hotel right near the Night market. This is to allow those who wants to shop and eat before going home. Have you stay in another hotels, right where the night market is? We can then stay out all the way, until midnight.

    Terence Seah

  77. Hi Terence

    Yes, Amora Tapar is quite convenient but I chose this hotel because it is near the Flower Parade when we go in February and that Expedia had a great discount!

    You know that i am a “cheap” traveller and often choose the better guest houses like Chiang Mai Thai House and Mandala House, both of which have been used by SHC (for better or worse).

    If you wish to be in the Night Bazaar area, Royal Lanna is a good 3-star tourist class hotel available on most websites.

    Near the Tapae Gate and Amora Tapae, there are dozens of guest houses and small hotels to choose from.

    This is high season fpr Chiang Mai and many places are getting fully booked… so decide soon.

  78. Registration to participate in the Golden Triangle holiday is now closed. Information on the holiday will now be sent via email to participants.

    To a wintry holiday.

    Terence Seah

  79. Wow, finally we are going to Chiangmai and then to the Golden Triangle. We arrive tomorrow and start a 4 day trip on a free and easy eat, sleep, open the eyes and smell the fresh air tour.

    Takes almost one year to plan. Catch up folks.
    Next year, we go on a honeymoon trip to North East Thailand.

    Terence Seah

  80. After a good night sleep, we left this morning for our trip to the Golden Triange. Left at 9am after breakfast. Headed straight to a hot spring, half boiled some eggs and enjoyed a warm but dry morning. We had a good morning, Bla Bla Bla.

    Now, we are having Chivas and Bailey. Some card games, music and soon, some dancing. A good Chinese style dinner in a very Chinese style hotel, at Doi Mae Salong. No cockcroaches yet. Good night.

    Terence Seah

  81. The golden triangle has ended recently. Was too busy, and did not get the chance to give everyone update. Unfortunately, this time, the weather was not as cold as anticipated. However, participants get a chance to enjoy the trip, not normally organised by travel agencies.

    A similar trip will be organised next year, to Kanchanburi. It will be a romantic trip and likely in Feb 2012. Moe details later.

    Terence Seah

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