With all the obvious South East Asia destinations ticked off the list, I'm all about seeking out the lesser-known options now. If you dare to go a little more 'off-piste', you can often end up in a city double the charm and half the crowds. If Chiang Mai is Thailand's famous Plan A, then its sister Chiang Rai most definitely its lesser-known Plan B. I got to spend one full day in Chiang Rai as part of our partnership with Travel Hub Chiang Mai during our South East Asia adventure which took me through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. I immediately fell in love with Chiang Rai, so much that I wanted to dedicate an entire blog post to it. So here's my 12 hours guide from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.

INTRODUCING CHIANG RAI

The drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is definitely a scenic one with rolling hills, streams of crystal clear water flowing alongside the road, and the trees speckled in bright yellow, cadmium red, and emerald greens. This Northern Thailand delight felt like as if it was Autumn. If you aren't in a hurry, there are some great places to stop along the way.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN CHIANG RAI

1. Pamper yourself at the Mae Khajan Hot Springs

The Mae Khajaan Hot Springs was located about halfway between Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai making it the perfect spot to stop and stretch your legs, grab something to eat, and dip your feet in the hot spring pools.


The waters of Mae Khajan Hot Springs were really scalding, so we dip our feet little by little until we adapted to the heat and our feet was fully submerged. It was surprisingly soothing and as we're done, our feet was surprisingly smooth like a baby's skin. There are locals selling chicken eggs that you can boil in the hot springs yourselves.


2. Ethically hang-out with the Elephants at Elephant Valley Chiang Rai

We wanted to do something with elephants, but we were afraid of something which perpetuates the misery. Elephants are so often put through for the public's benefit without taking into consideration the welfare of these gentle giants.


Elephant Valley Chiang Rai is an Elephant Sanctuary true to its name. They seek to remove elephants from performing for public's entertainment, or doing hard manual labour. This is the first of hopefully many places that will provide a safe sanctuary for elephants. Everyone (including the elephants) seems really happy and laid back. It was so entertaining watching the elephants just by themselves. This is an excellent place, with great values and worthy of support.


3. Be amazed by Chiang Rai's White Temple

Wat Rong Khun, also known by most foreigners as the White Temple, was the number one priority on our list. I think its safe to say this is the biggest draw to Chiang Rai for most tourists. Even if you are getting a little "templed out", this temple is like no other and is absolutely a must-see if you are in the area. The architecture and landscaping are stunning. Some people claim to spend hours at the temple, but about 40 minutes was plenty for us to do a walk through, snap some photos and take in the beauty of it all. If you are heading to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, its located about 10-15 kilos off Route 1 before you get into town so you might want to make a stop on your way in if you are driving yourself.


4. Visit the Wat Rong Sear Tean (Blue Temple)

The Wat Rong Sear Tan, fondly called the Blue Temple is absolutely stunning. Travel Hub Chiang Mai, took us to the Blue Temple and it was a wonderful addition on our trip. It only takes a few minutes to take in all its beauty. Unlike anything else in Thailand it was extremely unique as the White Temple.



Our next stop was what could be considered the complete contrast of the White Temple, the Black House Museum, also known as Baan Dam. However, the Black House is not a temple nor a religious site, but it is actually a museum. The whole area were much larger than we expected, and we spent over an hour wandering the extraordinary and intricate carvings housed with skulls, animal hides, and other odds. If you are into peculiarity with a touch of eerie, it's definitely worth checking out.


6. Grab a tea at Choi Fong Tea Plantation

Our last stop before we head back to Chiang Mai was the Choui Fong Tea Plantation. It is terraced land with tea of all sorts. It is about 2 hours from Chiang Rai airport, but it is definitely worth the trip there. Other than tea, there are other plantations going on, like some types of berries. I think the terraced lands are such a beautiful landscape of Asia, and I would definitely say that it is a must go.

WHERE TO STAY

We stayed at Buri Siri Boutique Hotel in Chiang Mai during our trip and would highly recommend it for just a day tour to Chiang Rai then back, or a Chiang Mai city break. The hotel is stylishly posh, boutique, and surprisingly affordable. It only has a few rooms so the service is very personal and the location is fantastic.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Here's our actual itinerary arranged by Travel Hub Thailand:

• Pick up from Chiang Mai hotel
• Visit Mae Khajan Hot Springs
• Visit Elephant Valley Chiang Rai
• Introduction to the Asian elephant
• Explanation of the work at Elephant Valley
• One hour elephant observation and feeding
• Wat Rong Khun (White temple) 
• Riverside Lunch in Chiang Rai
• Visit Wat Rong Sear Tean (Blue Temple) 
• Visit Baan Dam (Black House museum)
• Visit Choui Fong Tea, Mae Chan Tea House & Plantation
• Option - Karen Long Neck 
• Back to hotel around 19:00

The tour includes:

• Licensed English speaking tour guide
• Private transport by air con minibus/car
• All listed activities
• All entrance fees
• Lunch 
• Pick up and drop off at your hotel

This tour excludes:

• Option - Karen Long Neck option (500 Baht/person)

About Travel Hub Chiang Mai

Our trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai was all arranged by Travel Hub Chiang Mai. Our bubbly tour guide, Ms. Rainbow, and our skillful driver put so much efforts to make the whole trip exemplary. They made sure that we are having a lot of fun, and most of all, they made sure that we are always settled okay. Travel Hub Chiang Mai did an absolute great job for making our whole Chiang Rai tour truly a remarkable and a memorable one, and if I'll go back to Thailand again, I would really love if Travel Hub Chiang Mai will be once more my tour operator. I couldn't recommend them more.

For more useful information about the Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Day Tour visit Travel Hub Chiang Mai.


What did you think of my 12 Hours Guide to Chiang Rai? Have you been to Chiang Rai or do you feel inspired to visit? Would you consider booking a Chiang Rai day tour with Travel Hub Chiang Mai? If you like this post do let me know by leaving some love in the comment box below.

Want to read more about my time in Northern Thailand? Check out:

• Boutique Bliss at Buri Suri Hotel - Chiang Mai, Thailand

This blog post has been sponsored by Travel Hub Chiang Mai as part of the #SEAtrip2017 campaign. All recommendations and views are my own.

After an epic backpacking adventure around Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, the city of Ho Chi Minh was our final destination. Touching down Ho Chi Minh felt bitter sweet; bitter because it meant that we would soon be going back home to the Philippines, and sweet because I had a feeling we had saved the best 'til last.

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, is Vietnam's largest and most chaotic city. I love the chaos here, though you need to be careful (and patient) when walking across the street! Motorbikes, bicycles, cars, and rickshaws go wherever and whenever they please and lots of street stands and market spill into the traffic lanes. It’s a city with a billion things happening at once. There is a lot of information here about the war, from the War Remnants Museum to the Cu Chi Tunnels. There’s a great historical museum here, though the English translation leaves a lot to be desired. The city has a lot to offer: wonderful shops, fantastic nightlife, and delicious food. Because of all this, I was itching to see and experience it for myself.

Saving the best 'til last, it only made sense to find a base near the airport. This is why we decided to call Ibis Saigon Airport for 2 days and 1 night, as Part 1 of our South East Asia project. After all the adventure, adrenaline and endless modes of transport from airplanes to busses we had crammed into the previous 2 weeks, we couldn't have chosen a more idyllic place to unwind before the long journey back to the Philippines. Here are 7 reasons why I loved Ibis Saigon Airport...

1. The Contemporary Design

Ibis Saigon Airport is not your average airport hotel, it is a contemporary hotel with a huge dose of wow, meaning the ceilings are high, the rooms are grand without being pretentious, and there are characterful original features in every corner of the building throughout. The lobby looked bright, inviting and sumptuously decorated. I loved the quirky details, such as the super-stretched lobby chairs, internet lounge area, the staircase that dominated the whole lobby, and the huge lighting work that is perfectly fitted high up above the ceiling - shifting myriad of colors from blue, pink, purple, and to green - which made everything look very luxurious. They added a lovely dose of character and a nice balance between classic and contemporary.

2. The Cozy Room

My room is a standard room that was located on the 9th floor of the hotel, which meant it came with incredible views overlooking Saigon. To my left, I could see the Tan Son Nhat runway, and to my right were buildings and houses of different shapes and sizes. The room has two single beds - heavenly like cloud beds.

The room is equipped with a 42-inched LCD TV, mini fridge, a safe box, and a tea and coffee making facility. The bathroom was equally as cute and the amazing rain shower was perfect after a long day out the sun. A plate full of fruits added a personal touch and definitely didn't go unappreciated.


Price: Standard Rooms start at around $50. You may check the latest price in: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia or read reviews on TripAdvisor. For inquiries and other information, you may visit their official website. For other hotel reviews, click here.

3. The Hub & The Pool In The Sky

An un-doubtable talking point of Ibis Saigon is the stunning rooftop pool and rooftop bar - an open air rooftop bar and magnificent rooftop pool with epic views of the whole Ho Chi Minh city, including the Tan Son Nhat runway. Scattered with sun loungers and luscious green plants are beautifully lined along the pool. Ibis Saigon's rooftop is definitely a gorgeous place to relax, especially when the sun is shining. Out here you can order snacks, cocktails, beer, or almost anything that floats your boat from the bar. At night time, the pool is beautifully lit in blue and is a beautiful extension to the bar. Imagine wading on its cool waters while watching the planes go by.


The Hub Bar also comes alive at night. Here you can take advantage of "The Hub Bar Happy Hour", where you can buy 1 draft beer and get 1 free from 5pm until 8pm everyday, a perfect timing to watch the sun go down as you sip your poison of choice. As we only get to experience the rooftop once, the skies were dramatic - you get a spectacular view of the city at night and it meant that it is a perfect way to kick off your evening. I think it's one of the most unique rooftops in Saigon.

4. The Starbucks

On our first and final morning of our stay at Saigonr, I was not able to join Lee and Mhae in exploring the city, I opted to stay at the hotel and get to enjoy a late leisurely break at Ibis Saigon's very own Starbucks. I perused the menu but knew there was only one clear winner; the Matcha Frappucino in Venti. I found myself a spot at the internet lounge just next to the Starbucks area while enjoying my drink. I'm struggling to remember a place where I've had a better Matcha Frappucino, but clearly the Starbucks at Ibis Saigon was impeccable.

5. The Free Airport Transfer Service

What makes Ibis Saigon one of my favorite airport hotel in the world is that they offer airport transfer service for FREE! Even if you are coming from the airport to the hotel or vice versa, you don't have to worry - totally hassle-free!

6. The Location

Ibis Saigon Airport is located in the dynamic Tan Binh District and the walk from Ibis to its neighborhood department store took only 2 minutes less and made me appreciate how amazingly located the hotel is. As well as being nestled near the airport, it's also an 8-10 minutes walk to Saigon Superbowl - if you want to have some fun bowling with family and friends. The Gia Dinh Park, considered as the lungs of the city, is only just a short stroll away too; and as you get deeper into the park and you'll find it gets more interesting. Winding pathways lined with bamboo lead through well-tended lawns, and frangipani trees fill the air with their bewitching scent. If you want to take the walking tour further, the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda and the Southern Vietnam Women Museum is just 30-50 minutes walk from the hotel. It's the best of both worlds.

Whether you are arriving late or leaving early, there is no need to negotiate Saigon's notoriously bad traffic when you pick a room at Ibis Saigon near Tan Son Nhat Airport, meaning you won’t have to set your alarm early or get stuck in a bumper to bumper traffic jam! What’s more, for those that do have time to head into the city center, it's just a stone throw away from the hotel in just minutes.

7. The Great Team & The Overall Experience

It was my first time staying at Ibis Saigon Airport and I absolutely loved this hotel. From the location, to the staff, to the roof top pool, my expectations were exceeded with every element of this hotel stay. Whether you're looking for a pit stop that will not fail you as a part of a longer stay or in need of a short stay. Aside from the 24 hour reception, Ibis Saigon also offers 24 hour food and beverage services. Ibis Saigon Airport is by far the best airport hotel in Ho Chi Minh - an ideal choice for those not only wanting to save time, but also wanting to avoid any unnecessary stress having to rush in and out of the city before catching a flight. We only got to stay here for 1 night, but it made the perfect base for our last destination. Thank you so much to Mr. Oreste, Ibis Saigon's General Manager, and to all the staff involved in our stay.

Perfect for; a short stay in Ho Chi Minh City near the airport. Also a great option if you're looking to stay for a longer time, with an array of studio to apartment types to choose from. Ibis Saigon Airport also offers family room with bunk beds, an ideal choice for a family with small children.

Oh, did you know? Ibis Saigon Airport is the only International Economy hotel in Tan Son Nhat airport area.

Book your stay at Ibis Saigon Airport: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com | Expedia or read reviews on TripAdvisor

What did you think of my stay at Ibis Saigon Airport? Have you visited this hotel before or are you considering a stay? If you enjoyed this post or have any questions about the hotel, please leave me a comment below x

Want to read more about Vietnam? Check out my Vietnam category page and browse more posts!


Disclaimer: My stay at Ibis Saigon Airport was complimentary in exchange for this hotel review. All views expressed are genuine and my own.

Today, the boyfriend, together with his family, and I went to Tam-Awan Village. Getting there was very tricky. We got a little lost along the way. Thanks to the boyfriend who argued with the GPS.


Tam-Awan is located at the outskirts of Baguio City. It is an artists' village and it is rich with Cordilleran culture. It was not my first time at Tam-Awan. I've been there before. We had our school field trip way back when I was in the second grade. Before, the entrance was just a little hut, and everything around the compound is pretty much the old Cordilleras. And the whole mountains was surrounded with a pretty dense fog. Now, a little "modernization" occurred. I didn't even recognized the "new" Tam-Awan. It is still worth a visit though.


With a minimal entrance fee you can enjoy the Igorot huts, mountainous view, nature, fresh air, an adventure trek, art galleries, art installations, and more.









You can be a Cordilleran for a day. There are Cordilleran costumes for rent and/or sale. You can even rent a hut for a night or depending on your stay.




If you were lucky, you will even have the chance to watch the Tam-Awan Cordillera Dancers perform right before your eyes and you can join them during their dances.


The paintings are just so incredibly awesome!




And this art is done with the power of a sun - sun painting.


And more art and culture...








Don't forget to buy a souvenir at their souvenir shop. Or if you want a painting by famous Cordilleran artists, you can buy it. And oh, please keep the grounds clean. I was a little disturbed when I saw trashes around the area.

And now a photo opp with the boyfriend. :)