Varada Place
We checked into Varada Place when we first arrived in Chiang Mia and in all honesty we couldn't have been happier. It is a budget hotel situated in what we feel is a perfect spot in Chiang Mai. The owner at Varada has very much treated us like one of her own children. She's lovely and has taken care of us the moment we stepped through the door, which we are ever so thankful for. If you are in any need of information she will help you the best she can.
There is always someone on the front desk so you feel very safe at all times.
Our room was simple but amazing. Our double bed was judge, more like a king, so we had plenty of room to fidget in our sleep. We also got our own bathroom, seperate shower (not one that is over the toilet like most places we have stayed at), aircon and water provided daily even if your room isn't made up, they will kindly leave it by your door.
They have an adopted house cat who is still very much a kitten called Agarby. So if your a cat person, like us, you'll love it here as you are more than welcome to pick him up to have a cuddle. He will let you know when he wants to go back down stairs. He's extremely playful and cute, and to be honest he is making us miss our little man Figaro who is being looked after back in the UK.
We originally booked here for 2 nights but extended our stay for a week as we love it here.
The hotel is surrounded by everything you could ever need.
There is a laundrette next door which is cheap and quick so we caught up on our washing that we were able to pick up the following morning. Only downside is you can see your underpants drying in the window when you walk past.
There are a variety of restaurants surrounding the hotel and if you're prepared to take a short walk there are many more just around the corner.
But we will be recommending some places shortly for your eyes and tums in an upcoming blog.
Motorbikes Chiang Mai
We learnt very quickly from being here that moped was definitely the most efficient way to get around.
We have had one Tuk Tuk and that was to get us to the hotel from the train station.
Now we are not saying go and grab a moped with no experience, however if you can ride one and your confident enough to take it on the roads, it's well worth doing.
We have seen some very 'interesting' driving since being here so please be careful, be spatially aware and don't forget to check those mirrors!!
The lovely lady who runs this shop literally 2 buildings down from Varada has a variety of bikes which are great for running around on. If you are on a budget these bikes are not only cheap but most are brand spanking new! How brilliant is that?!
Plus the longer you rent a bike better deal she might be able to offer you. The prices are already lower than competing rental companies in the area and this a much nicer and simpler establishment to use.
We had a bike everyday as it was just so convenient. Plus there is a shell garage literally across the road in which you can fill it up on return, so all very handy.
Due to driving around on a motorbike or moped for the duration of our time in Chiang Mai we cannot give you a rough price on taxis unfortunately.
However if you did decide to get a bike we can assure you petrol is super cheap here.
This obviously makes driving much more appealing.
To be honest it's very cheap and taxis are usually overpriced, especially to popular tourist locations, so hopping on a bike instead is kinder on the wallet.
Doi Suthep Mountain
The main road to Doi Suthep is pretty straight forward, but you definitely need eyes in the back of your head as its very full on due to tight bends and 'interesting driving' by others.
As soon as you reach the end of this manic road (the 104), the traffic becomes a little easier and usually it ends up just you and the road.
Before you start to ascend up the mountain you will probably notice signs for a waterfall.
We thought we would check it out as it was on route. There is no entry fee for the waterfall, all you have to do is follow the footpath. You will come across what looks like a hoarders collection of motorbikes on your left that have clearly been abandoned over the years. To be honest if you're a motor head there are some beauties in there. Beardy wanted one as a little project to travel around on so had to distract him away with a cold bottle of sprite.
It's a very small area but impressive none the less. We saw local families playing in the river and many just chilling out. This is a very peaceful area and there are plenty of rocks to take a seat on to recover from the hectic roads you've just travelled through.
On onwards and upwards so they say.
Continue up the same road and you will start to ascend up Doi Suthep.
Along route of this long winding steep mountain there are some beautiful wats and view points which are surrounded by a national park.
We took a trip to the second sign posted waterfall on the mountain, however there is an entry fee.
You will travel into the jungle where you can leave your bike.
Hop off and wander down a short path to hear the sounds of falling water and nature surrounding you.
Here there is a path to continue round to see many more of the natural features. However during dry season there isn't as much water!! So word of warning, a lot of the things that are sign posted aren't there!
We trekked and climbed through a jungle path for what seemed like forever (3 hours).
The stairs weren't much to go by and to our joy disappeared at one point, so we ended up having to climb up roots of fallen trees to find the final waterfall.
After water desperation kicked in and having no idea where we were we turned back to find the bike.
The next checkpoint was Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
A beautiful temple in which you have to climb 306 steps to reach. It sounds pretty daunting but it's honestly not as bad as you may think. However if you do get tired you can use the excuse of taking photos.
Once you have reached the top there is an office box just to your right to get your ticket. So make sure you have some cash with you before climbing the stairs, otherwise your legs are probably going to be aching from having to climb back down to get some cash out.
When you walk through into the courtyard of the temple grounds, it's here you need to remove your shoes and amend your clothing so you are suitable to gain access to the temple.
As you walk around there are prayer rooms where you are allowed to take a seat if you like and just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Please remember to sit down when taking pictures. This is clearly sign posted. When we were in one of these rooms there was a Monk praying and a lady walked in and just started snapping away. Let's just say this didn't go down well and showed huge disrespect.
The highlight of this temple was truly the view. There is a platform in which you can look over all of Chiang Mai and it's breathtaking. However your not at the highest point yet.
So now we were on to our final destination of the mountain ascending even higher.
There are national parks to be explored and a beautiful palace, however we were determined to conquer the mountain!
As you pass Bhubing Palace the road immediately narrows, we would say probably to the width of a car so be careful.
The sounds of the jungle come to life on this road, insects and birds echoing all around you. Continue on this road and it will reduce in size yet again so you're on a single off-road jungle route with two way traffic! There are mirrors and horn points, however not everyone uses them so it's a little unnerving when a car comes speeding round the corner and you have little space to move. So be vigilant!
When approaching the peak you have to park up and walk the last part of the journey through the jungle. Sounds like a lot but honestly the view is just incredible.
Top Tips
▪️Be aware of other drivers! You may be the worlds best driver however that does not mean they have the same outlook on driving. Just be extra cautious.
Stay safe and adventure on.
▪️If you do decide to do the trip up the mountain go prepared! Good walking shoes, water, rain mack and money.
▪️Practice before hitting the main roads if you are new to driving a moped. Suze had never driven one before, so we went around the back streets to give her some lessons. Now she's whizzing around all over the shot!
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