Cool & Dry in Chiang Mai

(January – February 2010)

 

Avoid visiting Chiang Mai between November and February if you don’t like the tourist crowds, are not too particular about the condition of the weather or tourist destinations, and want to get a good deal on lodging and tour packages.

These 4 months are generally cool and dry which make for a comfortable time to visit the various botanical gardens in full bloom, the ever popular daily and weekend night markets, the temples, the elephant/monkey/snake/tiger parks, and the many waterfalls and farms outside this northern city.

Logically, these 4 months also see the largest number of tourists in and around Chiang Mai, including Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle.

During this high and peak tourist period, you can expect to pay 30% – 50% more on lodging and transportation. However, street vendors are normally very consistent in their attractive pricing throughout the year.

 

For the best lodging and tour deals, go in the months of September and October to also avoid the summer holiday travelers from western countries.

Krabi Walking Street (weekend night market)

(February & October 2009)

 

Compare to the weekend markets in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the one in Krabi is very small and tame.

The Krabi Walking Street is a 12 meter x 12 meter open market setup every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between 5pm and 10pm. Some vendors start as early as 4pm.

 

Just look this open square behind the Vogue Shopping Centre in central Krabi town.

As usual, there are tons of food and drink stalls, such as the vegetarian dumplings and deep-fried shrimp fritters.

  

The charcoal grilled fish and satay (grilled meat on a skewer) stalls.

  

Grilled seafood.

  

Fried rice or porridge with various dishes.

  

Halal mixed rice stall.

 

Rice with chicken or pork.

  

Fruit and fruit juice stalls.

  

Local fruit wine.

Besides food and drinks, there are many other stalls, such as this plant-in-a-pot.

Handicrafts and jewelries.

  

Arts made from recycled plastic bottles.

 

Can you believe this is made from a 1.5 liter plastic bottle?

Collectibles and more.