Tree Zipping

On December 31^st we went Tree Zipping in Chiang Mai Jair Son National Park, about 45 minutes driving from Chiang Mai. This tropical rainforest adventure called “Flight of the Gibbon”. The price was 2,300 Baht per person including pick up and drop, lunch and activity. It’s a bit expensive considering the lunch was very much standard, but still, it’s worth doing. First thing that we did was a waterfall hiking to Kompong falls, after that the group had lunch together. Soon, the whole group of 9 people was called to the office to get ready and gear up for the zipping. Each group was accompanied by 2 leaders from the organizer. The leader explained the whole process of the activity and the DOs and DON’Ts. It’s basically flying fox through the trees.

We started from the top all the way down to the bottom of the valley, swinging through 18 platforms. One leader stayed with us and the other one was waiting on the destination platform. There are several short zips and a couple of long zips. There are a couple of sky bridging and a couple of vertical zip. I, personally, enjoyed this activity so much. Before this trip, I told my friends that I need to go back to the nature. I need to see mountains, river, trees and forest. I need to get out of the big city atmosphere. And this activity was exactly what I was looking for. Being in the tropical rainforest with its cool air, refreshing views of nature and swinging from tree to tree was just perfect for me. I couldn’t ask for a better idea than this! There was one time when I stopped about 3 meters before the platform, because my brake was “too good”. I tried to slide myself but instead of getting closer to the platform, I was moving backward and getting further from the platform. So, I stopped and just [literally] hang in there, waiting for the group leader to rescue me. It was fun, even though when I looked down I realized it was VERY high! Still… I enjoyed myself sooo much! And 3 hours of zipping was too short for me.

The last zip was a vertical one. I told Pascal that I’m not fond of vertical zip, I like horizontal better. But…. It was before I realize that the tree must be over 200 feet high! It was REALLY high… it was REALLY fun! As much fun as the horizontal ones!

Doi Suthep, Doi Pui and Wiang Kum Kam

We headed to Chiang Mai early morning on December 29^th. The flight was at 8.50 AM, means we have to be at the airport around 7 AM [at least], so we left home at 5.30 AM [slept at 2 AM!]. Air Asia airport was crowded as usual and the flight was delayed for 15 minutes or so [what’s new?]. We landed in Chiang Mai International Airport at 12 noon local time. Pascal was already waiting at the airport. It was nice to be in a relatively sunny but cool weather. KL is too polluted.

The next day, we went to Doi Suthep mountain where Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is located. We drove almost an hour, after having breakfast at Café Mong Pearl. The view along the way was

incredible. The air was fresh and cool, the sun shone down beautifully and the trip to the

temple was fun. This temple was built in the 16^th century and visitors have to climb 306 steps, which they call “Naga

Steps” [naga = dragon]. The steps were beautifully bordered by Naga ornament. The main area of this temple is the golden stupa

pagoda [golden chedi], too bad it was under renovation when we were there, but it doesn’t decrease the beauty of it. The golden chedi is 79 feet high and covered by engraved gold plate. Hmmm…

This temple also has a large terrace with the view to Chiang Mai city. Fi was pointing where her house was. I’m sure the view would be excellent in the evening when all the lights are on.

The next destination is Doi Pui, village where poppies were grown. Doi Pui is located about 10 km from Doi Suthep. This village is famous with its traditional clothing which

is very interesting. Another thing about this village is poppies. I love poppy flowers as flowers, not as opium flower. Hahaha! We also took this opportunity to try out our archery skills, turned out none was good… =P

After we finished visiting Doi Pui, we headed back to Chiang Mai to visit Wiang Kum Kam, the ruins of old Chiang Mai city. There were more than 10 ruins all over the village. We took horse carriage to take us around and visit 9 ruins.