Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai riverside

I honestly had no idea how much I’d fall in love with Northern Thailand.

It was my first time in both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. I was completely blown away.  So close in proximity yet different in atmosphere and experience  – I’m stinging to see more of the magical area.
Whether seeking relaxation, pampering and time out, or you are fascinated by history and culture or you ‘simply’ want to hang out in the  jungle with elephants and be utterly inspired  – go north!
Chill out in Chiang Mai.   Go deep in Chiang Rai!
Bugger. Here comes another bloody travel addiction…  oh, and the food.. I didn’t even mention the food.. don’t start me.
Thank  you to the amazing folks at Anantara Group, Qantas and of course Escape who made it possible for me to visit amazing Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai on this assignment.
Spend time with the incredible elephants of Anantara Golden Triangle Resort and Elephant Camp
You’ll find my story about the area published in the Escape section of your Sunday Telegraph or on Escape.com.au. 
And if you fancy somewhere fabulous to stay then make sure you spend some time on the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp sites.

Northern Thai Food in Chiang Mai
Northern Thailand delicacies

Of course Qantas will get you there in the smoothest blink of an eye and may I say – if you are fortunate enough to be able to check out the updated business class on their dreamliners… hello. Beautiful bit of kit that.
If I haven’t tempted you enough to visit immediately – here’s a bit of a mood board by way of my snaps.

Chiang Mai City and sights
Chiang Mai street scene Northern ThailandChiang Mai Wat The old fortress of Chiang Mai cityIMG_9880IMG_9875IMG_9918
river cruising in Chiang Mai
Thai Buddhist statueIMG_9229IMG_9664IMG_9917Thai silk in Chiang Mai - tribal colours and patternsIMG_9868IMG_9344IMG_9804IMG_9465IMG_9286
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ANANTARA Chiang Mai Resort and Spa
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and Spa
Anantara Chiang Mai resort and spa
Anantara Chiang Mai restort and spaIMG_0111
IMG_0214Anantara Chiang Mai resort and spa
Anantara Chiang Mai resort and spa
IMG_0194IMG_0196Anantara Chiang Mai resort and spa
Anantara Chiang Mai resort and spaIMG_9218Anantara Chiang Mai resort and spa
IMG_9220Anantara Chiang Mai resort and spa
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Night Markets
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IMG_9548Chiang Mai night marketsIMG_9558IMG_9565IMG_9559IMG_9576 2

Road Trip to Chiang Rai 
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Anantara Golden Triangle Resort / market tour & cooking class 
Experience the elephants and jungle of northern Thailand at Chiang Rai's Anantara Golden Triangle resort and Elephant Camp
Experience the elephants and jungle of northern Thailand at Chiang Rai's Anantara Golden Triangle resort and Elephant CampExperience the elephants and jungle of northern Thailand at Chiang Rai's Anantara Golden Triangle resort and Elephant CampIMG_0523IMG_0535 copy

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Experience the elephants and jungle of northern Thailand at Chiang Rai's Anantara Golden Triangle resort and Elephant Camp
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northern Thailand food market and cooking classes at Chiang Rai's Anantara Golden Triangle resort and Elephant Camp

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Anatara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp
Experience the elephants and jungle of northern Thailand at Chiang Rai's Anantara Golden Triangle resort and Elephant CampIMG_1313IMG_1473Experience the elephants and jungle of northern Thailand at Chiang Rai's Anantara Golden Triangle resort and Elephant CampIMG_1535IMG_1372
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Experience the elephants and jungle of northern Thailand at Chiang Rai's Anantara Golden Triangle resort and Elephant CampExperience the elephants and jungle of northern Thailand at Chiang Rai's Anantara Golden Triangle resort and Elephant CampExperience the elephants and jungle of northern Thailand at Chiang Rai's Anantara Golden Triangle resort and Elephant CampExperience the elephants and jungle of northern Thailand at Chiang Rai's Anantara Golden Triangle resort and Elephant CampIMG_1568IMG_1683IMG_1915Experience the elephants and jungle of northern Thailand at Chiang Rai's Anantara Golden Triangle resort and Elephant Camp

Chiang Rai Temple
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IMG_0990IMG_0988IMG_0994Chiang Rai temple northern Thailand
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All images are the copyright of Jane Lawson and may not be reproduced in any way without permission.

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