Having hired a car for 3 days, it was time to take my family out and about to further enjoy the delights of Chiang Mai.
We rented a honda CRV from my good friends at Jaguar Motorbike and Car rentals, Soi 1 Ratchavihti Rd, off Moon Muang Rd. I have rented various vehicles from here over the last 2 and a half years and always been impressed by the service, price and standard of the vehicles.
CRV from Jaguar
Our main destination for the day was San Kampaeng, but to make good use of the day we called in at Bo Sang Craft Village on the way.
About half an hours drive from the centre of town, Bo Sang is a renowned centre for handicraft. Most noted are the beautiful hand painted Umbrellas, but the main street is home to a range of craft shops displaying all manner of hand crafted items, from paintings to wood carvings, jewelry to stoneware. Many outlets have the craftsmen and women working away in view of potential customers and it is well worth a visit.
Parking at the main ‘visitors centre’ we first visited the large shop at the back of the car park and watched some of the craftsmen at work in the shelter next door.
shopping for souvenirs
My sister watches the craftsmen
One of the most rewarding things about my families visit, for me, was seeing the change in Jamie, from a shy retiring young lad, very fussy about his food, into a much more confident boy prepared to try new things. As we took lunch in a nearby cafe, Jamie tried out eating with chopsticks, and did ok.
Jamie trys eating with chopsticks
Having eaten we took a stroll along the main street to check out the other shops before heading back to the car and heading off to San Kampaeng Hot Springs.
Another half an hour to 40 minutes drive and we arrived there at around 1.30pm.
After grabbing crisps and drinks at the stalls by the car park we headed into the park paying 40 baht each at the gate, 20 baht each for the kids.
The grounds inside are beautifully landscaped, although it is a shame that the geysers are emerging from a large concreted area.
Close to the geysers is a large pool where the water is too hot to touch and people boil eggs in wicker baskets.
snack buying
Boon boils quail eggs
Back towards the gardens a man made stream of the spring waters winds its way through the trees, where many people picnic and dip their feet in the warm waters or even go for a paddle.
On the other side of the grounds is a covered outdoor swimming pool. This costs 50 baht to get in, with no time limit, and is filled with the mineral waters by way of a refreshing warm waterfall.
Paddling
Mineral water Pool
After a refreshing dip the kids went with their Mum and Great grandma to the childrens playground whilst me, boon and my sister had a foot massage close to the Pool.
As the light was fading we just got into the cafe in time for dinner by lamplight before heading home to the cafe.
Lamplit cafe
The total cost of the day including the car hire and fuel was approximately 1600 baht, excluding food and peripheral spending.
