2016 North Thailand Trip - Day 1

Ever since I first visited Chiang Mai few years ago, visit this part of Thailand during their winter has become my annual affair. The weather here during winter is just what I like the most. Not too cold, people here are friendly, good food and of course lots of nice place to visit!

Chiang Mai International Airport provide direct access to North Thailand hence cut down at least 8 hours of travel time by road from Bangkok.

After we left airport, Khao Soi (Thailand's curry noodle) is the first thing is what we are after! Available only at North Thailand, how can we not have it for lunch.

 I have Khao Soi Gai, chicken curry noodle. The noodle also come with beef and pork.

Doi Ang Khang is our next destination after our lunch. We stop by an canal and saw my 1st bird of our trip - Wire-tailed swallow (Hirundo smithii) This is also my lifer or new species of bird that I have not seen before. Guess is a good start of my birding in 2016.

 One of the many temple that we saw along the way...

We were greeted by this beautiful lady in traditional attire at the entrance of the Doi Ang Khang Royal Agriculture Station.

 Cherry blossom is at full bloom!

Japan is one of the country to visit to experience Cheery Blossom blooming but not the only one. Thailand is another country that one should not miss during this period.

 Lots of other flower & plants in the garden too!

What a beautiful background to have couple shots!

While in the garden, this Red-throated flycatcher (Ficedula albicilla) trying to get my attention. From branch to branch and sing quite loud too.

 This Slaty-blue Flycatcher (Ficedula Hodgsonii) quietly perch at a corner.

At times the garden was quite crowded, that did not stop this Grey wagtail from finding food on the grass.

 We cross over to the market just beside the garden.

This is one good place to buy all kind of nuts & preserved fruits. I bought my almond nuts from here too.

 Wine of special flavor is available for those who wants to try something different.

We leave Doi Ang Khang just when the sun is setting. Doi Ang Khang, what a beautiful place to visit and re-visit again.