2. Daily Postings Assignment Chiangmai Study Trip 2015/16 Tourism

University Scholars Programme

Day 5

We made a visit to the Tourism Authority of Thailand today. We were welcomed very graciously. The Director of the Tourism Authority was very kind to clarify our questions and to devote so much time to see to us. It was very nice to see how much they valued our presence as guests. We asked…

Day 4

The day started with a special lecture at CMU given by a political science lecturer. She also kindly gave our group an interview, in which she gave us many insightful comments about changes in living infrastructure due to tourists. She also spoke from her experience as a teacher living in CMU about the inconveniences brought…

Day 3

Climbing past 306 steps, we reached the Doi Suthep. The inside of the temple was very atmospheric. There were golden statues and pagodas. Along with the smoke from joss sticks, the whole place felt surreal. It was also there where we saw many Chinese tourists. I thought that other than the crowd, the temple was…

Day 2

Today, we went to the White Temple. The temple was visually stunning. In the sunlight, it seemed as if the temple itself was shining due to all the sparkling fixtures/ decorations on it. It was extremely interesting to note from the tour guide that the White Temple is extremely young (a mere 20 years old)…

Day 1

I travelled to Chiang Rai today. My initial thoughts about going to Chiang rai was that it was simply about going along with what was on the itinerary. I admit that I did lack some form of anticipation towards Chiang Rai. However, on our way there, the tour guide explained several details that made my…

Day 5: Ladyboys?!

A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions. ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes The last activity of the trip that was formally planned for us had significant meaning, as it was an amazing race designed to develop our leadership potential. During the race, our sub-group was tasked…

Day 4: A Trip to Japan

Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colours. ~ Terry Pratchett On the morning of our penultimate day in Chiang Mai, all the students paid a visit to Chiang Mai University (CMU). There, we were treated…

Day 3: I Really Need to Care for My Health

Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe. ~ Anatole France Day 3 began with a combined USP activity: a visit to the Doi Suthep temple. It was, without overstating, a beautiful place. Believers who visit the temple walk three rounds around the main pagoda while reciting a prayer. While…

Day 2: Stars, Puppies and All Things Thai

I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world. ~ Mary Anne Radmacher There is a mysterious allure about looking up at stars at night. After the activities of the first day, our group went out to try to see the stars. The atmosphere was akin to…

Days 0 and 1

Day 0: The Baby and the Tourist Our happiest moments as tourists always seem to come when we stumble upon one thing while in pursuit of something else. ~ Lawrence Block Before I begin the daily blogs proper, I have a little story I would like to share. It is about a baby and a…