Attraction - Chiang Mai Women Correctional Institution Vocational Training Center Review

Great idea!

5*

---

We wanted to get a Thai massage during our trip to Thailand and this seemed like an interesting project and we are glad we went! (We did also go on the back of many other positive reviews from the TA community).

We got the Thai massage for 200 baht each (included feet, legs, back, arms, hands) and it lasted for an hour. You get given a change of clothes and lockers to put your belongings in whilst you have your massage (all included in the price) which is great. They also didn't use any oils in this massage which was good as we didn't fancy walking around Chiang Mai covered in oil after!

The massage was fantastic, and the ladies doing the massage are all very kind and make you feel comfortable. They even gave myself and my boyfriend beds next to one another which was nice. The back massage was my favourite part and definitely needed after long term travelling! Make sure you arrive early to book a slot, we arrived at 10am and the earliest slot available was 1:45pm! A man who arrived after our massage (3pm) was turned away as they were fully booked by 12pm.

I really liked that the women are given massage training so that upon their release they have a new skill to earn an income and support themselves. They also seem to really enjoy what they do, laughing and interacting with you which must bring about some healthy social changes. It's nice to know that you're paying for a massage which goes towards a good cause.

Outside there was also a really nice tea/café garden which was part of the project, and they provided free wifi.

Overall, a great massage and a really good project, definitely recommend!

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g293917-d1158865-r734085008-Chiang_Mai_Women_Correctional_Institution_Vocational_Training_Center-Chiang_Mai.html

Attraction - Saturday Night Market Walking Street - Wua Lai Road Review

Longer than expected!

3*

---

The walking street was huge, it seems like you could walk forever and never reach the end. We started at the northern end of Wualai Road near where our hotel shuttle dropped us off. The stalls become somewhat repetitive after a while of walking so you don't need to walk the entire length. Prices were average for Chiang Mai and there were lots of outdoor 'food centres' adjacent to the main street where you can enjoy some authentic Thai food which we did ourselves.

Unfortunately I'd have to give the whole experience 3 stars as it was certainly one of the most overcrowded 'markets' I'd visited in SE Asia; by about 7pm the street was so packed that at times you couldn't move and it almost felt like being in a mosh pit. I'm not sure what could be done about this issue, but bearing in mind it wasn't even a holiday period, I would certainly not envy anyone visiting then!

I would probably still recommend visiting but just be prepared for cramped conditions and lots of walking, or maybe go at an earlier/later time?

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g293917-d2233777-r734084480-Saturday_Night_Market_Walking_Street_Wua_Lai_Road-Chiang_Mai.html

Attraction - Wang Bua Ban Pha Ngoep Waterfall [Chiang Mai] Review

Impressive & Beautiful

5*

---

After seeing this waterfall was not listed on TripAdvisor I sought to add it so we could share our experience and hopefully provide others the same enjoyment!

We decided to visit as we wanted to see some awesome waterfalls in Chiang Mai without having to drive far away from the city and Wang Bua Ban did not disappoint.

We got a Grab to Chiang Mai Zoo and then walked to the waterfall. We visited Huay Keaw waterfall first (see other review) as it was on the way, but then walked about 15 minutes further up to reach Wang Bua Ban. If you don't fancy the walk you can drive to the top of the waterfall, but I recommend the scenic walk!

Wang Bua Ban waterfall is huge and has a number of pools which are great for dipping your feet or a swim if you can brave the cold water! It's truly beautiful and conveniently located near the City. There is even a lookout point at the top which overlooks Chiang Mai (see the attached photo) and offers a nice resting spot.

It's also not very touristy which means you get to enjoy the natural beauty, and it's free to visit which is a huge plus!

Due to it being less touristy there aren't any amenities such as toilets or shops etc. but I think that adds to the natural beauty. I'd also recommend decent footwear if you want to get up close to the waterfall.

If you want to see some of the beautiful nature Chiang Mai has to offer without travelling far away from the city then I thoroughly recommend this place!

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g293917-d19683583-r732551607-Wang_Bua_Ban_Pha_Ngoep-Chiang_Mai.html