Tag: family-friendly

Along the Woodlands Heritage Trail
I’ve been walking the heritage trails in Singapore with friends. So far, I’ve managed to clock S$25 in rewards.
This next one brings us to the north of Singapore — Woodlands. The trail takes you very near to a favourite Singaporean hangout — Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Similar to the Kampong Glam route, this trail spans about 4.4km and is an easy and enjoyable walk. I’ve mapped out a route connecting the five checkpoints below, which should give you a good idea of what to expect.

Checkpoint 1 – Woodlands North MRT Station
The trail begins at Woodlands North MRT station, the northern terminus of the Thomson-East Coast Line. It’s just a stop away from Woodlands MRT if you are coming from the North-South Line.
Once you exit the station, you might wonder if you’ve arrived at the right place. Unlike most MRT stations in Singapore, which are surrounded by malls or residential areas, this one feels almost like it’s in the middle of nowhere — with construction sites all around.
That’s because the area is currently undergoing a major transformation as part of the Woodlands Gateway, a 35-ha development that will eventually become a bustling hub connecting Singapore and Malaysia. The first phase is expected to be ready by 2030, featuring commercial spaces, lifestyle amenities, retail and F&B offerings, as well as around 10,000 new homes.
This will also be where the much-talked-about Johor-Singapore (JB-SG) Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link connects to the Woodlands North MRT station, linking Singapore to JB and the Johor-SG Special Economic Zone. The RTS is expected to open by end-2026. Commuting between JB and Singapore will be much more convenient!
While the area is rapidly transforming, it also has a rich past.
Woodlands once served as an important military site. The British built a naval base along the coast, complete with depots for torpedoes and ammunition. During the Japanese invasion of Singapore in early 1942, Woodlands and Kranji formed part of the military frontline. An Australian Army field HQ was later converted into a POW camp by the Japanese army.
Woodlands was also home to KD Malaya, the former Royal Malaysian Navy HQ, which operated here from the 1950s to 1997. The admin block will be conserved and will form part of a new Woodlands North Coast Integrated Development, which will include sports, community, healthcare, F&B and social services.
The former Malaysian Base Jetty was also part of the naval base. Today, it’s known as the Woodlands Waterfront Jetty, which is where we’ll arrive at the next checkpoint.
Checkpoint 2 – Former Malaysian Base Jetty
This 400m jetty is today part of the Woodlands Waterfront Park and is a popular recreational spot for joggers, anglers and families.
It’s also widely considered one of the best sunset spots in Singapore, offering panoramic views of the Johor Straits and JB skyline in the distance.
As I’ve mentioned, the jetty was once part of the Royal Malaysian naval base. Back then, it served as a docking station for naval vessels and was used for ship commissioning and parades.
To reach the next checkpoint, you’ll walk about 1km along the coast. Take your time here — enjoy the sea breeze, soak in the coastal scenery and maybe even spot some wildlife!
Here’s what I’ve captured along the route.
Checkpoint 3 – Woodlands Waterfront Promenade
Now it’s a pity that at the time of my walk, the promenade area was undergoing development, which I think will probably take a while. It’s part of the Draft Master Plan 2025, which will transform this northern coastal area into a more vibrant and connected district.
From here, the route continues along the Marsiling Park Connector, bringing you past the nearby Causeway and along the Woodlands Checkpoint — one of the busiest land crossings in the world, with over 300,000 travellers daily.
Did you know?
The British blew up the Causeway during WWII to slow the Japanese advance into Singapore.
Checkpoint 4 – Masjid An-Nur
It’s hard to miss this next landmark.
The striking blue tower is a focal point in Woodlands. This 55m structure is a minaret, a tall tower typically attached to a mosque. This is the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Masjid An-Nur.
Established in April 1980, it was the first mosque built in Woodlands. Its distinctive minaret is the tallest in Singapore. The mosque was upgraded and reopened in 2013 and can accommodate up to 6,000 worshippers.
By this point, you’ll have reached the Marsiling estate — and it’s just another a 10min walk to the final checkpoint.
Checkpoint 5 – Marsiling Lane Market & Food Centre
Finally — the last stop and probably a very welcome one: a hawker centre.
Built in 1975 and upgraded in 2009, Marsiling Lane Market & Food Centre houses over 100 market stalls and 50+ cooked food stalls, offering plenty of options for a well-deserved meal after the walk.
Check out Seth Lui’s blog for 10 affordable and yummy food stalls.
My Takeaway
And that’s a wrap for this trail!
This is a very manageable and scenic route. For about a third of the journey, you’ll be walking along the coast, where the sea breeze offers some relief from the heat.
As mentioned earlier, the jetty is a fantastic spot for sunset photography, so consider heading there in the evening if you’re hoping to catch golden hour. Otherwise, the trail offers a great mix of urban and nature landscapes, perfect for photography — including beautiful reflection shots of the JB skyline across the strait.
More than anything, this walk is a reminder that even in a small city like Singapore, there are still plenty of lesser-explored corners waiting to be discovered. Come back in a few years and this area will likely look completely different once developments like Woodlands Gateway are completed.
If you are interested in diving deeper into the history of the area, the National Heritage Board has a very detailed booklet on Woodlands and its landmarks.
2 May 2026
New SG Heritage Trails
Have you walked the new heritage trails yet?
If you haven’t heard, five trails have been added to the Walking Trails @ CDC initiative, a programme by the Community Development Councils in partnership with GovTech Singapore and CrowdTaskSG.
The first five trails were launched in August 2025, taking walkers along landmarks and neighbourhoods around Singapore, including the Rail Corridor, Bukit Timah Railway Station, Victoria Concert Hall, Punggol Digital District, East Coast Beach and Little Guilin @ Bukit Gombak.
Walking Trails @ CDC (Heritage Edition)
These five new Heritage Edition trails, launched in March 2026, have already drawn many Singaporeans. This latest addition is a collaboration with the National Heritage Board, designed to bring Singaporeans closer to Singapore’s rich heritage through an engaging and rewarding walking experience. While digital participation is currently available only to Singaporeans, visitors are still welcome to follow the routes and explore the checkpoints at their own pace.
The concept remains the same as the earlier trails: complete all five checkpoints, including two tasks at each stop, and receive a S$5 RedeemSG voucher. Catch all six Ollies along the way to earn an additional S$10 voucher. That’s a possible S$15 reward for simply clocking steps and discovering Singapore, and up to S$75 if you complete all five trails. The vouchers can be used at participating supermarkets such as Fairprice, Sheng Siong, etc.
These Ollies actually guide you towards the next checkpoint. There are many of them but they are really elusive. It’s not easy to catch all six of them! It took me the fourth walk before I managed to catch all Ollies. For these new trails, 200 Ollies are up for grabs each month for six months.
The five Heritage Edition Trails are:
- Central Singapore – Walking Trails @ CDC: Kampong Glam
- North East – Walking Trails @ CDC: Tampines
- North West – Walking Trails @ CDC: Woodlands
- South East – Walking Trails @ CDC: Bedok
- South West – Walking Trails @ CDC: Jurong
It’s really not difficult. Each trail spans about 4km and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace. That was how long it took a group of friends and me, with plenty of time to soak in the surroundings and snap photos. I’ve done four walks now — three of the new ones and one older trail. It doesn’t have to be just about walking — it can easily turn into a fun photography outing too.
The Central Singapore Heritage Trail: Kampong Glam
My first walk was the Kampong Glam trail. This starts at the Peranakan Museum on Armenian Street and ends at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

Checkpoint 1 – Peranakan Museum
It’s fairly easy to get to the museum, just a 10-min walk from three MRT stations – City Hall (East-West/North-South Lines), Bras Basah (Circle Line) and Bencoolen (Downtown Line).
Peranakans — generally known as Straits Chinese — are a Southeast Asian community of mixed Chinese and Malay or Indonesian heritage. You’ve probably heard the terms Babas and Nonyas, which refer to Peranakan men and women respectively. Their rich culture has been made familiar to many Singaporeans through popular dramas such as The Little Nyonya and Emerald Hill.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Peranakan heritage — from the nyonya kebaya (traditional outfit for women) and cuisine like ayam buah keluak to oral traditions such as the pantun (traditional Malay poetic form) — this museum is a wonderful place to start.
Did you know?
The building was the former Tao Nan School from 1912 to 1982. Philanthropist Dato Lee Kong Chian was once a student there. The museum is also located where the first Botanic Garden was situated.
Checkpoint 2 – Bras Basah Complex
Walking past landmarks such as the historic Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the Singapore Management University, you’ll eventually arrive at the second checkpoint — Bras Basah Complex, an iconic destination that was especially significant in the 1980s.
Back then, it was a popular venue for Singapore xinyao (新谣) singers to launch and promote albums. For the uninitiated, xinyao refers to a uniquely Singaporean genre of Mandarin songs written and performed by local youths, and it played an important role in shaping the nation’s music scene.
If you are interested in knowing more about the evolution of xinyao, catch Mediacorp’s “Tuesday Report: Encounter Under The Stars 星期二特写”. Here’s the YouTube video of episode one.

The Complex also earned the nickname “City of Books” because of its many bookstores. It was likewise a go-to destination for art students in search of materials and supplies. Even today, it retains much of its original identity, with language centres, music stores, and art galleries still occupying its corridors. A nod to its artsy and vibrant heritage, the building is now illuminated with colours and adorned with murals that reflect the creative spirit of the precinct.
Earlier, on 7 and 8 March, the Complex hosted an open house featuring live performances, movie screenings and a creative craft market to mark the Bras Basah-Bugis precinct’s continuing journey as a creative district.
Checkpoint 3 – Masjid Sultan
It’s impossible to miss the majestic golden dome of Masjid Sultan or Sultan Mosque, the next checkpoint. Built in 1824, it remains both the heart of Kampong Glam and an important landmark for Singapore’s Muslim community.
The district itself is a fascinating mix of Malay, Arab, Chinese, Indian, and European influences. In the early 19th century, it was designated by Sir Stamford Raffles for the Malay, Arab, and Muslim communities, becoming home to merchants, sailors, and families from across the Malay Archipelago. Today, it’s filled with colonial-era shophouses, boutique shops, cafés, and vibrant street art. Haji Lane, in particular, is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Singapore, attracting tourists year-round!
Checkpoint 4 – Golden Mile Food Centre
Many locals still fondly know this as the “Army Market.”
In the past, army boys would come here to buy boots, socks, towels, and military essentials. Over time, it has transformed into a place for street fashion and vintage attire.
Food-wise, this stop is also a real treat. Built in 1975 to resettle hawkers from the old Jalan Sultan street market, it is known for heritage favourites such as Hokkien mee, braised duck rice, curry chicken noodles, and Peranakan dishes. Long queues often form around its old-school stalls, where recipes and flavours have been passed down for generations. These days, the centre also features a growing mix of contemporary and fusion stalls, from pasta and grilled meats to inventive dishes that reinterpret local flavours.
Here’s a good article about its rich history and another on its food, if you’re interested.
Final Checkpoint – Jalan Besar Stadium
Walking past the HDB flats along Beach Road and North Bridge Road and across the Rochor Canal, you’ll finally reach the final checkpoint – Jalan Besar Stadium.
For football fans, this location needs little introduction. Opened in 1929, it is often regarded as the birthplace of Singapore football and has hosted many iconic matches, including the Malaya Cup and Malaysia Cup.
Today, the 8,000-seater stadium is the home ground of the Singapore Premier League club Young Lions and the headquarters of the Football Association of Singapore.
My Takeaway
It’s a fairly easy route to walk, especially in the morning. Still, be prepared for Singapore’s heat. Stay hydrated, wear a cap, and remember to apply sunscreen, as there are stretches of the journey with little to no shade. Because of that, I’d definitely recommend doing the trail either in the morning or in the evening.
Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable route through the city. Catching the Ollies was both fun and frustrating, especially since I didn’t manage to catch all six. Still, that added an extra layer of excitement to the walk.
What I really appreciated was how the trail brought me to places I had never visited before, such as Bras Basah Complex and Jalan Besar Stadium. It’s great to have a trail that guides you to these locations while helping you learn a little more about Singapore through the tasks at each checkpoint.
And for the photographer in me, it was the perfect excuse to slow down, notice the little details, and capture everyday moments and architecture that might otherwise go unnoticed.
10 April 2026
teamLab Biovortex Kyoto: A Digital Wonderland in Cultural Kyoto
So, in my most recent travels, I once again found myself in what is arguably one of the most popular destinations for Singaporeans — if not the most popular — Japan. This time, the journey focused on Central Japan’s Kansai region, specifically Osaka and Kyoto.
Both cities are wildly popular, though for very different reasons.
Let me start with Kyoto, which has welcomed a new attraction since October 2025 – teamLab Biovortex Kyoto.
A teamLab Exhibition in Kyoto?
If you’re familiar with teamLab, you’ll know they’re behind some of the world’s most captivating and mesmerising digital art installations, found in cities such as Osaka, Tokyo, Abu Dhabi, Miami and Singapore.
So you might be thinking — a teamLab exhibit in cultural Kyoto? A city celebrated for its stunning Buddhist temples like Kiyomizu-dera, Shinto landmarks such as Fushimi Inari-taisha with its iconic torii gates, the timeless beauty of Arashiyama’s bamboo groves, and the traditional geisha streets of Gion?
The idea of a modern, tech-driven attraction in Kyoto might conjure images of a futuristic, high-tech structure — but Biovortex’s exterior looks nothing like that.
A Hidden World Inside
Non-glitzy and quietly tucked away in a residential area, you’d never guess that inside lies a multi-level world of immersive, interactive digital art.
Step in, however, and it’s a completely different story.
‘What a Loving, and Beautiful World’, one of the first artworks to greet you.
For photo lovers, it’s an absolute Insta-paradise. For children, it’s hours of play and exploration. And yes — even adults will find themselves fully absorbed.
As fans of the teamLab attractions (we previously visited teamLab Planets Tokyo, we were completely blown away by Biovortex Kyoto — teamLab’s 23rd exhibition and its largest permanent attraction to date.
Located just a stone’s throw from Kyoto Station, Biovortex opened its doors on 7 October 2025, and we were there on the third day of its opening. And a huge bonus — it was also just about a street away from our hotel at Mimaru Kyoto Station. More about that in a later post.
What to Know About teamLab Biovortex Kyoto
- Maze-like layout, spanning four floors
- Covers over 10,000 square metres
- Features 50+ interactive and immersive digital artworks, with some totally brand new or unique to Kyoto
The Core Concept: Environmental Phenomena
Unlike traditional installations, many works here are not solid in form. Instead, they play with light, air, water, movement, and even bubbles, constantly changing based on the environment and human interaction.
New installations:
- Massless Amorphous Sculpture – this was especially fun. Definitely a favourite with kids!
- Megaliths in the Open Universe
- Transient Abstract Life and Return
- Forest of Resonating Lamps
Other highlights:
- Morphing Continuum – my personal favourite and you’ll see why in this video below.
- Forest of Flow and Light
- Massless Suns and Dark Suns
Fun Zones for Kids (and Energetic Adults)
Athletics Forest
A high-energy zone filled with vibrant colours, neon tones, and luminous lights. Kids can jump, balance, bounce, and climb — perfect for burning off energy while engaging with art.
Future Park & Sketch Factory
Always a crowd favourite. Let your creative juices flow — sketch, colour and watch your creations come alive on giant digital screens. You can even turn them into souvenirs like magnets, puzzles, and tote bags to take home.
Digital art doesn’t mean kids can’t appreciate it. This is a fully sensory, immersive experience for the entire family.
Getting there…
It opens daily from 9am to 9pm, with last admission at 7.30pm. Do note that it might be closed on certain Tuesdays, so please check when purchasing tickets.
Location: 21-5 Higashikujo Higashi-Iwamotocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City. It’s pretty easy to get there.
- About a 7-min walk away from the Hachijo East Exit of JR Kyoto Station
- 11-minute walk from Shichijo Station (Keihan Line)
Ticket prices
- Adults: ~USD 31
- Students (13–17): ~USD 19
- Children (4–12): ~USD 12
- Flexible pass (enter anytime): ~USD 82
You can get them on Klook which has periodic sales (at the time of writing this, it’s offering a free 3GB eSIM). You can click on my link or the banner below and purchase the tickets right away!
While the minimum suggested visit is 1.5 hours, I’d recommend setting aside around 3 hours to fully explore, take photos, and truly immerse yourself in the experience.
Klook.com
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Kyoto will always be known for its temples, shrines, and traditions — and rightly so. But Biovortex Kyoto shows that the city also has space for innovation, creativity, and digital wonder. If you’re planning a Kansai trip, this is one stop that deserves a place on your itinerary — not just as an attraction, but as an experience. It offers a refreshing contrast to its traditional sights, and for families travelling with children, like us, it makes a fantastic addition to your Kyoto itinerary.
Your kids will love you for it!
29 January 2026
Elephant POOPOOPAPER Park: What Dung Can Do
Yes, you read that right — elephant poo poo. And yes, it’s fascinating.
Located in Mae R im, just about a 30-min drive from Chiang Mai’s Old City, Elephant POOPOOPAPER Park is one of those quirky, unexpected places that turns into a surprising highlight — especially if you’re travelling with kids (or adults with a good sense of humour).
It’s a refreshing change of pace from temples, flowers, or markets — and it’s educational, sustainable, and genuinely fun!
So… what exactly is it?
When planning my trip to Chiang Mai, I knew I wanted to skip the typical elephant park visits and performances. Yet elephants are quite central to Northern Thailand and Chiang Mai, so it’ll be remiss if there wasn’t some kind of elephant experience. That’s when I came across this park, which I found quite interesting, a park that makes paper out of elephant dung.
Sounds gross? A little. But also intriguing, right?
This eco-friendly outdoor museum and workshop shares with visitors how elephant dung is transformed into chemical-free, usable paper — and lets you try making some yourself!
Did you know?
- Elephants eat a lot of fibre and digest only about 45% of it.
- The undigested fibre in their dung is perfect for papermaking.
- Just 50kg of dung can produce around 125 sheets of A4 paper.
It sounds weird (and yes, maybe a little gross), but the process is completely hygienic (they wash and boil everything multiple times) and genuinely impressive. And it doesn’t smell — seriously!
This is thanks to their vegetarian diet. Hmm… consider a vegetarian diet, anyone?
Still… dung as paper, really?
Thailand isn’t alone in this eco-innovation. Among some of the countries are India, Sri Lanka and Kenya. In Uganda, a group of women have been trying to combat poaching by turning elephant dung literally into a treasure – paper, and a livelihood.
Elephant POOPOOPAPER is one of the most environmentally-sound papers made today. Following its success, the park has also added paper made from the dung of cows, horses and donkeys. Now that’s sustainability for you!
All that processed paper is made into eco-friendly products like stationery collections and gift items like bookmarks, photo albums, cards, paper pads etc, which make for unique, earth-friendly souvenirs.
It’s chemical-free, organic, sustainable, innovative and fun!
According to their website, its pulp is composed totally of natural materials. About 85% come from elephant, cow, horse or donkey poo fibres, with the remaining 15% from waste agriculture bi-products, like coconut shell fibres, banana stocks, corn husk fibres and sugar cane.
What to expect
The experience is a hands-on, interactive experience, especially fun for kids. A friendly guide walks us through each step of the papermaking process:
- Collection and cleaning – Learn how the fibres are washed and boiled.
- Pulp preparation – Mix the mushy fibres into pulp. We had some fun and laughter doing this!
- Sheet forming – Scoop, flatten, and spread the pulp into thin paper sheets.
- Drying and decorating – Introduces the natural dyes that can be added to create patterns or colours to the paper.
There are also fun DIY craft stations where you can make greeting cards, notebooks, or even little poo-paper elephants to bring home. They also have an art studio workshop if you want to flaunt your artistic flair! (Note: additional fees apply for both activities.)
Check out this cute and informational YouTube video by kids on their visit to the park!

Worth a visit
- Eco-conscious and educational – Great way to teach kids (and adults) about sustainability.
- Something different – A break from flowers, temples and markets, with lots of laughs and fun photo ops.
- Great gift shop – Full of pretty and well-designed paper products.
F.Y.I.
- Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm daily
- Entry Fee: 150 THB/pax, free for kids below 5 (includes the guided tour)
- Duration: Allow about 1hr or more for a relaxed visit. Guided-tour takes about 40min.
- Location: 87 Moo. 10, T. Maeram, A. Maerim, Chiang Mai 50180 Thailand
- Tours available: English, Thai and Mandarin.
- Tip: Book online in advance for guaranteed slots.
Ready to see what dung can do?
Elephant POOPOOPAPER Park is a fun and interesting place that’s certainly worth a visit, not just for children but for adults too. It’s a chance to laugh, learn, and appreciate sustainability in a way you probably never expected.
And hey — not everything needs to be pretty to be photographed, right? Sometimes, the best travel memories come from the unexpected and the unusual.
So go ahead, book your ride there or check out Viator and Pelago for a bundled tour with the Sticky Waterfall or the Karen Long Neck Hill Tribe Village.
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25 June 2025
Be enchanted, with Mae Rim
Mae Rim offers a different vibe from Doi Inthanon National Park and Mae Kampong.
A little north of the Doi Suthep mountains, Mae Rim is known for its gorgeous mountain views, natural attractions, and a slower pace of life. Up here, you’ll find everything from flower farms and cafes to glamping resorts tucked into the hills. The region is also home to the indigenous Hmong people, adding cultural depth to the natural beauty of the place.
I think young couples and newlyweds can consider spending a night glamping here. Waking up to the sounds of birds, catching the sunrise and enjoying a breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys. It certainly makes for a romantic getaway!
But alas, we were travelling with a big group of seniors and children, so glamping was out of the question. But hey, Mae Rim still has lots to offer!
Where is Mae Rim?
Mae Rim is just 25km to 30km away from Chiang Mai’s Old City, making it much closer than Doi Inthanon and Mae Kampong. As you can tell by now, the Old City tends to be the base, where many do their day trips from.
Once again, I would advise booking a private hire car or van if you are not driving. Or consider joining a small group tour. The ride up is rather winding but scenic.
There are lots to see at Mae Rim. The Mon Jam area is where you will find many farms and flower gardens. The Queen Sirikit Botianic Garden is also a highlight with canopy trails, glasshouses with tropical plants and forested walking paths. There’s also the Mae Sa Waterfall, which is a very popular spot with the locals and makes for a nice stop for a picnic or a short hike. Taking advantage of its scenic location, there are also many lovely cafes with outdoor seating to chill and enjoy nature’s gift.
So, where do we start? We couldn’t cover everything, but here’s what we managed to visit:
I’ve plotted the locations in Google Maps below, including the directions for easy reference. The ride from the Old City to Pang Hwa Flower Garden takes about 50min to an hour.

Mon Jam
A highlight of the Mae Rim district is Mon Jam (also spelled Mon Cham). This beautiful mountaintop area at 1,300m above sea level is known for its cool weather, panoramic views and agricultural projects.
On a clear day, you’ll see layers of misty hills, green terraced farms and a sky that… seems to go on forever.
Once a quiet Hmong village, Mon Jam began transforming into a travel destination thanks to the Royal Project Foundation, which helped locals shift from slash-and-burn farming to sustainable agriculture. Today, you’ll see farms growing strawberries, cabbages, herbs, and flowers, as well as small local cafes, food stalls, and homestays scattered along the hillside. The area also has skywalks, zip-lines, and ATVs for those looking for a bit of light adventure.
Mon Jam is also where you will find glamping resorts. There are more than 20 glamping sites. Homestays are also available if you want to experience staying with the locals.

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Pang Hwa Flower Garden
This wasn’t on our original itinerary. We had planned to visit Jin Ju Orange Farm but it was closed — so our driver suggested Pang Hwa Flower Garden instead. And OMG, what a great suggestion it was!
Did you know that there are reportedly 13 or more flower farms in Mae Rim, particularly around Mon Jam. For flower lovers, it’s an absolute paradise. That said, I don’t think you need to cover them all — even if you love blooms. And it also depends on when you visit.
Pang Hwa is an Instagrammer’s dream: colourful flower beds, rolling hills, a mountain-top setting close to the clouds. There’s a lavender garden and an orange orchard where you can also pick oranges. So we didn’t miss Jin Ju Orange Farm too much!
There’s also a cafe here — perfect for soaking in the views with a hot drink in hand.
- Open daily: 7am – 6pm
- Entry fee: 100 THB (foreigners)
- Orange-picking: 80 THB/kg
Ying Yong Flower Garden
Located in the Mon Jam area, the garden spans 16 acres and showcases a stunning variety of flowers like lavender, marigolds and sunflowers, set against a backdrop of blue skies and emerald green mountains.
Yes, I’m going to say it again: Instagrammable. And truly, it is.
They’ve done a great job of accentuating the natural beauty with walking trails and scenic viewing spots. One of the highlights here is an elevated boardwalk that stretches across the fields, offering sweeping panoramic views of Mon Jam.
Currently, Pelago has a private tour which includes visiting Ying Yong and Pang Hwa gardens, along with a homestay lunch — a great way to experience local hospitality. There is also a short day tour which includes Mon Jam and Huay Tueng Thao Reservoir and Sculpture Park (quite a fun place with King Kong sculptures, sheep farm and others that should be fun for young children).
Honestly, words don’t quite do it justice. So I’ll let the pictures do the talking.
The best time to visit is between November to February when flowers are in full bloom and the weather is cool. But of course, there are other flowers to see in other times of the year, like sunflowers from March to May, margarets from June to August and marigolds from September to October.
Whatever the time of the year you wish to go, just be warned, you won’t want to leave.
- Open daily: 6am – 6pm
- Entry fee: 100THB (foreigners-adult), 50THB (foreigners-child <10 years old)
Skywalk Flower Farm
By the time we arrived at Skywalk Flower Farm, the kids had pretty much hit their limit for flower appreciation. (Can’t blame them — after a full day of blooms, even the most patient little legs will start protesting.) But for us adults, this is a place you won’t want to miss.
Similar to Ying Yong Flower Garden, there’s also an elevated boardwalk — but the view here hits differently. It overlooks a sheep farm, rolling valleys and offers yet another perspective of Mae Rim’s mountainous landscape.
One standout feature here is a palm-shaped platform, perched dramatically over the hillside. Ready to feel on top of the world? Climb the steps — though be warned, there are no railings — and strike your poses. The view from the top is incredible and definitely one for the ‘Gram. Just don’t look down if you’re not a fan of heights! I tried… and I remember feeling weak in the knees!
Nearby, there’s also a cosy cafe where you can relax, sip a latte and just gaze at the scenery.
- Open daily: 7am – 8pm
- Entry fee: 40THB (adults), 20THB (child)
Want a sneak peek before you visit? Check out this beautifully shot video by Beyond — it captures the essence of Skywalk Farm perfectly.
14 June 2025
Mae Kampong: A gem in the mountains of Chiang Mai
If you’re looking for an authentic Thai village experience, pay a visit to Mae Kampong.
To be honest, it wasn’t on my original list of places to explore in Chiang Mai. It was a recommendation from my uncle’s friend, who lives in the city. “It’s a beautiful, quaint village,” he said—and he wasn’t wrong.
About an hour’s drive, 50km east from the Old City, Mae Kampong seems to be a popular place, judging by the many tour buses we saw parked and the number of people walking along the street.
Wooden buildings line both sides of a narrow two-way street. From my understanding, the village is over 100 years old, with only about 500 residents. Sitting at 1,300m above sea level, Mae Kampong enjoys cool, crisp weather all year round — a refreshing break from the heat of the city.
Street Photography
I did some street photography here to try and capture the vibe of the village. For street photography, you don’t need dramatic angles or big lenses — just a good eye and patience.
Here are a few scenes worth framing:
- Daily life in motion — Whether it’s someone selling street food, tending to their shops, or sweeping the front of their home, these candid moments reflect the soul of the place.
- Rustic architecture — Weathered wooden signs, bamboo fences, moss-covered roofs, and faded shopfronts all tell a story.
- Close-ups of street food — See something unusual or mouthwatering? Snap it. Local snacks make great conversation starters and Instagram content.
A quick note on etiquette: Be respectful. If you’re photographing people up close, it’s always best to ask first. Most locals are kind and open, especially if you smile and engage with them.
Even with just a smartphone, Mae Kampong is incredibly photogenic. It’s not about the gear — it’s about noticing the beauty in the everyday.
Community-Based Tourism
The village became a popular tourist destination about 20 years ago with the introduction of community-based tourism (CBT).
CBT is a form of responsible travel where local communities manage, operate, and benefit directly from tourism in their area, without losing control of their culture, environment, or values.
In the 1980s, residents began cultivating coffee under the Teen Tok Royal Project, which supports sustainable farming and agro-education in northern Thailand. This initiative played a major role in supporting the village’s transition from traditional farming to eco-friendly tourism.
Today, you’ll find charming mom-and-pop shops, humble restaurants, and coffee houses dotting the village. Several residents also offer homestays — a great way to experience local hospitality and the soothing rhythms of mountain life. Some are available on platforms like Agoda.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

The village is compact, so you can easily explore it on foot. Take your time walking down its single main street, browsing the local craft shops, trying street food, and stopping for coffee with a view. One of the highlights is doing nothing—just soaking in the peaceful, unplugged atmosphere.
Don’t expect resorts, nightlife, or even strong Wi-Fi. And that’s part of its charm. It invites you to unplug and slow down.
Getting there

It takes just over an hour to reach Mae Kampong by car from Chiang Mai. If you’re travelling in a group, hiring a private vehicle can be convenient and cost-effective. Klook is a good place to check for transport options.
Klook.com
Whether you go for a day trip or stay overnight, Mae Kampong is one of Chiang Mai’s most rewarding hidden gems. It’s peaceful, rooted in tradition, and full of quiet beauty. A gentle reminder that sometimes, the best journeys are the quiet ones.
9 June 2025
At the roof of Thailand ~ Doi Inthanon National Park
Chiang Mai, 28 November 2024 – this was my first visit to Thailand’s charming northern city. When the idea of a holiday trip in Chiang Mai first came up, my mind was filled with images of beautiful temples, elephant performances, sizzling street food and relaxing Thai massages. That’s probably what comes to mind to most people — especially if they’ve never been there and only know it from guidebooks or travel shows. I wondered if there would be something more of the outdoors, you know, like nature walks, healthy trekking?
In my research, I found that one of the top recommended things to do in Chiang Mai is to explore its natural beauty.
Chiang Mai is a mountainous region, surrounded by forested hills and highlands of northern Thailand. Its city lies in a valley and it’s a short drive to scenic mountain areas like Doi Suthep-Pui and Doi Inthanon, known as Thailand’s highest peak at 2,565m above sea level. This gives Chiang Mai its cooler climate, suitable for trekking, waterfall hikes, and nature-based tourism. And November is an ideal time to go!
So, the national parks of Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep-Pui made it into my itinerary. First stop, Doi Inthanon.
Did you know that it’s part of the Himalayan mountain range? I suppose I can now say I climbed the Himalayas! 😄
When we visited, the temperature ranged from a high of 12°C to a low of 6°C. Well, it’s not exactly Himalayan cold — but still so Shiok! (In Singapore English, “Shiok” means very enjoyable or satisfying.)
Where Is Doi Inthanon?
The national park is located about 70km southwest of Chiang Mai’s Old City. It’s one of the most popular day trips.
According to the Thai National Parks, the park honours King Inthawichayanon, who was dedicated to preserving the northern forests. Nicknamed “The Roof of Thailand”, Doi Inthanon is a haven for bird watchers, with over 360 species recorded and home to some of Thailand’s most spectacular waterfalls, including:
- Wachirathan Waterfall
- Mae Klang Waterfall
- Sirithan Waterfall
There are trails for all levels, from easy boardwalks to moderately challenging treks, such as the Ang Ka Nature Trail and the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail.
Ang Ka Nature Trail
If climbing isn’t your thing — as was the case for our group, which included several seniors — the Ang Ka Nature Trail is a very doable one. Even at a height of 2,500m above sea level, the trail is easy and scenic.
It’s a short 360m loop on a well-maintained wooden boardwalk and concrete steps. It winds through a temperate evergreen forest, home to rare plants like Rhododendron, Sphagnum Moss and Ferns. Wildlife such as the Common European White-toothed Shrew, Pere David’s Vole and Green-tailed Sunbird have also been spotted here.
We strolled at a leisurely pace, taking about 30 min, while pausing often to enjoy the tranquil, misty landscape of thick moss, tall trees and crisp mountain air. Certainly a relaxing walk for all ages. Just be careful if it has rained, as the boardwalk can be a bit slippery.
Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail
On the other hand, the Kew Mae Pan trail is more for the adventurous. The total distance is about 3km, 10 times the length of the Ang Ka Nature Trail, with higher elevations and more rugged terrain. The journey takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the individual. It’s not suitable if you have mobility issues but the views make every step worth it. There’s a reason why it’s among the most popular hiking routes up here.
At 2,200m, you’ll reach one of the most iconic panoramic viewpoints in the region. On a clear day, you’ll see a sea of clouds blanketing the valleys below.
The trail route below might give you a good idea of what to expect.

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📌 Note: The trail is closed from June to October (rainy season). You cannot venture into this area on your own – it is compulsory to hire a guide. You’ll be asked to pay 200 THB per group at the entrance and a guide from the local Hmong hill tribe will lead you on the journey.
Do not be misled by their looks or size, though. They have been doing this for a long time and have guided many tourists on the route.
Our guide was amazing — quick on her feet and knowledgeable. We didn’t finish the loop (we had kids and seniors waiting), but the experience was incredible. We missed the Royal Pagodas viewpoint, but it gives us a reason to return.
Photo of the Royal Pagodas from Freepik.
Anyways, for those of you who are interested in this trail and want to feel like Frodo in the Fellowship of the Ring (we certainly felt like that with the bamboo hiking sticks), pin Doi Inthanon National Park and the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail into your itinerary.
Wachirathan Waterfall
Another spot you should not miss is the Wachirathan Waterfall. While not a very tall one at 80m, it’s arguably the most popular and the most impressive at Doi Inthanon National Park. The viewing platform is just steps from the car park, and the spray from the falls is refreshing and energising! There’s a cafe nearby where you can grab a cuppa coffee and just enjoy the waterfall.
The waterfall is definitely one of the favourite photo spots in the area. But don’t go too near else your camera equipment is going to get all wet.
Photography tips
- Capture people in the frame to show scale.
- Try long exposure shots to give the water a silky effect. This is best taken with a tripod so you can keep the camera stable during the long exposures.
- If you’re lazy like I was (no tripod), just hold your camera steady, lower the shutter speed, and experiment! This can also be done on a mobile phone. Use pro mode or manual, set shutter speed to 1-4 secs and ISO as low as possible.
- Don’t just focus on the waterfall. Explore the surrounding areas, where the water flows,etc.
- For the trails, capture the nature around you. The tall canopies, close-up of the moss, fungi, wildlife or little creatures if you can spot them.
- Wide shots of panoramic views or “sea of clouds” are must-haves.
Getting to Doi Inthanon National Park
First, note that there is an entrance fee of 300 THB per adult for all foreigners.
The best way to get around Chiang Mai, if you are in a big group, is to book a driver with a van. There were 13 of us so we booked 2 drivers and 2 vans for our entire trip, which makes it a lot easier for us to go wherever we want and adjust our itinerary accordingly. So getting to Doi Inthanon from our hotel at the Old City was a breeze. It’s a 2-hr journey.

If you’re travelling solo or as a couple and if you prefer a more free and easy trip, then get a taxi to bring you up the mountain.
There’s a lot to see and cover in Doi Inthanon which will take more than a day. In which case, consider joining day tours where you get a guide to bring you on the best spots. For instance, Klook offers a variety of them.
Here are two options:
1. Doi Inthanon National Park Day Tour (≈ USD 56/adult):
  Includes Wachirathan + Mae Klang Waterfalls, Karen Hill Tribe Village, Royal Pagodas, and more.
2. Eco-Adventure Tour (≈ USD 83/adult):
  This is a new tour. A full day of guided hikes, bamboo rafting, swimming, lunch, and even tree planting! There’s also a 2-day option with overnight village stay.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Klook.com
Whether you’re a casual nature lover or a full-blown hiker, Doi Inthanon National Park has something for everyone. From mystical cloud forests to refreshing waterfalls and sky-high viewpoints, it’s a highlight of any Chiang Mai itinerary.
9 June 2025