Buzz
Finding The Giant requires traversing a long, scenic route, quite a distance from the city center.
The ancient Chiang Mai coffee shop, surrounded by a majestic banyan tree over 200 years old
Hidden deep in the forest, The Giant is a must-visit spot when exploring Chiang Mai, Thailand. Despite the over 60 km journey from the city center, the atmosphere and scenery here are sure to leave you enchanted.
Constructed from wood around a venerable banyan tree, aged over 200 years, The Giant casts a cool shade. So, even in the heat, you'll feel comfortable. The tables boast mountain views, surrounded by lush greenery, creating a pleasant ambiance.
The best time to visit the café is around 9 am when the weather is mild, and the crowd is sparse. You can leisurely read a book and enjoy some personal space. However, from 10 am onwards, tourist groups start to flock in, making it a bit noisy. You'll need to be clever to find a photo spot without the crowds.
The beverages here don't boast any extraordinary features, mainly consisting of Thai milk tea, freshly squeezed juices, coffee, priced from 100,000 VND per glass. Most visitors come for the scenery and to capture Instagram-worthy photos. Adjacent to the café is an amusement area offering forest activities like ziplining and off-road biking, providing an adventurous experience at around 350 baht per person (approximately 250,000 VND).
You can reach Giant Chiang Mai by motorcycle or car, with a spacious parking lot available. However, if riding a motorcycle, ensure steady control, especially as you delve deeper into the forest where the terrain gets steeper, and there are rough patches that might strain the brakes. There are no repair shops or gas stations along the way, so carefully inspect your vehicle before setting out. The café is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm. It's advisable to start early due to the mountainous roads being unsafe in the late hours.
According to Vi Yen/Ngoi Sao
***
Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
MytourMay 5, 2020
