Exploring Chiang Mai Thailand

A Special Place in My Heart

What an experience I had in Chiang Mai for only 4.5 days there and barely scratched the surface.

I spent most of my time within the walls of the Old City while here wandering the streets, going in and out of shops, getting all sorts of different food and smoothies from many different places, partaking in activities, meditating in Wat Pha Bong Temple, and just enjoying myself at my own pace. The city really doesn't start to buzz until 08:00 and quiet hours start at 00:00 with the walls. You can find vintage shops, enjoy massages, leave the walls for outdoor excursions, and just meander around. There is so much to do and whether you are there for a few days or much longer so if you find yourself to this city one of these days(which you should) and you will not be disappointed.

Here bellow are some highlights of what I enjoyed during my stay.

Sunday Night Market

When you find yourself in Chiang Mai on a Sunday night make to stop by the Sunday Night Market. You will find so much wonder here. Stop at as many food stands as you can to try all the yummy food there is to offer. Marvel at the art and goods the vendors have. Listen to the music around you and just enjoy this massive street event. If you aren't there on a Sunday Night the Night Bazaar is every evening and there is a Saturday Night Market as well. 

Check out my Sunday Night Market post for more details.

Chiang Mai Cabaret

If you love Cabarets and female impersonators you must go! They put on a wonderful show, the choreography, performances, costumes, and energy are on point. I was dazzled the whole time and they really do get the crowd going. You will not be disappointed, I promise. The tickets were 250 BAHT, which included a drink. Make sure you go to the Chiang Mai Cabaret Show at Anusarn Night Market. Also get there early to ensure the best seats in the house.

Food

Ohhhh the food will make your taste buds sings. While here I opted to going to little hole in the walls places, food stands, and market food. Don't be afraid to try anything and everything, you're in Thailand, why not? My favorite places never broke 55 BAHT for a meal, which is a steal of a deal for the quality and quantity! Oh, and please drink all the fresh coconuts that you can. They are so refreshing and yummy.

Art

My eyes could not believe all the wonderful art this city has to offer. Everywhere you walk is like one big art gallery. Speaking of art galleries when wondering the streets and you see some, do go in! There are so many talented artist, I could not help but buy several postcards from these places to send back home. A lot of the time you will find the artist in there working on their next masterpiece which is just stunning to watch.

Loy Krathong

This Festival celebrated throughout all of Thailand on the 12th Lunar Moon each year. Depending on who you talk to it may be celebrated for different reasons. It started out to pay respects to the water spirits and the Buddhist adopted it for it being the day that Buddha died. The light represents Buddha and the float is the vessel to let go of ones angers, hatred, and defilement's. I was there just for the opening ceremony which was beautiful in itself. The whole city partakes, the lanterns hanging everywhere are gorgeous. This year of 2017 it was held at the Three Kings Monument, there is music and many actives. Make sure to go into the temple while you're thing. There is other things going on around the city and they usually post a timetable when it starts approaching.

North Gate Jazz Co-op

Looking for some good music to listen to? The North Gate Jazz Co-op was my favorite place to go. They have some awesome bands play and you can sit upstairs or downstairs. It gets pretty packed, so if you want a place to sit get there when it opens. They are open 7 nights a week 20:00 to 02:00. If you don't make it there don't worry, there is music all over the city. Just keep in mind most places within the center of the Old City closes down at 00:00.

Temples

(Wat Pha Bong Temple)

Be prepared to dazzled and blown away by all the temples! You will find one pretty much everywhere you turn and they are all stunning. They are all so different to as far as design, relics, size, and energy. Take your time to look at the fine detail they carve into the wood and the statues.

Wat Prathat Doi Suthep

You must, must, MUST go to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Temple! This temple blew me away! My friend and I took a red bus up there and paid round trip to stay for an hour but ended up ditching it because it 1 hour is no where close enough to absorb gorgeous place. The Pagoda is gold and absolutely mesmerizing. You have an incredible view of Chiang Mai and the jungle surrounding you. You will feel this rush of piece upon taking your first step on the first stair. Take your time here and you won't regret it. There is food and vendors to stop by on your way out and tons of Red Buses making it easy to get back. This will get a blog post of its own soon to come so keep an eye out.

Recommendations:

• Bring your own sunscreen it goes for gold there
• Pack light! You really can buy anything you need there for way cheap
• I only brought a tank, quarter sleeve, and shorts. I got a whole new outfit for around 250 BAHT which is about 8 USD!
• Take a day to weave in and out of shops and up and down the streets to see what you find.
• Don't spend all your food money at fancy places. The stands have such great fresh food!
• You don't need a fancy hotel, a cute little hostel is a great way to meet people from around the globe and much cheaper. Plus you're only sleeping and bathing in there, why do you need some extravagant?
• Have fun and keep an open mind and heart.
• Bring a reusable water bottle and use the many water station around the city for only 1 BAHT for 1 liter of clean water.

Khob Kun Ka for stopping by and I hope you enjoy your stay in Chiang Mai. Watch out for wherever I may find myself next here on Finding Me Wherever I May be.

Please do interact with me as well, leave comments, suggestions, questions, and inquiries. I would love it all.

Namaste <3