Chiang Mai is an incredible city in northern Thailand. It’s not like the crazy busy Bangkok you might have heard about. Chiang Mai is chilled, steeped in history, and surrounded by mountains – seriously, it’s gorgeous!
I spent a while wandering around the Old City. It’s this walled area packed with ancient temples. There’s Wat Phra Singh, all elaborate carvings, and Wat Chedi Luang, with these giant serpent statues. It’s pretty impressive stuff, and makes you realize how old this city is. Speaking of old, the city walls and moat are still around, which is pretty cool. I rented a bike and cruised around them – a great way to escape the crowds and soak up the atmosphere.
If you’re into adventure, Chiang Mai is your place. I went trekking in the jungle – lush and green, with hidden waterfalls and tiny villages. There are elephant sanctuaries too, where you can actually hang out with these amazing animals (ethically, of course!). If you’re feeling wild, there’s white water rafting and zip-lining. My heart was definitely racing after that!
But Chiang Mai isn’t all about dodging elephants and climbing mountains (although that is pretty awesome). The food scene is incredible! I had Khao Soi for the first time, this curry noodle soup that’s insanely delicious. And the night markets? Forget about it. All these amazing smells hit you – curries, stir-fries, everything you can imagine. I even took a cooking class to learn how to make some of this stuff myself. Let me tell you, it wasn’t quite as good as what the pros make, but hey, it was fun!
Chiang Mai province has a bunch of cool day trips too. I went to Doi Suthep, this mountaintop temple complex with unreal views. There’s also the Bo Sang Umbrella Village, where families have been making these colorful umbrellas for generations. And if you’re looking for something a little different, you can visit an elephant sanctuary and learn about how they’re rescuing and caring for these incredible creatures.
Honestly, Chiang Mai has something for everyone. History buffs will love the temples, nature lovers will go nuts for the mountains, and foodies will be in heaven. It’s a city that’s both ancient and modern, chilled and exciting. So, if you’re looking for an adventure in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai should be at the top of your list. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
