Cool Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is cool with a capital C. The weather is more bearable (meaning Cooler), locals are artsy and tons of activities. It's an adventure-seeker and thrill-rider haven. Although Chiang Mai can get chaotic, especially at night as it is Thailand's second largest city next to Bangkok, it still has the charms of a small town. It really reminded me of Seattle with its music scene, adventure packed activities and chic shops. Three days really is not enough to explore this wonderful city. Click here to see some of our adventures in Chiang Mai.

A few things we go to do during our short stay here include:

1. A walk along the busy Sunday Market at night (only Sundays ok so make sure to visit this city on a Sunday!). We thought we got away from chaos in Bangkok but it just follows us.

2. Got to see cool performances and exhibits at the Muang-Muang Cultural Happenings (also at the Sunday Market). Yes, it's a really artsy town with a large population of locals and foreigners (aka farangs) enjoying the scene.

3. Eat tons of food.OMG, traveling with Rolfe means we eat a full meal every three hours.

4. Zipline (Flight of the Gibbon). One of the most fun activity I've done my entire life. There's nothing like seeing the view from the top. Rolfe, he just freaked out every time they push him on the zip line.

 

We have one more day left (really just half day) and we'll take advantage of it before we head to Luang Prabang, Laos. Tomorrow, we'll see the temples at Doi Suthep atop the mountain overlooking the city. Then, we'll head to the Buphing Palace, which is the winter residence of the royal family and famous for its beautiful gardens.

There are still tons to do like going up the hills to visit the hilltribe people, cooking class, elephants, rockclimbing, ATV, more massage, etc, etc. But then, it's just one of those where you say "Oh well, we'll just have to come back."