Northern Thailand-Change of Pace

Trip Start Apr 01, 2008
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Trip End Apr 28, 2008


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Monday, April 7, 2008

The flight from Bangkok was "rattle and hum" on a local carrier and only took about an hour. Chiang Mai is not much cooler than Bankok this time of year, but it is a world away as far as pace and rhythm goes. My first impression of Chiang Mai is that of a modern city, hot, humid, lots of traffic, air pollution, and motor scooters. That was my first impression. But Chiang Mai is a mystical place as well. A city surrounded by mountains, and a mystique that slowly takes you over, sunset by magical sunset. The city dates back to 1296 I am told and has been conquered and retaken several times. You can see hints and nuances which whisper the age of Chiang Mai in the crumbling walls which surround the moat of the old city. This city has more of a feel of antiquity about it. And there are Wats everywhere to explore!
Transportation will either be by Tuk-Tuk, Sawngthaew, or motor scooter. I will eventually be brave (or crazy) and rent a 2 stroke motor scooter for my jaunts about and around town The "300 Steps" to Doi Suthep
The "300 Steps" to Doi Suthep
 . I actually end up using all three modes to get around.

The city is accessible as are the people, who are warm, welcoming and friendly. I am walking distance from the Anusarn Night Market. This is a major hub of night activity. There is a large variety of foods, massage booths (of which I get many!), a nice slow vibe, and lots of crafts. Chiang Mai is the crafts center of Thailand and the workmanship of most of the crafts here is impressive.

For the next couple of days, I have booked myself on a number of tours going further into Northern Thailand. For today I will take the 30 minute drive up a winding road to Chiang Mai's most sacred temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
For the evening, great seafood at Ping Ping (a local seafood eatery in Anusarn Night Market), and lot's of Muay Thai to finish the night off. This will be my rhythm for a week or so in between tours..sounds boring huh? ;-)
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