I’m excited to share the second part of our unforgettable journey through Thailand in 2019. This section focuses on our time in the beautiful city of Chiang Mai. Nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, this enchanting place offered a peaceful contrast to the busy streets of Bangkok. As soon as we arrived, we felt a sense of calm and a strong connection to nature.
Furthermore, Chiang Mai, often called the “Rose of the North,” welcomed us warmly. The city’s rich culture was evident in its many temples, each one a stunning example of architecture and history. During our visit, we explored the historic Old City, which is surrounded by ancient walls and a tranquil moat, further adding to the city’s unique charm.
Discovering Chiang Mai, Thailand
We were excited to visit Chiang Mai after hearing amazing stories about the city from our friends. They described it as a peaceful haven filled with rich culture, stunning temples, and beautiful natural landscapes. Therefore, after the busy and overcrowded streets of Bangkok, we couldn’t wait to experience this tranquil city for ourselves.
Day 1: Arrival and Settling In
We arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand after a short flight, slightly delayed at around 11:30 am. After landing, we used “Grab,” to take a convenient ride to our accommodation at Leafy Greens Mushroom Clay House, just 5 miles from the Old City.
The ride cost only 98 baht (about $3), making it an affordable option. Our Airbnb for the next three days was priced at $146.54 and looked just like the pictures, featuring a shared kitchen area. Additionally, the hosts were friendly and allowed us to check in early at 12:30 pm, which made it a charming place to stay.
Day 2: Culinary Adventures and City Exploration
On our second day in Chiang Mai, Thailand, we embarked on a private local food tour booked through “Withlocals” for $30 per person, which included food. Our guide, Ken, a New York native, and his Thai wife, Rak, made our experience enjoyable and seamless.
During the tour, we tasted traditional Thai tea, Khao Soi, green curry fried rice, and delicious Thai desserts. In fact, this food tour was one of the best I’ve experienced and well worth the cost.
After the tour, we rented bicycles from Cacti Bike for 150 baht ($4.80) for the entire day. As a result, riding through the city felt safe and enjoyable, providing us with a unique perspective of Chiang Mai.
Day 3: Hike and Bike Adventure
Our third day in Chiang Mai began with a 6-hour Hike and Bike tour booked through TripAdvisor for $121.22, which included bikes and gear for two people. The tour featured a 3-hour uphill hike followed by a 3-hour downhill mountain biking adventure.
However, we had to adjust our plans due to the unexpected visit of the Thai princess, which closed the park. This change led us to a challenging uphill biking experience.
Despite the tough ride through the jungle, the experience was unforgettable. We met interesting people from around the world, and one of our guides, a champion mountain biker, led the way.
This journey was definitely one of the best and most challenging trips we’ve ever taken. Despite the difficulties, we thoroughly enjoyed it and would gladly do it again.
Memories and New Adventures
Our time in Chiang Mai, Thailand was truly enjoyable. The city’s lively yet manageable pace, along with the friendly and helpful residents, made for a delightful experience.
Chiang Mai was very affordable, allowing us to explore on a budget while still enjoying fantastic food and fresh fruits like mangos, dragon fruit, and mini pineapples. The many temples and museums offered rich cultural experiences that added to our visit.
As our time in Chiang Mai came to an end, we were filled with fond memories. We got ready for a 20-hour bus journey to our next destination, Luang Prabang in Laos. Before we set off, take a moment to read about our adventures in Bangkok and Chiang Rai, the first and last parts of our journey in Thailand.
