Time travel
Taking a domestic flight to Chiang Mai
Early in the morning, we took a domestic flight operated by Thai Lion Air from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The airfare was 600 Thai baht per person, and the flight lasted about an hour. After arriving at the airport, we rented a motorbike and got ready to explore Chiang Mai.
Checking in to a hotel in the Chiang Mai Old City
We had pre-booked the De Chai Colonial Hotel & Spa on Booking.com, located inside the Chiang Mai Old City. The hotel was priced at 1,500 Thai baht per night and provided elegant surroundings, warm service, and free breakfast. We rested briefly and prepared to explore the ancient city.
Exploring the Chiang Mai Old City and its ancient temples
We began our journey by visiting the famous Wat Chiang Man, one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai dating back to 1297. The temple features a golden pagoda, and my girlfriend loved the peaceful ambiance there. Next, we visited Wat Phra Singh, another temple with typical Lanna-style architecture and a highly prized Buddha image. Visiting these two temples required an entrance fee of 40 and 50 Thai baht, respectively.
Trying the Chiang Mai specialty, Fish Maw Soup
For lunch, we headed to the famous local restaurant, Khao Soi Khun Yai, which is known for its Fish Maw Soup. A hot bowl of this delicious soup only cost 50 Thai baht. My girlfriend thought it was the best dish she had ever tasted in Thailand.
Visiting the Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Center to learn about Northern Thai Culture
In the afternoon, we visited the Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Center, which cost 90 Thai baht per person. The center showcased the history, culture, and art of northern Thailand, and we learned many stories and traditional customs related to Chiang Mai.
Exploring the Chiang Mai Night Market and purchasing souvenirs
In the evening, we visited the famous Sunday Night Market, where we were dazzled by the variety of handcrafts, souvenirs, and street food. My girlfriend bought some Thai silk scarves and handmade soap as gifts, and I chose an exquisite wooden statue for myself. We also sampled various Thai street foods such as fried noodles and spring rolls. We had a great time at the night market.
Trying a Thai Massage unexpectedly
After the night market, we planned to return to our hotel, but a Thai massage shop caught our attention. The masseurs had unique techniques, and we both felt relaxed and comfortable afterward. We didn’t expect Thai massage to be so enjoyable and decided to learn it after we returned home. The price for one hour of massage was 250 Thai baht per person, which was well worth the value.
Taking a stroll in the Chiang Mai Old City at night
After the massage, we decided to take a walk in the Chiang Mai Old City at night. The ancient city looked particularly tranquil under the night sky, and the simple buildings became more mysterious with the illumination of the streetlights. We strolled through the small alleys, chatting with the locals and getting to know the life in Chiang Mai. It was a beautiful day for us, full of culture, food, and surprises.
This was our second day of travel in Thailand, and Chiang Mai left us with a deep impression. We are excited about what awaits us at the Elephant Conservation Center, and we look forward to experiencing more on our journey.