Chiang Mai is a very interesting place and I reckon a must see in Thailand. We've loved our time here, only seen a wee fraction of what's on offer, but if you're looking for a peaceful and arty vibe... it's definitely here.
We hired a scooter for 2 days to zip around town. There's some very cool night markets to see and taste all kinds of yummy food. It's authentic and interesting and you're not hassled here. I'd rate it as the best market town we've been to for ambience and enjoyment.
Taking a tour to an elephant sanctuary was an experience to take in. A great time if you like mud, and elephants lol. After preparing pumpkin and sugarcane for the greedy phants... you get to feed them, then run around in a muddy field while they chase you for more food. Pretty scary having them so close to you with their trunks over your shoulder lol, I drop my bag and run away hahaha. Baby elephant was cute tho, and watching them splash everyone in the water was pretty funny.
The afternoon consists of another cooking class... this time we get to choose our menu. After the market tour and look around their garden, we get stuck into learning mode... getting to make chicken coconut soup, pad Thai, massman curry and mango sticky rice. Delish.
There's plenty of temples to explore and we head out to Umong Temple in the morning. It's a peaceful place, where monks work quietly and roosters crow in the distance. The tunnels through the temple are inspiring and home to a few small bats.
One of the highlights here are the markets and bazaars all over the old Town. There's musicians playing and life happening everywhere. No chance of getting bored here, we're planning to return one day. With an empty suitcase.
