Arriving at Chiang Mai Railway Station looking the worse for wear, we looked forward to some much needed R&R.
It was a little past 7am when we deboarded our train and were immediately bombarded with overly helpful tuk tuk drivers. After trying to find our bearings, we were whisked away by a chatty fellow who was more than happy to point out cheap markets and crack jokes along the way to our hotel located just outside the Old City.
I Heard You Like Temples
Chiang Mai is a welcome reprieve from the frenetic pace of Bangkok. Narrow streets and back alleys lined with small houses and tourist-friendly hotels lead to a plethora of peaceful temples of all shapes and sizes. There is literally a temple every few blocks or so and it’s easy to wander the Old City and stumble upon yet another gorgeous view of a wat.
Pad Thai for Days
The Old City is quite charming and relaxing, with the cool morning breeze giving way to warm and lazy afternoons. I grabbed what I can only assume is takoyaki from a street cart parked in front of a 7-Eleven before wandering into Fahtara Coffee and indulging in some much needed fresh fruit, yogurt and muesli.
I Like Goooooold
It was one last temple visit for the day at one of the more popular wats in town before heading back to the hotel for a very necessary disco nap. On the agenda later in the evening: the night bazaar in the outskirts of the Old City for some cheap shopping, dinner and drinks.
Be still my beating heart!
