Chiang Mai is a magical place. The old city was founded in the late 13th century and initially served as the capital of the Lan Na. The old city is surrounded by a moat! Within it is a labrynth of narrow streets, and navigating them you constantly come across Wats, random shops, and one of the most amazing coffee shops I’ve ever been to.
Chiang Mai – A pretty magical place!
Just outside the old town is a pretty vibrant night market, which had some pretty great food, bars and shops.
Loving the night market
We happened to be in Chiang Mai when the Kings funeral was taking place. Many shops were closed, or closed early, and the convention centre in Chiang Mai, had been setup for viewing of the ceremony in Bangkok. On the advice of one of the people we were talking to at the hostel we were staying we dressed in black and made our way to take part in this amazing ceremony, which was both a celebration of life as well as a sombre occasion. Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed in, as we didnt have long enough shorts and weren’t wearing closed-toed shoes. Still it was amazing, and humbling, to see the lines of people in black, wishing to pay their respects to a king who was so revered and had been a part of Thai life for so long.
Lines of people waiting to enter the convention centre. Childrens orchestra playing in celebration of the Kings life.
Chiang Mai also served as good base to explore the neighbouring areas from. We took a day trip to Chiang Rai and the Golden triangle (Fresh Prince of the Mekong) We also went to an elephant rescue (click here) and climbed the sticky waterfalls at Bua Thong (Bua Thong – The Sticky Waterfalls).
All-and-all Chiang Mai is a pretty amazing place and I think I could have spent a few more days exploring the old city, as well as treking around in the forests surrounding the city. But I had decided to head south with my friends and hit up the beach life of Koh Samui.
The Travelling Scientist 