Chiang Mai: The Wonders of Northern Thailand
On November 3, 2023, I landed at Chiang Mai Airport, Thailand, after 24 hours of travel.
I left my beautiful city of Strasbourg for a month to fulfill a dream.Early November in Strasbourg, the weather is usually cool. If we’re lucky, sometimes it snows. Sometimes it rains. I mention this to highlight my great surprise at finding it 25 degrees Celsius at 11 p.m. in Thailand. And that was just the beginning of the surprises. Chiang Mai, a gem in northern Thailand, became the setting for an incredible month. Hold on tight. I'm taking you on a journey where majestic temples stand alongside bustling markets, where every day is a surprise in itself.
My first day in Chiang Mai was marked by jet lag and adapting to the city’s heat. Armed with a paper map and GPS, I left my hostel to explore the city by 9 a.m. Indeed, I was a well-prepared traveler. On the plane, I had read about the city’s history and its main points of interest. But nothing prepared me for the reality.
Chiang Mai, nicknamed the "Rose of the North," is a captivating city nestled in the mountains. The city was founded in 1296 and has a rich and fascinating history. Initially, it served as a fortress to protect the region from potential invasions. It eventually became the cultural and religious center of the region, with its deeply rooted temples and traditions. The old town, surrounded by walls and moats, houses an impressive cultural heritagethat reminds you of its glorious past. Today the city aligns its ancient heritage with a modern and dynamic atmosphere, thus attracting visitors from all over the world, that are looking for adventure, spirituality and exotic charm.
The Markets of Chiang Mai
The first thing I learned in Chiang Mai was about the night markets. It’s a fairy-tale world where every street corner comes alive with vibrant energy and an explosion of colors. Every Sunday, the city transforms into a magical spectacle with the famous Walking Street. Starting at 4 p.m., an iconic street turns into an enchanting market. It offers a multitude of handcrafted products, local culinary delights, and unique treasures. You can easily lose yourself in this labyrinth of picturesque stalls, discovering traditional handicrafts and authentic souvenirs with every step.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Every evening from 6 p.m., the night markets come alive in the northeast district.
They create a lively and friendly atmosphere.The stalls are overflowing with gastronomic temptations, from the spicy flavors of local dishes to the sweet delights of Thai desserts. The night markets also offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local nightlife and find treasures that will always remind you of this magical adventure in Chiang Mai.
The city center of Chiang Mai
Before my arrival in Chiang Mai, I was very intrigued by the square shape of the historic city center. This square layout creates a charming and easy-to-explore atmosphere. The well-organized streets give a certain flow to the exploration, offering travelers an enjoyable discovery experience. But to be very honest, I was surprised when I arrived. During my first exploration of Chiang Mai, my imagination was filled with images of a winding canal surrounding the city, creating a picturesque scene worthy of travel tales.
However, reality had something equally fascinating in store for me. Instead of the canal I imagined, there were the remnants of ancient moats and fortification walls encircling Chiang Mai. These historical structures have survived the centuries, testifying to the city's glorious past as a strategic fortress. The moats, once filled with water to reinforce defense, and the walls captivate visitors with their mystical aura, reminding them of a time when Chiang Mai was a bastion protecting the region from potential invasions. So, even though my daydreams were different from reality, the discovery of these historical remnants added a layer of fascination and history to my experience in Chiang Mai.
Northern Thai cuisine
During a month in northern Thailand, I teamed up with elephants.But I also developed a serious relationship with the local cuisine—a culinary romance, if you will. My gourmet affair began on day one, with a smoothie and sticky mango rice for breakfast. Believe me, it was the kind of love that doesn’t make you gain weight but fills your heart (and stomach) with happiness.
On the other hand, northern cuisine is renowned for its generous use of aromatic herbs, lemongrass, and chilies, creating a symphony of flavors that awaken the taste buds.
One of the top priorities on my to-do list during this trip was to attend a cooking class. Yes, I opted for the wok and curry school rather than a diving lesson. And guess what? It was a memorable afternoon that taught me there’s more than one way to start a kitchen fire. You can find the link here: cooking class in Chiang Mai.
Life in Chiang Mai
As soon as I set foot in this square city, I realized that temples are as common as warm smiles. These majestic structures seem to sprout like mushrooms—at least mushrooms that glow under the Thai sun. For example, Wat Phra Singh or Wat Chedi Luang. Every street corner offers a chance to stand out on social media with pictures that will make all your friends envious.
Another example of culture is the tuk-tuks. These noisy, brightly colored vehicles are the true rock stars of the streets. I must admit, I tried a tuk-tuk toward the end of my trip. Moreover, I tried it after riding a motorcycle without a helmet. I was ready for any adventure. But maybe I wasn’t ready to be shaken so much or to have to hold on to the bars of the vehicle to avoid flying out. In conclusion, I loved this experience. vers la fin de mon voyage. Par ailleurs je l’ai essayé après avoir fait de la moto sans casque. J’étais donc prête pour toute aventure. Mais peut être je n’étais pas prête d’être secouée autant et de devoir me tenir aux bars du véhicule pour ne pas voler. En conclusion, j’ai adoré cette expérience.
If you thought driving in the city was about strict rules and crosswalks, think again.
PooPoopaper
To conclude, I can’t talk about my trip to Chiang Mai without mentioning the PooPooPaper MuseumThis unconventional museum celebrates the art of making paper from elephant dung. Yes, you read that right—elephant poop!
The museum offers a fascinating journey, guiding visitors through the process of making paper from the plant fibers found in elephant dung. The museum staff humorously shares information about the sustainability of this method and the importance of recycling and reusing natural resources. The educational aspect of the PooPooPaper Museum isn’t limited to paper-making. Visitors also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops where they can create their own sheets of recycled paper. It’s a fun experience that highlights the ingenuity and creativity that can come from eco-friendly practices.
In the end, my visit to the PooPooPaper Museum was an entertaining and educational adventure, offering me a unique perspective on sustainability, craftsmanship, and the transformative power of unexpected resources. It’s an activity not to be missed if you’re in Chiang Mai and looking for an out-of-the-ordinary experience!
Chiang Mai
After exploring the wonders of Chiang Mai, I can say without hesitation that this city has captured my heart. From its majestic temples to its bustling markets, every street corner reveals a piece of its unique charm. But like any good travel story, my adventure doesn’t end here. The next stop wasChiang RaiChiang Rai (link to Chiang Rai visit), with its peaceful atmosphere and enchanting landscapes. But Chiang Mai will always hold a special place for me, and I know I’ll return one day to stay for a longer period. Because here, between the mountains and warm smiles, I found a true connection with this magical city.
For more useful information
To find your plane ticket :
I can recommend you use ExpediaI trust them with my own travels and when I am working with clients
For your hotel reservation
I invite you to look into Hotels.fr they have a large choice of bookings and your client services are always available
Pour trouver des activités sur place :
I use either viator or GetYourGuideThe two plateforms offer a large choice of activities at reasonable prices
To rent a car
I recommend discovercarsTheir prices are competitive and they have a great customer service
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