From temples to night markets and from spectacular nature to cool bars with live music, you've got to love the chill vibes of Chiang Mai and Pai in the North of Thailand.
After having spend a week at home in the Netherlands for my grandmother's funeral, I flew back to Thailand. Via Bangkok I went straight to Chiang Mai and met up my friend Helene! Although it was unfortunate that I had to go back, it was sort of good timing. Alex stayed in Vietnam and met up with his friend Greg, just days after I left and they continued to Cambodia. In the meantime I got to travel with Helene in Thailand before we all met up again in Bangkok.
A bit of history
We went to Chiang Mai and Pai, two laid back towns in the north east of Thailand that are well worth a visit. Chiang Mai used to be the capital city of the Lanna kingdom which encompassed the northern states of modern day Thailand (which also explains why so many hotels and stores have Lanna in their name). Lanna only became part of Thailand, formerly known as Siam, in the late 19th century. Nowadays it's a real hotspot for backpackers and travelers that want to experience the relaxed vibes, temples and beatiful nature that it has to offer. We really loved both cities!
3 things to do in Chiang Mai & Pai
So here it goes, three tips based on our experiences!
1. Enjoy the vibes & visit the nightmarkets
Both cities are especially well known for their relaxed atmosphere. It's great to stroll around, especially in the evenings. Chiang Mai has the night bazaar and pai has its famous walking street. At night they set up lots of stalls and shops with delicious food and colourful souvenirs, clothes and spices. You will also find live music and cold Chang beers to add to the atmosphere. Great evening activity!
2. Doi inthanon national park - Chiang Mai
A real highlight for us was to visit the doi inthanon national park. It's easy to book a tour in Chiang Mai, but I would highly recommend to choose the option that includes trekking. This park is at the highest peak in Thailand and right on top they build the king and queen pagodas. Two really impressive buildings with a great view. As part of the tour they also show you amazing waterfalls, a local market, a coffee tasting and a 2 hours trek through forests, ricefields and past waterfalls.
3. Visit temples & the white Buddha
In Thailand you will find many Buddhist temples. They are all beautiful buildings covered in splendid gold and colored ornaments. You will see dragons, snakes, guardians, Buddha's and various animals in and around the temples. Even the smallest temples are a true work of art. Most temples are free to visit, or you pay a small fee. You do have to cover up your knees and shoulders if you want to enter. In Chiang Mai I recommend Wat Buparam. In Pai, you should really go see the white Buddha! If you are really into temples you can take a tour to Chiang Rai to visit the white, black and blue temple. This can be done from either city.
Of course you can also eat, drink, swim, meditate, do yoga, go party, watch sunsets, have a massage and ride /walk around the nature. Whatever you are looking for, you will surely find something in Chiang Mai & Pai!
Our next stop is Bangkok to meet with Alex and Greg and then on to the Thai island!
Yvette
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