3 DAYS IN CHIANG MAI
TEMPLES, HIKES AND HARD MATTRESSES IN CHIANG MAI
Took the trip up north to Chaing Mai to check out the temples, Thai food and possibly a hike. Checked into Hug Hostel which was fairly decent apart from the solid mattress. I continue on this backpacking learning curve. My roommate just got back from a hike and recommended it so as I’m easy lead I have booked it on the spot before venturing out to see the sites.
The next day a few Greeks and ozzies checked in who all wanted a Thai Massage. Its truly incredible how cheap some things are here, we had a 45minute massage (non happy) for almost $3. This was a perfect start before checking out the northern nightlife which can only be described as insane!
I’M IN TROUBLE, BEER IS ONLY SOLD IN 750ml BOTTLES
WHERE IS CHIANG MAI?
Temples hikes and hard mattresses in Chiang Mai
The next day we decided to go and visit Doi Suthep at sunset, it’s the main temple in Chiang Mai which overlooks the city. None of us realised how long it takes to drive there and arrived when it was pitch black and lashing it down, a proper Asian monsoon.
Bottom of the steps at Doi Suthep
The drive isn’t great and if you get motion sickness, you might struggle, its 30 minutes of winding roads. For the experience and because we were going to get wet anyway we decided to climb the 300 steps instead of taking the lift. The looks we got from all the locals!
THE BEST THAI MEAL I’VE HAD
Full disclosure here; yes I cooked it but I had probably the best and freshest ingredients available and not to mention my incredible mentor looking over my shoulder and ensuring i didn’t over cook anything!
The class was actually full of Korean girls which if I am honest suited me down to the ground! I couldn’t fault the entire day, from when we walked only a short while to the market for out ingredients until we sat down and enjoy the fruits of our labour. Thai is by far my favourite cuisine and since completing the cookery class I have continued to make it on a regular basis at home. I couldn’t recommend Zabb E Lee Cooking school enough!!
THE TREK
Joined by 1 of the Greeks and 2 new frenchies for the trek. They were nice but could speak as much English as I could French. Wasn’t really sure what I had let myself in for but again I was learning more and more – the humidity in the Thai forests are no joke!!
From Chiang Mai we were drove up north into the rainforest and literally just hill climbed for a full day. Didn’t have much confidence in the guide as he fell more than anyone else. We got talking about football and he felt the need to scratch his arse and smell it. Unfortunately one of the greeks then told him who I supported and as soon as he heard he wanted to shake my hand. I politely fist pumped him, that’s all he was getting.
Temples hikes and hard mattresses in Chiang Mai
The night was a good experience, sitting around a camp fire having a drink and a laugh. Sleeping in the jungle was also a good experience but the beds were getting worse. At this stage I slowly getting used to the rustic way of a backpacker in SE Asia! We were sharing the hut with an English fella who has done almost as much travelling as me without getting sacked. Turns out if you have been as his company for 6 years or more you get an additional 30 days paid leave for the following year, then again in another 5years. Incredible idea!
THE ELEPHANT “SANCTUARY“
Feeding time unchained
The following day it was another hike through the forrest to an elephant scantuary. I choose this place purely on the basis it looked after its animals but they were still chained when not with the tourists. Another thing I found out was the same animals who are used in the so called sanctuaries are also used in the zoos. Depending on the amount of tourists visiting each site will depend on where they spend the day. When feeding and washing them it was a good experience but who knows what’s going on behind closed doors.
Interested in going, I researched this place, Chiang Mai Elephant home.
BACK TO CHIANG MAI
That night went to the market for a few things. Before we had occasionally stopped at stalls to barter with the people and see what bargains we could get. This time I knew exactly what I wanted and spent about 3 hours going up and down the market looking for the best price. By the end they all recognised me from walking past so many times and were keen to keep their prices the same. Saved 70p in the end, although it will all add up over the next 6months!
Temples hikes and hard mattresses in Chiang Mai
FINAL THOUGHTS
Nice city. Good atmosphere and plenty of activities to do, reminded me of Cairns in that way although the hostel mattress was a shocker! Parts of it surprised me and from what i had been told, mainly from people who hadn’t been I expected it to be much cheaper. Now I’m eating in some food court surrounded by locals; had 2 portions of springs rolls (6) and a mains for £1.80 so really I shouldn’t be complaining!
NEXT UP
Got back to the hostel and booked the 3 day bus and boat to Laos for tomorrow. Little did I know I was about the have the best few weeks with some of the best company I could hope for! Click here to read on.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
20/229
This episode is part of The South East Asia Series, click to see episode 1.
