Chiang Mai (THA)

December 15, 2019 - December 19, 2019

Chiang Mai, also known as the Rose of the North, is the largest and most important city in northern Thailand.

The old city of Chiang Mai is located in a square surrounded by a moat. There are still remnants of the old city wall visible. Within this core, there are many temples that can be visited. In the well-known ones, an entrance fee is paid and there is sometimes more going on.

However, as you stroll through the city, you will also discover very beautiful temple complexes where there is no crowd and you can enjoy them in peace.

The most famous temple in Chiang Mai, however, is 15 km outside the city center and it takes over half an hour to get there by shared taxi.

The shared taxi didn't work very well on the way there, even though I asked at the hostel where the shared taxis to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep depart from. Unfortunately, apparently no one else wanted to go there from that point. After waiting for fifteen minutes, I decided to go there alone. The road up the mountain is very curvy and the driver was driving very fast. When I arrived at the top, I was feeling so sick that I needed a break before climbing the steps to the temple.

Unfortunately, there is also a lot of crowd at this attraction. Inside the temple, around the golden chedi, people are packed together.

However, in the large courtyard and around the temple, you can also find quiet corners. Since the temple is on the mountain, you probably have a great view of Chiang Mai and its surroundings if the weather is clear. Unfortunately, I didn't have the luck because it was very hazy.

The return trip to Chiang Mai went smoothly. The shared taxi was full this time and I didn't have to wait.

From northern Thailand, my journey continues to the south, to the islands and beaches of the country...