Chiang Mai Thailand is located in North. Probably the biggest attraction and most popular time of year is the Lantern Festival. This was a bucket list adventure for me, with the lantern festival and a day spent with elephants.
I met 4 amazing women on this part of my journey. Del and Sue I had met at the festival. I had a bad anxiety attack the day before and that day and these two women took the worry from me. I cannot thank you two enough. Eda I had met at my hotel allowed me to come with her on a tour of the hills. It was a blissful experience. And Linzie I met on the elephant tour and also again in Ao Nang.
Where I stayed
I stayed at the Lai-Thai Guest House. Mainly because of the location and the price. However would I stay here again, no, but with reason. I need a comfortable bed. I do not spend a lot time at the hotel only to sleep and the bed here was hard as a rock. If you can handle that then I would say stay here. The location is perfect, the service was amazing and it was just outside the Old City walls.
Loy Krathrong and Yi Peng
This was the reason I came and I was not disappointed. The city is decorated with stunning lanterns and people are here to celebrate letting go of the past and wishing for a better future.
For a full guide of the Lantern Festival
Elephant Sanctuary
A great tour to do is a day or two with the elephants at one of the many places. I will suggest doing your research and make sure there is no riding and no chains. I picked the Jungle elephant sanctuary tour. Located about an hours drive through the hills you will come to one of the many locations. Here you can spend a morning, afternoon, full day or even stay the night.
Temples
Chiang Mai is home to over 100 temples. Each one with something different, either the history behind it or the structure itself. The first couple days I made my way around the city on foot stopping in at over 40 temples. Here is a list of the top temples you should visit.
Places to Eat
There is no shortage of places to eat in Chiang Mai. However after my anxiety attack I had a hard time eating anything for about 6 days. Which for me was hard as I am a foodie. I did however try a couple of places.
Ploen Ruedee Night Market – Not only great food but also amazing entertainment and good drinks.
Chiang Mai Breakfast world – well since solid food was off the table smoothies were the go to. Here you will get a great smoothie to start your day or enjoy some Pad Thai for lunch.
Big Bear Cafe – I love my hot and cold coffee, I have switched to decaf but at this time I was still a caffeinated girl. Big Bear was close to my hotel and had amazing cold drinks to cool you off from the heat and humidity.
Massage
Like restaurants Chiang Mai has no shortage of Massage places. Now I am not going to lie, I was nervous about picking the wrong type of massage place. But if you do your research there are many to choose from. However if you are just looking a good foot rub after a day of walking you can find that on any street.
Green Bamboo located on the South East corner of the old city has great reviews. The prices are great and professional staff.
Head Down South to Ao Nang
Time to head South to Ao Nang Click here to see that adventure.
