Chiang Mai

Throw Away Your Guidebook!
By exacto (dabbler - 7 reviews)
Written on 19th December, 2009 after a visit to Chiang Mai in December, 2009
Farang Mai has long been one of my favorite places to visit. It barely has anything to do with Thailand anymore, but that doesn't matter, because it is such a fun-packed travel spot.

The best part of this city is getting out and discovering it on your own. I've been here at least a dozen times, and each time it is different. Ignore what your guidebook tells you and instead wander around in the neighborhood near your guesthouse and discover the restaurants and bars and architecture and temples yourself. There is so much to do and see, you'll never get to it all. Fortunately, there is still a wide range of food and accommodation options for every budget too.

One thing to remember is that between and the vehicle exhaust and the burning off fields this time of year, the air is pretty dirty. After a week we're keen to get back to Bangkok for a breath of fresh air. :-)
Also reviewed by exacto: Kamphaeng Phet, Ko Maak, Lopburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phitsanulok, Savannakhet,

First taste of travel
By jasinorbit (dabbler - 1 review)
Written on 4th December, 2009 after a visit to Chiang Mai in October, 2008
In my first trip overseas I headed to Thailand with my partner last year. After a crazy 48hrs in Bangkok - we headed north. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes - its all a little overwhelming at first but I felt at home in no time. I could go on for hours about our adventures but I’ll keep it short.

We stayed just outside of the old city square and it was easy to get around at any time of the day. There a more markets than anyone can ever wish for and if you get a bit tired – just stop for a foot massage (30 mins for a few dollars). The food – THE FOOD! It was incredible, we found ourselves stopping for small meals about 5 times a day. I highly recommend the local Khao Soi noodles, similar to a laksa – I could eat it all day every day.

The Thai people are so incredibly friendly. Even when you know they are trying to rip you off, they are so friendly about it; it’s hard to be annoyed. My highlight was buying a painting from a Thai bohemian-ish guy set up at a temple. He totally ripped us off and we saw the same painting for 90% less many times during the rest of the trip….but realising what idiots we must have looked like - asking him to sign it for us, (not realising the hundreds of copies around) was great for a laugh at our own expense.

And finally – Our adventures on the scooters. They are so cheap to rent we hired one each and after two minutes in the carpark learning to ride we were off. It’s a bit daunting at first as you ride into the traffic , but there is no better way to see Thailand. One day we headed north, next day we headed south. We had no destination in mind, but it ended up being the highlight of the trip. Once you are out of the bigger areas even simple tasks like trying to order lunch at a tiny local place in the middle of nowhere with no English, became a big adventure.

Chang Mai is incredible and I highly recommend making the effort to tear yourself away from the beaches down south to visit. Bring your appetite and have fun exploring!