The Temples of Chiang Mai - 13 September 2023!

We started the day with a rather lacklustre breakfast at the Bodhi Serene Hotel. Quite frankly, compared to the Nouvo Hotel in Bangkok, it just wasn’t great. However, I persevered and at least we were cooked a fresh omelette by the chef. The choice was poor for a superior hotel, and not particularly hot; probably because we were first in the queue this morning, and the food wasn't fully heated through - Whatever the reason, I was a little disappointed to say the least. This b grade breakfast, didn’t detract from the beautiful hotel itself and with me piling on the pounds, it won't hurt if I miss out on this morning ritual, and at least eat a little less than usual.

We spent the day looking around Chiang Mai itself; there are a lot of 'Wats' or religious sites in this second-biggest city in Thailand, and it was the perfect opportunity to just walk around looking at each one. To be honest, there are too many of these temples to see in a few days, so we concentrated our efforts in the square where we are staying. Our hotel is slap bang in the middle, surrounded on each side by a moat/canal. In this area alone there is so much to see and do, and with time limited, it was the perfect place to discover the delights of this colourful area of the city.

The 'Wats' are breathtaking; as you walk along the many roads and narrow alleys in Chiang Mai, you can be sure there is another temple around the corner. The richly decorated monuments and places of worship are unlike anything I have ever seen. The colours are vibrant and intense; more often than not, I would just stand there fixated, aghast, mouth open wide; these wonders of human ingenuity just get bigger and better the more you explore. As a spiritual person, I feel totally relaxed in these beautiful spaces and could just spend my whole holiday sat within their walls.

The temperature was very hot today, and typically, I am nursing a rather red head. I have to keep reminding myself to wear a hat, especially in this tropical climate. The majority of the time there is no sun in the sky, but this is deceptive; It is extremely hot, and yes, you will burn, if you are not suitably covered up. I have certainly learnt this lesson the hard way.

Touring the 'Wats' on foot is no mean task – so far today I have done very nearly, 20000 steps, and it’s only 5.30pm. Surprisingly, though, I have managed to put on 2.6 kg so far; this just goes to show how well I have eaten here in Thailand. The quality and choice of food is just amazing, but my God, the old waist line is bulging.

The best way to explore Chiang Mai is literally on foot. This will help you stay fit and healthy and give you a chance to see things, you would miss in a car or tuk tuk. We have been able to explore behind the polished veneer and look at the other side of life here in Chiang Mai. Like everywhere, there is poverty, and whichever town or city you live in, you are never far away from it. I suppose you would call Thailand a developing country, so there really is more poverty than you would see in say Sydney or London.

Having said that, the people in Chiang Mai are so much friendlier than in Bangkok, except for the girls at 'So Samsen.' Everyone is polite, and unlike Bangkok, there is very little hassle; you are left free to wonder the streets, without people constantly touting for business. This makes Chiang Mai a joy – No matter how much we love Bangkok, the constant eulogising and persuasion tactics were beginning to take their toll. Chiang Mai has certainly been more of a relaxing time, and for that we are grateful.

After three hours of walking, we headed for something to eat, exploring the backstreets and lanes near our hotel, looking for a suitable restaurant. While trying to find somewhere open, we stumbled across an American gentleman, who recommended a German restaurant and beer garden, just around the next bend. We duly followed our nose and found this quaint eatery, tucked away behind some trees, sheltering it from the worst of the heat.

We both decided to go for something western, rather than traditional Thai. For me, I needed to give my stomach a rest and wanted something a little plainer. Darrell had a burger and I had Goulash with red cabbage. The food was as tasty as anywhere we have been in Thailand. What we have noticed, however, is the much larger portions here, than in Bangkok. Personally I’m all for portion control these days, but I can see Chiang Mai is catering for a rather large American market, who demand ever larger meal sizes. This was the first time I actually left food, and probably won't be the last.

The rain started to pour down, as we sat in our hotel room admiring the view. Tomorrow, we have a trip organised to the Golden triangle, so it will be an early night and a very early start in the morning.

Having been here for several days now, I have to say, I am feeling very settled and relaxed in Chiang Mai. You can see why so many tourists come here, it offers something for everyone.

It’s time for me to pop to the ATM, to withdraw yet more money for tomorrow and the rest of the week. This is a place that really doesn’t take cards, so cash is absolutely necessary. At a cost of $10 a time, withdrawing money isn’t cheap; next time I come, I will certainly come fully stocked with cash.

This would be my only pet peeve about Thailand – I wish I had been told to bring more notes, then I would have had a much cheaper ride. However, Chaing Mai is worth every cent, and I’m glad we chose to come here!

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