Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai was a nice relief to come to after spending a month in the rural towns of Laos - we felt like we were finally back in civilisation. There are so many tourists, but unlike Pai, everything is more spread out and you have a lot more breathing space away from all the 'British lads on tour.' From cute markets to eco elephant tours to the ancient ruins of the old town, there are so many things to see and do here and we totally understand why it is so popular.

Things to Do:

- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Perched high on a mountain overlooking the city, this is Chiang Mai’s most sacred site. The climb up the Naga-serpent staircase leads you to a massive, glittering golden pagoda. Visit in the late afternoon to hear the monks chanting as the city lights begin to twinkle below.

- The Sunday Walking Street: The ultimate Chiang Mai experience. The entire length of Ratchadamnoen Road shuts down for a massive market. It is less "touristy" than the Night Bazaar, focusing on local artisans, silverwork, and incredible street food like Sai Oua (Northern Thai sausage).

- Elephant Eco Trails: Chiang Mai is the hub for ethical elephant tourism. Elephant Eco Trails was one of the highlights of our time in Thailand, where we got to hike through the jungle and observe rescued elephants - including a baby! - in their natural habitat. If you want to do an elephant tour in Chiang Mai, make sure it's a hands-off, observation-only tour where there is no riding or handling the elephants. I'll say it again, we highly recommend Elephant Eco Tours.

- Sticky Waterfalls (Bua Tong): A geological wonder where the mineral deposits create a "non-slip" surface on the rocks. You can literally climb straight up the rushing waterfall like Spiderman. It’s a fun, active day trip surrounded by lush jungle.

- Khao Soi Hunting: You cannot visit Chiang Mai without eating Khao Soi—a rich, coconut-curry noodle soup topped with crispy fried noodles. Head to Khao Soi Khun Yai for a bowl that locals and travelers swear by.

- Monk’s Trail Hike: For a morning of "slow travel," hike the forest path up to Wat Pha Lat, a hidden jungle temple built into a waterfall. It is much quieter than Doi Suthep and feels like a scene from an ancient forest myth.