Jenny Sky Is The Limit

Discovering Chiang Mai: A Home Away from Home

Reflecting on my 10 days in Chiang Mai, it’s a city that has effortlessly become a home away from home. The warmth and hospitality of the Thai people here mirror the welcoming atmosphere I’ve experienced in the lowlands of Colombia, reminiscent of places like Girardot. Located at a similar elevation with comparable weather, Chiang Mai exudes familiarity.

The pervasive hum of motorbikes fills the air, and amidst the language barrier, the locals master the art of nodding and smiling, creating an ambience of genuine friendliness.

As a vibrant haven for backpackers and trekkers, Chiang Mai boasts an array of travel agencies ready to arrange everything from visits to Elephant Sanctuaries to immersive hill tribe trekking adventures. Stepping off the train at Chiang Mai station, the city’s dynamism became palpable, a clean and bustling hub with welcoming food and coffee spots to savour.

Chiang Mai’s train station welcomed me with a tourist information desk and the familiar sight of tuk-tuks, songthaews, and taxis, all eager to transport passengers to their destinations. My eagerness to explore led me to grab the first available ride, as I was eager to reach my hotel, drop my bags, and begin my stroll through the city!.

Thankfully, my hotel’s proximity to the centre made walking a delightful choice, an activity I hold dear.

The “old city” of Chiang Mai is encircled by a defensive wall erected in the 19th century, and its four well-preserved corners serve as excellent landmarks for navigating the city. With temples, trekking, and extensive walks on my must-do list, Chiang Mai beckoned with promising highlights.

Temple Serenity: Wat Phra Singh

A standout on my Chiang Mai journey was Wat Phra Singh, the city’s most revered temple. For a mere 20 baht, the entry unveiled a world adorned with beautiful murals and a significant Buddha statue, the Phra Buddha Sihing. As I stepped into the main shrine, a colossal golden pagoda gleamed in the background, its ethereal presence “supported” by majestic elephants. The sheer wow factor of this sight made it an ideal spot for capturing moments through the lens, an essential on any visitor’s list.

Majestic Marvel: Wat Chedi Luang’s Grandeur

Wat Chedi Luang is a compound housing a historical pyramid, a grand temple, and a scattering of smaller structures. While some of the buildings restricted entry for women, preventing me from witnessing certain stunning murals, the glimpses I caught were undeniably inspiring. The grand temple, adorned with beautiful decorations, emanated a peaceful atmosphere that enveloped the surroundings, leaving me with a lasting impression.

Timber Tranquility: Wat Phan Tao

A distinctive encounter awaited me at Wat Phan Tao, a temple crafted entirely from timber, a departure from the typical Thai temple experience. As I wandered through the Sunday market, the realisation dawned that the night market graced the same street. Despite its size, Wat Phan Tao exuded a simplistic beauty, with a wooden pathway adorning the side of the temple.

Cultural Chronicles: Lanna Folk Museum’s Rich Tapestry

A visit unfolded at the Lanna Folk Museum, where a 90-baht entry fee granted access to an intriguing collection of artefacts and costumes belonging to the Lanna people.

From relics and dances to talismans, kitchen utensils, and Buddhist offerings, the museum painted a vivid picture of Lanna’s rich heritage. Engrossing tales of the local community’s past and present unfolded, covering aspects from religion and superstition to clothing and language. The museum’s air-conditioned ambience provided a perfect setting to explore the exhibits slowly and in detail, creating a memorable experience right across from the renowned Three Kings Monument.

Sacred Heights: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep’s Spiritual Ascent

Nestled on the mountain of Doi Suthep, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep stands as a sacred site, 17 km away from the bustling city. Embraced by many Thai people for its spiritual significance, I embarked on this pilgrimage using the popular Songthaews shared taxi service that facilitates group journeys. Choosing to add a personal touch to my journey, I strolled from my hotel to Chiang Mai University, a 40-minute walk, rather than opting for a taxi.

At the university, I joined others in the shared songthaews, where a wait for at least ten passengers ensued before the 40-minute journey commenced.

Patience became a virtue as I awaited fellow travellers to join the pilgrimage to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Once our group reached a commendable seven individuals, the negotiation dance with the driver commenced. With my burgeoning negotiation skills in Thailand, we settled on a price of 100 baht each, a testament to the art of bargaining that permeates every aspect of this vibrant culture. In the land of smiles, every deal is an opportunity for a friendly haggle.

Embarking on the ascent to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the 40-minute drive up the mountain set the stage for a pilgrimage enriched with cultural nuances. My journey began with the challenge of the 306-step staircase, flanked by vibrant mosaic serpents, an intricate pathway to spiritual elevation. Before the stairway’s embrace, a bustling market unfolded, offering a myriad of souvenirs for those seeking mementoes of their sacred visit.

Exploring the lower echelons of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep revealed a tapestry of temples and the iconic white elephant statue, a symbol steeped in legend and reverence. My journey unfurled alongside a line of bells, each resonating with spiritual significance.

As the path unfolded, a serene terrace emerged, offering a breathtaking panorama of Chiang Mai, a moment of tranquil reflection amidst the mountain’s embrace.

Ascending to the upper tier heightened the mystical allure. Here, a huge golden dome-shaped shrine stood proudly, encircled by smaller Buddha sculptures, an inspiring tableau of a unique perspective on the sprawling landscape below.

Market Marvels: Strolling through Chiang Mai’s Weekend Extravaganza

Embarking on the vibrant tapestry of Chiang Mai’s weekend markets, I found myself navigating the bustling energy and eclectic offerings. With the delightful company of my newfound friend Greg, the experience took on an added layer of camaraderie.

The Saturday market unfolded along Wualai road, extending beyond the old walled city’s confines, while its Sunday counterpart nestled within the historical heart of Tha Phae Gate. Navigating through stalls adorned with handicrafts, local delicacies, and artisanal treasures, the markets pulsated with life and colour.

The immersive atmosphere is heightened by the rhythmic beats of street performers and the tantalising aromas of street food delicacies. A weekend spectacle, where the convergence of culture and commerce painted a vivid picture of Chiang Mai’s vibrant spirit.

As we meandered through the market’s tapestry, the array of items unfolded before us. From crafted clothing to artisanal treasures crafted from wood, metals, and ceramics, each stall held the promise of unique finds.

The vibrant spectrum of products stirred thoughts of my sister Adriana’s home, envisioning how she would appreciate the charming offerings. Beyond the material allure, the market was a sensory feast, offering massage services to soothe weary wanderers and the melodic strains of traditional musicians punctuating the air.

In this lively setting, the weekend markets proved a haven for those seeking authentic and distinctive treasures, far surpassing the commercial offerings of the Night Bazaar.

The lively Sunday market, nestled within the ancient walled city of Chiang Mai, draws a kaleidoscopic crowd of both tourists and Thai locals. Amidst the vibrant tapestry of stalls, I could witness the laughter and animated conversations of those gathered for an evening of bargaining. As Greg successfully secured a purchase, a fleeting thought transported me to the vivid image of my mother, while imagining her prowess in the art of bargaining.

The Sunday market, pulsating with energy and camaraderie, unveils the cultural heartbeat of Chiang Mai in every haggle and every shared smile.

“Losing yourselves in new surroundings is the best way to find yourself”

Thanks for reading. Next Inthanon National Park

😊

Jenny