Photo Diary: Chilling in Chiang Mai

I’m really grateful I live in a country that offers so much to see, do and eat domestically. New adventures and experiences are just a short flight or drive away. Recently we made a trip with our son to Chiang Mai and had a great time. Located up in the north, Chiang Mai is far away from the hustle, bustle and pollution of Bangkok and offers the perfect escape for short and long stays with and without kids. We opted for a short weekend escape and there’s a lot you can accomplish in just 48 hours.

As I was going through the photos from this recent trip with Kiaan and looking at older photos from a trip back in 2015 without him, I was pleasantly surprised to see that while some experiences were totally different, others are exactly the same!

Have a look at the “before-and-after-baby” photo diary below:

EAT
Khao Soi: This is only thing you need to know about food in Chiang Mai. A noodle soup dish made up of rice/egg noodles in a coconut milk, curry base with chicken or vegetables (it can be made vegetarian too!) and garnishes on the side, Khao Soi is native to northern Thailand. Simple in concept but bursting with flavour in every single bite. I discovered a little mom and pop shop called Kanjana serving up the best Khao Soi I’ve ever had in my life and they made it vegetarian for me. It was so good, I ate in silence for twenty minutes relishing every bite, never wanting it to end. So when in Chiang Mai, breakfast, lunch and dinner involves Khao Soi in some capacity.

In general, food in Chiang Mai is excellent and Instragram-worthy. You get a wide range from local street eats to upscale restaurants. A little TripAdvisor search and go is your best bet.

Coffee: Chiang Mai’s coffee and cafe scene is something else. Some of the country’s best award-winning coffee roasters originate from the Chiang Mai / Chiang Rai area. Sprinkled throughout the city are unique, eclectically-designed and very, very Instagram worthy cafes serving up literally the best coffee I’ve ever had. Not many cafes can make iced coffees like the one I discovered at Akha Ama Cafe. And I enjoyed hot lattes at Brewing Room. Cafe-hopping has now become a favourite activity on most of our trips with the little one in tow.

DO
Half day walking tour of Chiang Mai Old City: Taking a walk in Chiang Mai’s Old City is a great way to spend half a day. I recommend starting early as it can get very hot towards midday. Take a taxi or Grab to Thapae Gate to start your walk and a little Google mapping or following signs will take you to the main sites and temple complexes. One of the most notable being the impressive Wat Phra That Chedi Luang, a Buddhist temple dating back to the 14th century.

 

Half day tour of an elephant sanctuary: There are several elephant sanctuaries and parks dotted all over the hills outside Chiang Mai. The one we visited is Rantong Elephant Sanctuary located about 45 minutes outside of the main city and easily accessible via a car service, which the sanctuary will organise when you book your tour (they have all kinds of tours and programs available — we opted for a half day tour which took about 4 hours overall). While I know animal tourism is a controversial and sensitive topic, I can only speak to my experience and I had a wonderful time at this sanctuary. The animals seemed happy and very well cared for. Not to mention the incredible views and fresh air of the mountains.
Note:You will notice a certain little monkey is not present in these photos because we did this activity pre-baby; I personally don’t think young babies or toddlers will have the patience or ability to handle this activity until they’re much older.

Sunset cocktails: Head on over to the famous Dhara Devi Chiang Mai resort for sundowners at the Horn Bar, which has happy hour every day from 5-7PM. Take in the exquisite architecture and design of the ancient palace-like property and the breathtaking views surrounding it, all the while enjoying a delicious cocktail or two. Note: children are not allowed inside the Horn Bar but the hotel was very accommodating and let us order and enjoy the cocktails in the hotel lobby. 

Have you been to Chiang Mai? Please share your tips and recommendations in the comments below.