We’ve already spent two days in Chiang Mai and like it enough that we’re going to spend another week here. The people are wonderful, there’s a lot to explore and, of course, northern Thai food is delicious! Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand and 700 km (435 miles) north of Bangkok. We had hoped being farther north would be cooler, but we’re still enduring 37°C / 99°F heat, which we Seattle-ites have not yet acclimated to.
Because of the heat, we’ve decided to move guest houses. Our current guest house is clean, has a private bathroom and free wifi; but, it lacks one major amenity that we can’t live without right now: aircon. The ceiling fan in the room isn’t enough to keep us cool or comfortable – it only pushes hot air around. So, we’ve decided to “splurge” tomorrow and move to a guest house with aircon. Our nightly cost will double from $7/night to $13/night. We’ve rationalized this increase because: 1) this heat is the hottest heat we’ll experience during our trip here, so might as well spend a bit more now to be comfortable. During later, cooler months, a ceiling fan will suffice, and 2) even with a higher nightly rate, we’re still within our daily budget. The extra $6 a day may seem insignificant – especially since it’s the equivalent cost of one glass of wine at a restaurant or one fancy Starbucks latte in Seattle – but, here $6 can cover lunch and dinner for us both, it’s one-fourth the cost of our train fare from Bangkok to CM. Perspective! Ours is shifting a bit.
Although we’ll miss the pretty location of our current guest house which sits on a soi (or alley) along the Mae Ping River, our new guest house (RCN) is in town close to many coffee shops, restaurants and local businesses. Lots of aircon opportunities to escape this sweltering heat and just chill out!
Stay cool, and enjoy a few pics from Chiang Mai!
My favorite tree along our walk into old town. From our current guest house, we walk along the Ping River and cross it via the Iron Bridge (which sounds like it’s from GoT) or the Thanon Charoen Mueang, a busier thoroughfare. Here’s Chris standing under the tree and in front of the Iron bridge.
Even in the heat, we’re still taking time to explore the city. We uncovered this wat by chance en route to the Sunday market. It still delights me to stumble across incredible places of worship within city blocks. So much spectacular detail at this one, Wat Buppharam.
Just read through all your blog and looked at the pictures. Really love your documentation of everything and will enjoy taking this tr with you.
Received your nice note the other day and quite impressed to see both of you wrote. Love the picture card too. You are a real creative and super pair. All the best to you both.
Thanks so much!