Thailand may create the image of a hustling bustling city in your mind thanks to Bangkok being synonymous with the country, but its second city, Chiang Mai cannot be any more different from its louder cousin. Smaller, peaceful and relaxed Chiang Mai invites the traveller with an inexplicable energy that engulfs and enthrals the traveller. From cooking classes to street food to temples to ruin, there is so much to do and see in Chiang Mai.
While ruins are nothing new to Chiang Mai, Wat Chedi Luang located a mere 10 minutes away from Anantara Chiang Mai Resort embodies the inexplicable energy of the city. Although the massive structure took a toll during a massive earthquake in 1545, it still stands in all the glory it had when it was built in 1401. Wat Prasingh and Wat Prathat Doi Suthep are two other temples to visit during your visit, each retelling the history of Chiang Mai in its own unique way. Although there are many hotels in Chiang Mai, it would do you good to visit the Gate Market for some quality street food. The street comes to life every night, ever day of the week and presents you with an assortment of local street food including pad krapow to mango sticky rice. It is best to visit the market during the weekdays, though, as few vendors set up stall over the weekend. For your weekend’s dose of street marketing, you can head over to “Saturday Walking Street” in Wualai Road and “Sunday Walking Street” in Rachadamnoen Road.
While many of the travellers who are new to the travelling scene would stop at Bangkok, backpackers and experienced travellers all make a point to visit Chiang Mai. It illustrates the culture of the country, the beauty of its people and has something in its air that makes a person who planned to stay a week wish to stay a month.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+
