North Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Chiang Khong

I am a city girl, I love people watching, culture exploring, and hustle and bustle - and I loved Bangkok! I know it's not for everyone, but it was for me. I didn't want to leave... 

But then we got to Chiang Mai. By far my favourite and most fun place EVER. A massive thanks to Joe at Joe's House and everyone we met who became friends like family (with lots of Sang Som) overnight - and to the waffle lady in the weekend market - I miss you every single day. There are things that Min and I still want to do in Chiang Mai so I know we're planning on making a trip back asap,  

We travelled through the South-East Asia backpacker route like this: 
North Thailand > Laos > Vietnam (north to south) > Cambodia > South of Thailand 

I don't think there is any one right way, this was just what seemed most logical for us when we were looking at the map and available travel routes, 

Travel Wallet: 

CCY: THB
Visa (British Passport): Not required for tourist visits up to 30 days, required if staying longer than this.
Vaccinations: Required
Backpacker budget: £

Peaks in pictures: 
Peaks: 

Bangkok - 3 days 
Visit Saranrom park 
Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) 
Visit The Grand Palace 
Visit the big swing  
Eat dinner at mango vegetarian 
Visit Koh San road: drink and temple hop, explore the different districts 
Do a Muay Thai class 
Visit Damoen saduak Floating market
Explore Sukhumvit: big hotels and bars 
Eat at Govinda veggie pizza restaurant 

We got the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, it was super easy and affordable, 

Chiang Mai - 4 days 

We spent a lot of time in Chiang Mai playing games with the guys in our hostel, generally wondering around on bikes / the streets, and eating in the markets - it's all a bit of a blur, but basically it is the best place ever. 

Other things that I can remember are: 

Eat at the weekday and weekend food market 
Dance at Zoe the yellow / reggae / Havana / spicy (bit of a blur) 
Go Dragon flight zip lining 
Eat at the Saturday Night market: find the fat waffles lady! 
Drink at Blues pub / Funky monkey
Visit the Sunday night market 
Try the coconut pancakes 
Do some Meditation 

We got the bus from Chiang Mai > Chiang Rai > Chiang Khong where we stayed for a day because we decided to cross the border into Laos (into Houay Xai) by bus and not by that grim boat. 

More on that in my next post.  

Pits:

None. Take me back!  
  
If I could go again, I would also:

Bangkok: 
Visit Rot Fai Central Market:  Stalls selling all sort of merchandise, but also lots of bars and restaurants
Visit Patpong: The dirty red light district (I doubt I would do this, but I've left it on the list!) 
Explore folk dancing show at vivit hostel 
Visit Lebua hotel roof tops and have a drink
Eat at Indian delight restaurant  
Visit Soi Cowboy: The upmarket red light district
Eat at Cabbage and Condoms 
Visit Phitsanulok for the day 
Explore Sukhothai historical Park 

Chiang Mai: 
The whole thing again, for longer 
Meditation at the yogatree.org
Drive up to Pai and explore the greenery and local hill tribes 
Stay overnight in a treehouse 
Do Cooking classes 
Visit MCU Motchit Was Suan Dok  
Visit the Golden Triangle 

Do you have any other recommendations or tips? Leave a comment below and let me know,  

Enjoy Thailand! 


Priya x 
x

Comments

Post a Comment