📍 Chiang Mai, Thailand 🇹🇭
👉 What to do in this northern Thai city?
🎞️ Ronnie & Barty YouTube channel give their guide!
Tips from the vid…
- 00:00 Intro Chiang Mai
- 00:47 Highest Point in Thailand! Doi Inthanon
- 05:18 Smallcase
- 07:10 Old City - Wat Chedi Luang
- 09:10 Old City - Wat Phra Singh
- 10:40 Yummy Northern Thai Food
- 12:19 Trendy Nimman
- 13:44 EPIC Weekend Markets
!summarize
Part 1/8:
Discovering Chiang Mai: A Journey Through Culture and Nature
Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand's largest city, embodies a unique laid-back charm, nestled amidst breathtaking mountains. The city's heart beats within a one-square-mile Old City, characterized by ancient temples, historic structures, and a soothing moat encircling it. While the Old City reflects Chiang Mai’s rich history, the trendy Nimman district offers a vibrant, modern escape with boutique hotels, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Ascending to Thailand's Highest Point
Part 2/8:
As adventurers, reaching the highest point in a new location is a tradition. In Chiang Mai, this quest took us to Doi Inthanon, Thailand's peak, located just a two-hour ride from the city. This majestic mountain is part of the Himalayan fringe and is a focal point for outdoor activities, including nature trails and waterfalls.
Upon arrival, we discovered the stunning Doi Inthanon summit, standing at 2,565 meters. A sign marking this pinnacle serves as a testament to its status. Near the summit, two pagodas commemorate the late king and queen, surrounded by lush gardens and intricate carvings that tell the story of Buddhist teachings.
Part 3/8:
While we anticipated spectacular views, unpredictable weather veiled the landscape in mystical clouds, adding a unique ambiance to our visit. As we descended, we stumbled upon the breathtaking Vachiratharn Waterfall, one of the park's largest and most alluring sites.
Balancing Adventure with Budget
Traveling for two months can strain the budget, especially when seeking memorable experiences. To mitigate costs, we explored various avenues for generating passive income. One effective method was through the investment app, Smallcase, which curates themed stock baskets managed by professional brokers.
Part 4/8:
Despite the market's volatility, Smallcase offers options for conservative investors, ensuring financial growth without requiring extensive knowledge. This approach highlighted a crucial lesson: true wealth is achieved when your investments work for you, allowing for greater adventures without financial stress.
Rich Culture in Chiang Mai's Old City
Exploring the Old City, we encountered numerous temples, including the iconic Wat Chedi Luang, which dates back over 600 years. This striking structure, once taller before an earthquake, stands amidst a vast temple complex showcasing northern Thai architectural elegance.
Part 5/8:
Walking through these grounds often felt like a convergence of familiar cultures. The richness of Buddhist and Hindu architecture resonated with us, reminiscent of Tibetan monasteries and ancient South Indian temples. Engaging with local monks offered profound conversations on spirituality and life—a unique experience that deepened our appreciation for the region.
Another striking temple complex we visited was Wat Phra Singh, one of Northern Thailand's most significant temples. The complex houses a statue of Buddha believed to have been imported from Sri Lanka in 1367, underscoring the rich tapestry of history and culture that Chiang Mai offers.
Culinary Adventures
Part 6/8:
No journey to Chiang Mai would be complete without savoring local delicacies. Kao Soi, a beloved dish in Northern Thailand, became a favorite, embodying the region's culinary spirit. The Nine Siblings Cafe served up this hearty dish, exemplifying the depth of flavors in Northern Thai cuisine.
For a more adventurous experience, we ventured into Nimman, indulging in an array of traditional dishes like assorted sausages, creamy pork curry, and unique dips that enriched our palates. Unlike the familiar Thai flavors of green and red curries, Northern cuisine delivers a distinct culinary narrative that invites exploration.
Nimman's Trendy Ambiance
Part 7/8:
Nimman emerged as the perfect base for our stay in Chiang Mai. With its Pinterest-worthy architecture, this district offers a mix of accommodation from budget-friendly options to luxurious boutique hotels. Co-working spaces, spas, and award-winning eateries abound, including the upscale One Nimman Mall, which further reflects the area's contemporary vibe.
Wandering through Nimman, the blend of high-end shops and vibrant local markets created a dynamic atmosphere. Weekend night markets around the Old City marked a sensory celebration of culture, where vendors enthusiastically encouraged us to embrace new experiences with the memorable phrase “never try, never know.”
A Bittersweet Farewell
Part 8/8:
Our time in Chiang Mai concluded too quickly. With only 60 days in Thailand, we realized that our exploration of Northern Thailand had just scratched the surface of what this culturally rich region has to offer. As we prepared to leave the lush mountains behind, we carried with us not only memories of awe-inspiring landscapes and culinary delights but also a newfound understanding of this unique fusion of tradition and modernity.
As our next adventure awaited by the sea, we knew Chiang Mai would always hold a special place in our hearts as a beautiful tapestry woven with nature, culture, and unforgettable experiences.