Chiang mai, thailand

If you’re like me, there are times when you just need to go for a little adventure but have limited time and resources (read: budget). At times like these, one might consider Chiang Mai, a little bustling town in Northern Thailand. It’s a perfect place to go to if you need a short getaway and yes, it isn't harsh on your bank account. Here’s a short recommended itinerary for a 2-3 day visit to Chiang Mai.

Day 1

Morning
Start with food. It’s always great to begin exploration with a full stomach. I would recommend Pad Thai or ‘khao soi’, as everything else might be a little too spicy that early in the day. Then take the small blue tuk tuk around the city for as low as RM5 (RM4 if you're pretty) for you to get the feel of the city. If you’re friendly enough with the driver, you might even snag yourself a pretty great deal of him taking you around for half a day to the further parts of town. It is worth your time to walk aimlessly within the Old Quarter of the town, where the ancient brick walls still stand and quirky shops and cafes are abundant.

Khao Soi - a lighter version of curry noodles, topped with strands of crispy fried eggs and served with pickled veg.

Afternoon
Consider a foot massage. Seriously. Consider it. For as low as RM20 a pop for a spa-standard treatment on a sunny day, you wouldn’t get that kind of deal back in KL. Massage parlours (legit, STD-free ones) are everywhere in the city. Afterwards, hang out at one of the local cafes for a quick lunch and don’t forget to try the local iced Thai tea with milk. A bright day is perfect to sightsee some Wats (temples) around town, and one that deserves a mention would be Wat Chedi Luang, a magnificent 14th century monument. You'll sweat your undies off, but you'll get nice pictures too.

Wat Chedi Luang, with these boys that strangely, reminds me of my kid brother.

Night
Now this is when Chiang Mai really comes alive. On weekends especially, night markets pop up like mushrooms after the rain everywhere on the streets of the city. You can find everything from exotic local food, clothing, fabric, souvenirs, woodwork, ivory and elephant leather goods (do not buy these. Elephants are an endangered species!) to cultural performances. If you enjoy Muay Thai boxing, you can catch a live match near the markets. If nothing else excites you, go and watch the cabaret shows by the local ‘ladyboys’ (who will look ten times better than you do, but don’t feel bad.) A one-hour show will cost around RM20.

Yep, the girl they're taking pictures with used to be a man. Feel ugly yet?

Day 2

Morning
After breakfast, take the tuk tuk and head outwards from the city to visit some local manufacturers of a variety of products – Thai silk, leather, fancy colourful umbrellas, honey, gemstones and tea. All these products have some things in common. They are much cheaper than anywhere else and you will be helping local labours by purchasing (or so I tell myself as I start distributing my Bahts). Be smart and don’t buy items that are products from endangered animals.

One of my travel buddies and the umbrellas that she really wanted to see.

Afternoon
Thai cooking classes are the rage when you’re in Thailand. Although you might convince yourself that you can just learn Thai cooking via Youtube (you cheapo!), physically attending a class in Chiang Mai is fun, delicious and a great way to make new friends. I would recommend CookingAtHome for their first grade kitchen, fun class with a scenic view and ah-mazing food! A plus point would be that they cater to all sorts of dietary needs, be it Halal, Vegan, Gluten-free (diva) or Carnivore Royale.

I can't recommend this class enough!

Sticky rice with mangoes - I could eat 5 plates of these in one sitting

Night
Learning is hard. Time to reward yourself with a full-blown spa experience around town. A two-hour massage until you turn into a human pizza dough? Why not? The great thing about Chiang Mai is because the massage industry is so competitive, you are sure to get at least a decent service. Afterwards, end the night by a nice walk around town just to soak it all, and head back to your room for a much needed snooze.