Exploring Chiang Mai: Part 1

After spending a few days in Bangkok, which was plenty of time to see the sites, we flew north to Chiang Mai. We wandered into a tourist office (the reliable ones are marked TAT - Tourism Authority of Thailand) and met "Johnny", a crinkly old tourist officer with a devilish grin, who referred to us as his English ladyboys! He was very helpful, like most of the lovely Thai folk, and we managed to book a two day trek for fairly cheap (after some serious haggling).

Traveller tip #4 Barter for EVERYTHING*. See my post on making your money go further.
*Disclaimer- there are some exceptions to the 'always barter for everything' rule. If there is already a set price, for example. However, transport, clothing, accommodation, excursions, you should try your hand at haggling... the worst that can happen is they say no.

We then arrived at The Paradise Hotel, just outside the Old Town part of Chiang Mai. Unfortunately, unlike the name suggested, we did not stumble upon paradise here. Despite the upscale looking entrance with a large fish pond inside the lobby, the hotel was rather unclean and although it boasted a swimming pool, I for one, did not want to venture into the murky depths.

Hopping into Chiang Mai's version of a taxi (a large red truck with benches in the back), we went to the Old Town, surrounded by a moat and remnants of a wall. To best explore Chiang Mai, I think you should walk around the Old Town. There are many temples (dress appropriately, covering the majority of your arms and legs- usually they have robes you can borrow), shops and restaurants.

Talk to a local and find out what they recommend. Ask about markets, sightseeing etc. There is so much to do and they will be able to give you their opinion on what is best. For instance, a young Thai lady started talking to us outside a temple and told us about a traditional ceremony being held at a temple the next day where boys would become monks. Also, she recommended eating like a local at a nearby vegetarian restaurant and the Chinese market (which is where the locals go, rather than the big tourist market).

Compared to Bangkok, the centre of Chiang Mai is much more defined and almost seems village like within the Old Town. The people are so helpful and welcoming and it is nice just to take time (and a map) and discover it for yourself.