Chiang Mai

There is a train that goes to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, but by the time we got there it was too late to catch it. So we got on yet another plane! An hour later, we arrived in Chiang Mai. We got caught up on some sleep and then left to have a look around. The first place we went was the food market. There was a section for fruits, flowers etc.

From the market, we got a funny little open air taxi and started off for a place that my aunt Jane had recommended we visit. It is called Oriental Mandarin Resort, but to call it a resort just doesn't give the right idea of what this place was like. It's like a small walled city that feels ancient but is comfortable and new at the same time. First of all though, they have a great restaurant with incredible service (they do things like bring you a cold towel if it's hot or push in your chair for you and put your napkin on your lap!) The waiters are very nice and let me practice my thai with them. Then we took a tour on a little horse driven buggy thing. Our guide took us all around the resort and, of course, my camera ran out of battery. to give you an idea, here is the lobby.

not my picture

It's modeled to look like an ancient Thai city. If you're like me, you have a kind of disdain for resorts, but really, you must see this place. It is perfect in every way possible. Nothing looks artificial or forced. It is all peaceful and serene. The gardens are stunning as well. I really can't think of anything to say to describe how beautiful this place is. Lunch prices are surprisingly affordable, so go!
For the rest of the day, we decided to visit a famous temple up on one of the mountains surrounding Chiang Mai. Taxis in Chiang Mai are very cool. It's like a truck, but with a covered back and benches. I found them very comfortable and nice because you can see more things than if you're shut up in a car.

veiw of chiang mai

Doi Suthep

outside doi suthep

the stairs out of doi suthep. There were these cute kids wit traditional thai outfits...

Mom insisted she get a picture with each of them...:)

After Doi Suthep, we visited a nearby Hmong village. They had very neat handicrafts for sale. I was so amazed that the people do everything by hand and so beautifully! After that, we went back to Oriental Mandarin (Yes, it is that amazing!) to eat dinner because they had a traditional thai dancing presentation that was free along with dinner.

Last of all we went to the night bazaar for a few minutes. I wish we could have stayed longer because that place was huge!!! They sold everything you can think of. If you ever go to Chiang Mai, you really must go at least once.