The day after Christmas, we took the overnight train north from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. This train was easy as we rode second class and were both impressed with the space and cleanliness of Thai Rail. Come 9 o'clock, they come around for turn down service, complete with sheets and pillows. And, of course, Lee loved it. I think he's a late-blooming train head (his words). Before we left, we stocked up on food at the train station, not knowing that there would be a dining car (no such thing on Indian trains). But we went to the dining car anyway and had some great conversation with a Bangkok couple that was traveling to Chiang Mai for camping. He was a music consultant and she a piano teacher. Its always surprising to me when Lee decides to be human and actually "talk."
Chiang Mai is a lovely little city set inside a moat. It's like Udaipur in that even the Thais come here to vacation. The weather is cooler than Bangkok, which has been nice for our daily explorations. It a great walking city, cause it's flat and small, but most people come here for the their treks into the mountains or hill tribes. We considered an Elephant trek, but weren't able to fit it in. We did, however, go to a cooking class outside of town taught by a famous Thai TV chef, Sompon Nabnian. It was very interactive; each participant buying one of the ingredients at the market, then cooking their own dish on their own wok at Sompon's country house. At the market, we watched some fresh snake head fish being filleted. That was a new one for me. It was also nice to talk to other travelers in the cooking class, some we'll inevitably see more of.
We're staying at CM Blue House (A-, friendly owners with nice garden and great location, cheap). The first night we stayed downstairs, but moved upstairs the next...MUCH better. The upper rooms include TV and fridge, although still basic. Just to give you guys an idea, the cost per night is less than 12USD.
What's surprising is how much Chiang Mai is a gay hangout...I didn't really expect to see so much of it outside of Bangkok. But it makes Chaing Mai all the more interesting!
We've also seen some great live music. Check out the picture of a band Lee really enjoyed (The guitarist played Stairway with his teeth). Lee said it was the greatest night of his life. He says that pretty often, though.
We've continued to feast on delicious Thai food. Our western appetites are satisfied by the westernized breakfasts (butter toast with scrambled eggs), but we happily return to the streets for lunch and dinner. I've really enjoyed this aspect of Thailand. I've always favored picking at a variety of food for meals (but I hate buffets). The largest collection of stalls are found at the local markets and bizarres. There's a nighttime market (with McDonalds, Burger King and Starbucks) which is fun, but then there was the Sunday Night Market...the mother of all markets! You can get just about anything you could think of there, including more great fresh food. Last night, we had pork noodle soup, banana waffle, sticky rice in a bamboo stick (see picture), Chiang Mai sausages, lots of cappuccino bubble tea, weird ice cream, etc... It was fun to be out and about with so many people. Lee says he's glad to be in a country that appreciates the sweet sweet taste of pig.
We're looking forward to New Years, but still aren't sure about the city's official plans. Nobody really knows what's supposed to happen. I think we'll go to some of the local hangouts (cheapo drinks!), then head to the moat by Tha Pae gate where we think we'll see fireworks. Medium-sized fireworks are on sale on the street here, so I think it should be interesting too. Lee is predicting accidents (LMH rocket accident anyone?).
Lee and I just signed up for our first multi-day organized tour, so wish us luck! We are often leery of packages, knowing that you don't often get what you're promised and its often a sanitized view. But we're taking a leap of faith on this one. On Jan 2, we're supposed to head to Chiang Kong (Thai border town) , then ferry across the border into Laos the next day and start our 2 day journey on a slow boat down the Mekong river to Luang Prabang. Its the same trip we would've taken on our own, but it should be cheaper taken as a package.
I'm glad both of us got the chance to call our families for Christmas this past week. Thanks everyone for helping to page mr morrow and thank you Ernie and Jean for the camera Christmas gift. Its making our trip look great! Happy New Year to all!
Chiang Mai is a lovely little city set inside a moat. It's like Udaipur in that even the Thais come here to vacation. The weather is cooler than Bangkok, which has been nice for our daily explorations. It a great walking city, cause it's flat and small, but most people come here for the their treks into the mountains or hill tribes. We considered an Elephant trek, but weren't able to fit it in. We did, however, go to a cooking class outside of town taught by a famous Thai TV chef, Sompon Nabnian. It was very interactive; each participant buying one of the ingredients at the market, then cooking their own dish on their own wok at Sompon's country house. At the market, we watched some fresh snake head fish being filleted. That was a new one for me. It was also nice to talk to other travelers in the cooking class, some we'll inevitably see more of.
We're staying at CM Blue House (A-, friendly owners with nice garden and great location, cheap). The first night we stayed downstairs, but moved upstairs the next...MUCH better. The upper rooms include TV and fridge, although still basic. Just to give you guys an idea, the cost per night is less than 12USD.
What's surprising is how much Chiang Mai is a gay hangout...I didn't really expect to see so much of it outside of Bangkok. But it makes Chaing Mai all the more interesting!
We've also seen some great live music. Check out the picture of a band Lee really enjoyed (The guitarist played Stairway with his teeth). Lee said it was the greatest night of his life. He says that pretty often, though.
We've continued to feast on delicious Thai food. Our western appetites are satisfied by the westernized breakfasts (butter toast with scrambled eggs), but we happily return to the streets for lunch and dinner. I've really enjoyed this aspect of Thailand. I've always favored picking at a variety of food for meals (but I hate buffets). The largest collection of stalls are found at the local markets and bizarres. There's a nighttime market (with McDonalds, Burger King and Starbucks) which is fun, but then there was the Sunday Night Market...the mother of all markets! You can get just about anything you could think of there, including more great fresh food. Last night, we had pork noodle soup, banana waffle, sticky rice in a bamboo stick (see picture), Chiang Mai sausages, lots of cappuccino bubble tea, weird ice cream, etc... It was fun to be out and about with so many people. Lee says he's glad to be in a country that appreciates the sweet sweet taste of pig.
We're looking forward to New Years, but still aren't sure about the city's official plans. Nobody really knows what's supposed to happen. I think we'll go to some of the local hangouts (cheapo drinks!), then head to the moat by Tha Pae gate where we think we'll see fireworks. Medium-sized fireworks are on sale on the street here, so I think it should be interesting too. Lee is predicting accidents (LMH rocket accident anyone?).
Lee and I just signed up for our first multi-day organized tour, so wish us luck! We are often leery of packages, knowing that you don't often get what you're promised and its often a sanitized view. But we're taking a leap of faith on this one. On Jan 2, we're supposed to head to Chiang Kong (Thai border town) , then ferry across the border into Laos the next day and start our 2 day journey on a slow boat down the Mekong river to Luang Prabang. Its the same trip we would've taken on our own, but it should be cheaper taken as a package.
I'm glad both of us got the chance to call our families for Christmas this past week. Thanks everyone for helping to page mr morrow and thank you Ernie and Jean for the camera Christmas gift. Its making our trip look great! Happy New Year to all!
3 comments:
Happy New Year you guys. You look fabulous, great picture taking skills you have going on!!!
Mina left the first comment:) I signed as anonymous and I really didn't want to!
Happy New Years Mina and Harry!Glad you wrote the second comment, cause otherwise I would have spent hours trying to figure out who could have written it.
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