Octie Appetie: Chiang Mai City

It has been a while that I absent from posting about my traveling journey. Although we travel domestically since Covid-19 outbreak, but we've never done a big trip until this 10-days Northern trip. So, I am back with travelling blog with some adjustments following the new normal lifestyle plus with one more toddler attached. That's why travelling could be a little more challenging for us.

I miss the Northern part of Thailand, especially their weather, their beauty and nature as well as people over there are so nice and friendly. Last time I'd been there, it was around 3 years ago. It changes so much. We also visited lots of places we've never seen before. Therefore, if you are looking for some general tourist places, I won't be much helpful. As we explored the new-hype places and less-travelled path. So for whoever looking for more adventurous trip in Northern Thailand, you are definitely in the right page.

It took about 8-10 hours drive from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Our 10-days Northern trip which break it down into 2 nights in Chiang Mai, then 2 nights in Mae Hong Son, after that 2 nights in Pai, one night in Doi Tung, next we stay in Chiang Rai for 2 nights before end our trip at Phitsanulok for just one night. The first 2 nights, we stayed at Furama hotel, which is located at the fringe of Chiang Mai CBD. The hotel itself looks quite old, however, it was pretty cheap and convenient location.

My little one enjoys her bed

Wow!!! Doi Suthep mountain view from our window.

We didn't include breakfast here, for a quicky, some cereal will do.

Khao Soi Beef

Khao Soi is a national dish of Chiang Mai. We had one in our all-time favorite shop, called Khao Soi Samerjai. If you cannot get a car park right in front of the shop, you always can park at the temple next door (Wat Fa Ham). Khao soi is a northern style noodle with curry base soup served with either beef or chicken. The broth itself is thick and flavorsome then topped with some deep-fried noodle and condiments on the side: pickled mustard greens and fresh slices red onions.

Wat Chet Yod

One of the most visited temple in Chiang Mai especially for whom born in Snake year according to Chinese zodiac.

Pratu Tha Phae

Tha Phae Gate or what's normally called Prathu Tha Phae is one of the well-known landmark in Chiang Mai and is part of the ruins city wall that has been preserved dates back to ancient times. It is also home to the busy Sunday night market.

If you are travelling with young kids, this Chiang Mai Night Safari will surely be the helper in satisfying your real life wires. They opens for 2 sessions which are afternoon and evening. Of course, evening is better because is where the night predators come alive. Since Covid, they have limited visitors each session, so it is highly recommended to make a booking online or by phone.

The highlight is undeniably the tram ride. I suggest you guys to join the ride at the first slot which is 17:30, since you will start the ride with bright sky, so you can enjoy scenery both before and after twilight.

It could be weekdays or probably in Covid situation. I feel that the number of visitors were too little. I'm not complaining here, because there was absolutely no queue to get personal encounter and to hold some animals.

If you weren't there in Chiang Mai on Sunday, don't worry!! Chiang Mai has so many other street food night markets that more local and offers equally good or even better range of foods than Chiang Mai Sunday night market. We went to this More Space market near Chiang Mai University, the place looks funky with plenty food to choose from local Thai snacks and international dishes like Korean and Western burger.