Came back to Chiang Mai for a few days before my trip to Chiang Rai. This time staying at a different hotel because Tamarind Village is so expensive. I found another hotel alot cheaper near the same area. It is called Bodhi Serene and it is even nicer. They gave me an upgrade so I have a big room with a little balcony. Very nice. The area is just as walkable within the Old City.
I got there kinda late so I just found a recommended place to eat. I had this jackfruit salad and chicken curry with veges.
Decided to hike the Monk’s Trail to the first temple called Wat Pha Lad then perhaps take a Bolt to the second Golden Temple aka, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. I heard that trail is steeper and much more difficult. Upon taking a Bolt to the beginning of the Monk’s Trail the driver said I would be too tired to make it. Kinda bothered me as I know the trail is only about 40 minutes. Makes me wonder if I look that old or unfit. It did worry me somewhat though as I am not sure about this hike. Well, the trail was somewhat easy but at times it was steep. only about 2k and took about 40 minutes.
In no time did I see the first temple. It was marvelous the way that it was set in the forest and had a real ancient feel to it.
The Austria guy told me it was his favorite temple. Now I see why. I stayed and explored for a bit. Temple is 671 years old
Decided to take a ride to the next temple because I knew that it would be alittle more challenging. Upon arrival at the next temple it was obvious why it was so popular. There were tourists all over. A number of stairs to temple but was sure golden.
I stayed awhile and explored the many parts of the temple grounds before heading down.
Grabbed a Bolt and arrived back at my hotel in no time. I decided to check out another night market. Same thing… it seemed to go on forever and had much of the same things. I do enjoy the night markets.
The next day was Halloween. I decided to go to a museum and then get a massage. Went to see this creative art and textile museum, called Kalm. It was wonderful the space was so inviting and peaceful. I spent some time in the coffee cafe and then looked at the museum. Loved the decor.
When I left I walked by a temple. I checked it out. They had a sign that their massage was for 180 an hour. That’s really cheap.
I took a peak inside. I heard this tapping sound and saw the ladies sitting on the ground and the ones getting massage laying on the floor. This type of Thai massage is called tok sen. I inquired, but needed to think about it. Think about it I did and decided to try this traditional method. So glad I did! It was amazing. My nerves tingled when she tapped and the sound kinda mesmerized me. After she did traditional thai massage and I swear that my muscles didn’t hurt like they usually do. She was doing it just as hard too. I feel like she kinda tenderized me. Ha ha. I almost fell asleep too, which I hardly ever do because it hurts too much. It still hurt, but not as sharp. At the end she contorted me into really stretching. It was absolutely the best. And it was do cheap. 450 baht for 1.5 hours. Which is like $13. So from then on I only tried tok sen but paid alot more for it at other places. It was $35 in Chiang Rai for 1.5 hrs.
Another night market and another lovely day in Old City Chiang Mai.
I really enjoyed Thailand. I would love to come back and visit more places. Bangkok, Puket and the islands nearby. Hopefully I shall return.
