In the early days of 2020, just before the world was gripped by the pandemic, I set off on a two-month backpacking adventure across Southeast Asia. Thailand, a country renowned for its lively culture, breathtaking scenery, and welcoming locals, truly epitomizes a haven for backpackers. It attracts explorers from every corner of the earth with its dynamic blend of energetic urban centers and peaceful islands. This Southeast Asian jewel presents a rich mosaic of experiences, perfectly suited for the budget-conscious traveler eager to soak in its diverse offerings.
Today, we're talking about my first stop, Chiang Mai.
Arrival
On January 8th, 2020, I touched down in Chiang Mai, marking the beginning of my journey through Thailand after spending two days in transit from across the globe. Despite the inevitable fatigue and jet lag that accompany long flights, the vibrant streets of Chiang Mai instantly revitalized my spirits.
Hostel
The hostel I stayed in here was Green Sleep Hostel. This was a cute little place, tucked away in a back alley but still walking distance to everything I wanted to see. The common areas were light and airy. The beds were sparse, but better than most hostels, and were well-maintained, clean, and updated. As a solo female traveler, I never once felt unsafe here. The staff was a standout, with everyone super friendly and ready to help. They recommended some of the better ATMs in the city, helping me avoid some of the higher exchange fees.
Address: 5/10 Soi 7,Old City, Rachadumnuen Road, Sri Poom, Muang, Chiang mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Check In: 14:00-23:00
Check Out: until 11:00
Included: Parking, Towels, WiFi, Lockers, Air Conditioning, Washing Machines
Attractions
Wat Sri Suphan
After dropping my things off, I made my way to Wat Sri Suphan, the Silver Temple. Parts of the temple date back to the early 16th century. The Ordination Hall is the standout of this temple and what gives it the "Silver Temple" nickname. This structure is admittedly not that old, having been built between 2004 and 2016, but what it lacks in history, it makes up for in artisanship. The temple was handcrafted out of silver and aluminum by local artists.
Address: 100 Wua Lai Rd, Haiya Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Daily; 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM Saturdays
Entrance Fee: 50 Baht (about $1.41 USD)
Restrictions: Women are not allowed to enter the Ordination Hall. All visitors must be covered at the knees and shoulders.
Tha Phae Gate
From the Silver Temple, I made my way towards Wat Chedi Luang, passing through the Tha Phae Gate. There are six gates throughout the city, four of which date back to the 13th century. This one in particular was the eastern gate. This was a nice park in which to sit for a bit on my way to my next stop. There was also a nearby Starbucks, which was perfect because I was starting to feel that plane ride. I got a coffee and sat to people watch for a bit before continuing on.
Address: 100 Wua Lai Rd, Haiya Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Wat Buppharam
Meandering through the Thai city's streets, you may stumble upon hundreds of temples (or wats, as they're called in Thai). One such temple I happened upon en route to Wat Chedi Luang was Wat Buppharam. This temple was originally founded in 1497 as a part of the reoccupation effort of Chiang Mai after two centuries of Burmese rule. It is recognizable for its Burmese-style chedi, which is a domed solid structure that is similar to a stupa.
Address: 143 Tha Phae Road Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Daily
Entrance Fee: 20 Baht (about $0.56 USD)
Wat Chedi Luang
Finally coming upon my final destination, I was in awe of the sheer size of this temple. The chedi was massive, coming to an impressive 279 feet tall at the time of its completion. Construction began on this chedi in 1391 and finished nearly a century later in 1475. An earthquake 1545 shaved about 196 feet off the top, some of which was restored in the 1990s. The interior of most temples did not allow photography, but the exterior was impressive enough.
Address: 143 Tha Phae Road Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Daily
Entrance Fee: None
Look out for part 2, coming soon, to learn how I played with elephants, made some friends, and sampled new foods!
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