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Chiang Mai is just a short flight from Bangkok and thanks to a new, no frills airline called Asian Air you can fly north
for as little as 500 Baht (about seven pounds). Chiang Mai rests at the base of the hills and mountains, where enthusiastic
and fit travellers can trek, meeting one of the many numerous hill tribes around the area. It is also the creative heart of
Thailand and if you like shopping you can find anything from bracelets for as little as 10 Baht to carpets and gems worth
thousands of pounds. I skipped the trekking, prefering to save my energies for shopping, eating, drinking local beer and general
sightseeing. Chiang Mai itself is a beautiful, low rise city, surrounded by a moat and ancient walls. Check it out for yourself,
but in the meantime I have uploaded a few photographs to whet your appetite.
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| Bathtime at the local elephant sanctuary |
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| Just splash a little bit more! |
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| Three month old baby elephant takes some refreshment |
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| Me with my new best friend |
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| Chiang Mai boasts numerous orchid farms |
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| Lots of orchids of my favourite colour everywhere |
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| The gardens at Doi Suthep temple also boast beautiful gardens |
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| View from Doi Suthep as a rainstorm hits Chiang Mai |
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| Magnificent doors to Doi Suthep temple |
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| Honest - it wasn't me that made the funny smell - it was her! |
All in all, Chiang Mai is a great place from which to explore northern Thailand or just hang out for a few days before
deciding on your next move. As for me - my next destination in Laos.
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