Chiang Mai: A Journey Through Time

Chiang Mai, a small city embraced by mountains, is like a serene watercolor painting exuding a gentle charm. It has the lively atmosphere of Northern Thailand and retains an ancient Zen spirit. When I set foot on this land, I was greeted by a warm peace, as if time slowed down here. I decided to calm myself and have an intimate conversation with this city. --- #### **Day 1: The Morning Light of Chiang Mai and the Soul of the Old City** Early in the morning, I pushed open the wooden door of the inn, greeted by the first golden light of Chiang Mai. The air still held the moisture of morning dew, and the street stalls began to emit bursts of fragrance—coffee, sticky rice, and coconut mixed with the unique scent of Northern Thai vegetation, instantly making one feel the warmth of life. I stayed in the old city of Chiang Mai, surrounded by ancient walls with over 700 years of history. The streets of the old city are neatly arranged like a chessboard, yet hide countless alleys that make one lose their way. I casually walked into a quiet alley, with a few fallen leaves scattered on the stone road beneath my feet, and occasionally a bell chime drifted through the air, reminding me that this is a Buddhist sanctuary. My first stop was **Wat Phra Singh**. The golden stupa inside the temple shone brightly under the sunlight, like a beacon guarding the old city. Monks in orange robes walked silently between the temples. I sat under a tree for a long time, feeling the delicate breeze brushing my cheeks, as if time here had filtered out all the noise, leaving only the peace of the soul. Leaving the temple, I saw an elderly lady patiently squeezing fresh pomegranate juice at a street juice stall. I ordered a cup, the bright red liquid with a slight sweet and sour taste, cool and smooth as it entered my mouth. At that moment, I felt the sweetness of Chiang Mai's sunshine and land, so simple yet moving. --- #### **Day 2: Overlooking from Doi Suthep and the Bustling Night Market** On the second day in Chiang Mai, I planned to climb **Doi Suthep**, an excellent spot to overlook the entire city. In the early morning, I took a songthaew, winding up the mountain road. Outside the car window were layers of tropical greenery, with sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting golden patches. Although the travelers inside the car came from different countries, everyone shared the same anticipation. At the top of the mountain, **Wat Phra That Doi Suthep**, a historic Buddhist sanctuary, came into view. The golden stupa shone brilliantly under the sunlight, surrounded by devout believers, some holding lotus flowers, some kneeling in prayer. I walked around the stupa, the low chanting of scriptures in my ears, and a sense of peace unconsciously welled up in my heart. Standing on the platform outside the temple, I overlooked the entire city of Chiang Mai. The distant mountains, nearby villages, and the quietly flowing plains unfolded in my view. At this moment, I suddenly understood the beauty of Chiang Mai. It does not rush to show all its charm but lets you feel every corner with your heart. At night, I visited the famous **Chiang Mai Night Bazaar**. The bustling night market contrasted sharply with the daytime tranquility. Stalls were filled with colorful handicrafts, fabrics, and accessories, along with mouth-watering street food. I bought a skewer of sweet grilled bananas and a bowl of mango sticky rice cooked with coconut milk. The sweet taste made me want to take a few more bites. --- #### **Day 3: Handicraft Village and Coffee Time** Today, I decided to explore Chiang Mai's handicraft culture. Chiang Mai is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, especially at the **Bo Sang Umbrella Village** outside the old city. Here, artisans make umbrellas from bamboo and paper, with vibrant colors and elegant patterns. Walking into the village, an old man sat on a small wooden chair, meticulously painting patterns on an umbrella. The sunlight behind him made his figure appear particularly warm. I couldn't resist buying a hand-painted umbrella, holding it in my hand, as if grasping the delicacy and ingenuity of Chiang Mai. In the afternoon, I found a hidden café at the foot of the mountain. This café, named **No.39 Cafe**, is a small house made of wood and glass, surrounded by green trees, with a small stream quietly flowing by. I ordered a cup of iced drip coffee, sitting on a wooden chair by the stream, with the sound of flowing water in my ears and the rich, slightly bitter coffee in my hand. I took out my notebook and wrote down my experiences over the past few days, feeling like a traveling writer, quietly exchanging secrets with this land. --- #### **Day 4: Farewell in Slow Time** On the last day of the journey, I chose to stay in the old city and bid farewell to Chiang Mai's slow time. I rented a bicycle on the street and leisurely rode through the streets of the old city. The walls of the alleys were painted with colorful graffiti, and the occasional small café emitted a strong coffee aroma. At noon, I walked into a vegetarian restaurant and ordered a Thai green curry cooked with Thai spices. The terrace of the restaurant was filled with succulent plants, and the sunlight on my plate made the whole scene warm. In the afternoon, I went to **Tha Phae Gate**, one of the landmarks of Chiang Mai's old city. As the sun set, the golden light shone on the ancient brick walls, and flocks of pigeons flew up outside the walls, creating a picture as beautiful as an oil painting. I sat by the city wall, watching people hurriedly pass by, but my heart was filled with a peaceful tranquility. --- #### **The Aftertaste of Chiang Mai** The four-day journey ended, but the images of Chiang Mai were deeply etched in my memory. It is a city that allows people to slow down, without chasing or rushing. It only needs you to feel every moment with your heart. Chiang Mai is like an old man quietly sitting by the window, telling you its story in a low and gentle tone. As the plane took off, I looked down at this land one last time from the window. The golden stupa, green mountains, and tranquil streets seemed to wave goodbye to me. I knew this was not the end but the beginning of the next reunion. Goodbye, Chiang Mai.