Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a fantastic destination for a 2-day trip, blending art, culture, and food seamlessly. Here's a suggested itinerary:
*Day 1: Temples, Cooking Class & Evening Market*
- *Morning Temple Tour*: Visit Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Phra Singh, exploring the stunning architecture and learning about their histories. Consider a guided tour for deeper insights.
- *Lunch*: Head to It's Good Kitchen for authentic Thai dishes or SP Chicken for delicious local flavors. Don't miss Akha Ama for sustainably sourced coffee.
- *Afternoon Cooking Class*: Join a market visit and cooking class to learn about Thai ingredients and prepare classic dishes like pad thai and mango sticky rice.
- *Evening Old Town Stroll*: Walk through the Old Town's calm streets, admiring the architecture and lively night markets. Try Mr Green for vegetarian options or Chiang Mai Gate's food market.
*Day 2: Sunrise at Doi Suthep, Brunch & Massage*
- *Early Morning Doi Suthep Visit*: Watch the sunrise at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, enjoying panoramic views of Chiang Mai. Take a guided tour or ride a songthaew.
- *Late Morning Brunch*: Visit Groon for delicious breakfast bowls or Fern Forest Café for a garden setting.
- *Afternoon Thai Massage*: Relax with a traditional Thai massage at the Women's Massage Centre by Ex-Prisoners, supporting a meaningful cause.
- *Evening Walk and Market Dinner*: Explore the Old Town's smaller streets, visit the Night Bazaar, or enjoy live jazz at North Gate Jazz Co-Op.
*Additional Tips*
- *Getting Around*: Use tuk-tuks, songthaews, or ride-sharing apps like Grab or Bolt.
- *Best Time to Visit*: November to February for cooler weather and festivals like Loy Krathong and Yi Peng.
- *Cultural Etiquette*: Dress modestly for temple visits, remove shoes when entering temples or homes, and respect monks.
Some must-try dishes in Chiang Mai include ¹:
- *Khao Soi*: Rich coconut curry noodle soup
- *Sai Oua*: Northern Thai sausage with fresh herbs
- *Mango Sticky Rice*: Sweet dessert with ripe mango and coconut milk
- *Gaeng Hang Lay*: Slightly sweet and tangy pork curry
- *Nam Prik Ong*: Spicy and sweet tomato and chili dip
Enjoy your 2-day Chiang Mai adventure!