Day 2: Chiang Mai

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We’ve headed north to Chiang Mai the only way backpackers should; the 14 hour sleeper train.
I’m convinced this train is over 60 years old. It’s infested in creepy insects and is certainly a duster virgin. Although it’s a little cramp and rusty, there’s a real authentic feel to this style of Asian transport; we feel like true hipster travellers now. Thailand has military looking railway police officers who patrol the carriages keeping us youths in order. After a broken up 4 hour sleep I got up at 5.30am and waited for the sunrise. I couldn’t take my eyes off the scenes of Sukathai, it looks like the animation from jungle book... I’ve never seen the world look so beautiful.
We’ve only just arrived in tranquil Chiang Mai where we’ve set up base for a few nights at Sunday Backpackers hostel in the Old Town. It’s rough and stripped back but we love it. Even the receptionist is a dreadlock rasta. Eager to explore yet our afternoon was wiped out catching up on lost sleep. Our body clocks are well and truly confused.
Tonight we hit the Night Bazaar; live music, street food, shopping and beer. We were taught the phrase “Chung kew” which means “cheers”. Should come in handy. There is an all round happy vibe here and the locals are gorgeous people. We have already fallen in love with this place.
Chung kew Chiang Mai.

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