Blogs from Chiang Rai, North-West Thailand, Thailand, Asia - page 2

After a couple of days recovering in Bangkok, we set off for Chiang Mai, a city in mountainous northern Thailand. Five minutes in and we were sold on this relaxed and beautiful city. Most of the action happens within the four ancient city walls and moat, the so-called Old City, which is where we stayed. Chiang Mai is home to over a hundred beautiful Buddhist temples (wats). We spent a few hours wandering around the city visiting some of the more famous ones. Dressed in traditional orange robes, Buddhist monks are a common sight, be they simply walking the street, cycling around, or at the ATM! The winding streets boast an impressive range of cafes, restaurants and bars. Unfortunately they also boast a large number of rats but such is the charm of Chiang Mai that ... read more

Geo: 19.91, 99.83We started as most do, in Bangkok. After research and plenty of advice we were skeptical about this city. We wouldn't really describe ourselves as 'city people' so booked a couple of nights in a fairly central hostel (but away from backpacker central Kao San Road) and decided to have a look around while we were there and while trying to figure out where to go next. What we experienced in Bangkok was nothing like what we were expecting. We found ourselves surrounded by lovely people, amazing food and fantastic transport! We have no idea what everyone was talking about when saying how 'hectic' it is there! (We're wondering if these people would have a different definition of 'hectic' if they'd been to Delhi). In Bangkok we visited a few places such as the ... read more

I started my car to go to my work on a chilly October morning. It is 13 October, 2016 in Calgary. My car radio crackled and the CBC news announced that King Bhumibol has passed away this morning at the age of 88. I stalled the car. I was stunned for a second. Should I? He was not physically doing well for the last 5 years and it was perhaps expected. Still, I paused for a few moments before driving away; the thought is still in my mind. I was merely a tourist when I first visited Thailand and still I am a foreigner whenever I set my foot in Thailand. If someone asks me “Tell me a couple of things that you love about Thailand”, undoubtedly I will say that it is the people and ... read more

There are places in the world where you can physically feel yourself relaxing. This is one of those ! Just off the main highway through Chiang Rai, we followed a dirt trail, to what looked like a farmer's field.....................and then, before our eyes, a gorgeous, secluded resort, where the staff treat you like Royalty. I'll let the photos speak for themselves...... read more

I'm lucky. No allergies. My big dislikes - horseradish, beetroot, quiche - more british BBQ and family party spread add-ons than south east Asian menu finds. My big food bug bear - overly soggy Shreddies - left behind in my running late to work/weekend plans/any kind of event multi-task-attempting moments. I wouldn't go for the scorpion on a stick, but my mouth doesn't contort nor nose twitch refusingly at new offerings. I can handle a fair amount of spice, and the pulsing mouth and temple sweat spice level is not one that I find unpleasant. I'm lucky. So, I had an adventure of new food and drink ahead of me in south east Asia. Coming toward the end of my trip, on a bus to Chiang Rai one humid, still May evening, I thought I'd remember ... read more