Chiang Mai

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This was our second visit to Chiang Mai, so we thought we’d feel like we knew the place. Our experience was different because we stayed outside the old quarter this time, we went with different people (Sam and Nick, not Felicity) and it was not high season.
There were definitely less people around; Moon Muang was dead. The other major difference was that it was slash and burn season and Northern Thailand was covered in a blanket smoke - and we had just left behind an intense bushfire season in Victoria! We don’t know how frequently they do this, as it isn’t in the guidebook.
We celebrated Sam’s birthday with a novel cruise on the river. The Riverside Hotel played good live music and had great food and staff. The place next door was similar, but didn’t have the same atmosphere.
We spent most of our time lounging by the pool of the two flash hotels Sam and Nick were staying: Tamarind and ManaThai. We were served drinks, given towels and treated as guests.
Andrea had a seizure on Th Tha Phae to a riveted audience, and an ambulance came in a matter of minutes. Ben caught her, but she grazed the hell out of her toe and ankle, but thanks to Sammie’s forethought to tend to it while Andrea was out, there was no infection, and it has healed nicely!
Doi Suthep held no surprises, as it was no different to the description in LP. Beautiful and worth the visit, but we couldn’t see the view for the smoke.
It was great to spend a few days with Sam and Nick; it was a very relaxed time. Now, off to Laos.

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Photos

Nick and Ben enjoy a beer
Nick and Ben on the riverfront, enjoying a beer or two

Out for dinner
Sam, Nick, Andrea and Ben out for dinner at the Chiang Mai riverfront

Smokey view of Chiang Mai
Smokey view of Chiang Mai from Doi Suthep

Doi Suthep
Above the smoke, high in the hills at Doi Suthep

Happy Birthday
Celebrating Sammie's birthday on the river cruise along Mae Nam Ping