After a very busy three days in Bangkok, Chiang Mai was a welcome change! A complete contrast to where we had come from – Chiang Mai was green, mountainous and flood free. As one of Thailand’s largest cities, it was still very busy but the hustle and bustle was diluted by the beautiful scenery, laid back lifestyle and friendly residents. The old city is walled with four gates and is located at the foot of a mountain. We were staying in a small guesthouse on the outskirts of the City gate – Finlay’s Cottage is the cheapest place we have stayed but it was where we were made to feel the most welcome. The landlord (an ex pat from Portsmouth) and his Thai housekeeper Ratchi were lovely; each morning they provided a cooked breakfast and they
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