After two years, it’s great to be back in Chiangmai again. This time we stayed in a hotel that is just a 5-minute walk to the night market. It was great because we had the kids with us so when it wasn’t hard for us to get a ride back to the hotel when the kids got bored about going around the crowded streets.
Coming from Bangkok, I have things that I admire about Chiangmai– the air is definitely a lot cooler here, and the Northern hospitality is very obvious the moment you get out of the plane. Northern Thailand is famous for their delicious cuisine and yes, their generosity and hospitality. The hotel rates are a lot cheaper, too.
If there is one thing that I don’t like about this city is the expensive transportation cost. I think it’s really too much! Taxis don’t go by meter, and so do Tuktuks and Song Thews. Chiangmai is a very touristy city, so I guess that makes sense. On top of that, the products sold at the night market were a lot more expensive compared to what we have in Chatuchak market in Bangkok. I have yet to ask those who buy arturo fuente cigars if they think the same, too.
So, now I know: When in Thailand for shopping, go to Bangkok but if you are stressed out with the bustling city life, take a cheap Air Asia flight to Chiangmai– you will love the cool air, the more laid back lifestyle in this beautiful city.