Chiang Mai, Thailand
December 2024
I’ve been to Chiang Mai many times, but this time feels like the first time I’ve really gotten to explore new places. It’s even more special because I had the chance to explore them with friends from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and age groups. What made the trip more enjoyable was having so many different perspectives to share, while respecting each other’s views. It was also my first time visiting Chiang Dao, despite it being just a day trip. Chiang Dao has been popular for some time especially among artists, some of whom have moved here to find a peaceful place to create. The highlight was the Li Su food we tried up the mountain. It was a one-man restaurant in his own house, with the backyard full of vegetables and herbs. The kitchen was very photogenic to me; I was amazed by how someone managed to set up a restaurant up in the mountains, where there are so many restrictions. The food was amazing too. It’s interesting to see that despite the increasing number of visitors, people in Chiang Dao are sticking to their roots and refusing to play the game of the big city.
There’s also Yunnan Market, where the whole experience makes you feel like you’ve been transported straight to China. Chiang Mai has just gone through a severe flood, and the city is in recovery mode. Even so, I still love being here. It’s still my favourite place to be.
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