COVID-19 may have changed the way we travel but not the way we all dream of taking holidays. David Bowden sows the seeds for future vacations with his tales, ‘Wish You Were Here’.
CHIANG MAI, IT’S COOL
Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, with its boutique resort, handicrafts, appealing outdoors activities and wonderful food, is one of Asia’s coolest travel destinations.
Its mountainous setting also ensures the weather is a few degrees cooler than the Central Plains to make Chiang Mai, Thailand’s most-livable city.
BACKPACKING to BLING
Backpackers first flocked here to hike mountainous trails and experience the hill tribe communities living there. The Night Market was the venue to buy hand-woven textiles and handicrafts. While the backpackers still travel to Chiang Mai, new hotels and direct flights also cater to mainstream tourists.
Adventurous travellers still seek out thrilling activities such as elephant rides, zip lining through forests, mountain biking and rafting.
TIME OUT
Chiang Mai is also a place where travellers come to rest awhile and to chill over coffee, enticing food and cool beverages. Coffee concepts are booming in Chiang Mai with roasters using locally sourced beans to entice consumers to concepts like the ‘original’ coffee seller operating from his mobile outlet on a motorcycle, to one on an old trishaw or another, brewing from a VW Kombi. While none offers the all-important wi-fi, more formal local coffeeshops like Wawee, Doi Tung and Doi Chaang do.
The city’s trendiest shopping precinct is Nimmanahaeminda Street (or Nimman) to the west of the downtown. Restaurants and bars add to the fun and it’s my suggestion to visit Nimman in the late afternoon and continue shopping into the early evening to make the most of the boutiques, spas, restaurants, cafés and bars. Take time out at Café Kantary@Kantary Terrace, Eatery or Yesterday Brew (brewing coffee and micro-brewed beer).
CULINARY DELIGHTS
Food provides one of the great joys for holidaying in Thailand and the experience in the north is especially rewarding, as there are many delicacies. The food is cheap, accessible,uniquely Thai and most importantly, Instagrammable! Local Chiang Mai dishes to enjoy in iconic restaurants such as Huen Phen include naem sausages and khao soi noodles.
Fresh fruit like durian, lychee, pomelo, strawberries and passionfruit thrive in the cool north and are sold in the markets and used by chefs in many dishes.
Galare Food Centre at the famous Night Market has stalls serving Thai, Chinese and Indian dishes. There is an area nearby serving halal food along what is called Halal Street.
STYLISH SHOPPING
Shopping is another reason for travellers to spend a few days in Chiang Mai. Situated at a crossroads, Chiang Mai markets offer the best from northern Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Yunnan. Chiang Mai is recognised as a UNESCO City of Creativity for Craft and Folk Art.
Its Night Market along Chang Khan Road is the place to purchase jewellery, lacquerware, celadon and fabrics. The market was once the place to obtain hill tribe handicrafts but mass-produced souvenirs dominate these days with the real deal only available in a few antique shops.
There are two main ‘walking street’ markets offering a more creative selection of goods than the Night Market. On Saturday night, the market extends along Wualai Road while on Sunday; a bigger market extends along Rachadamnoen Road.
The road to Sankampaeng, once lined with artisans producing handicrafts, is now dominated by large factory outlets mostly catering to tourists. Baan Tawai was originally a wood carving village but is now lined with large furniture, interiors and antiques stores.
RESTFUL RETREAT
There are many accommodation options in downtown Chiang Mai but visitors need to be aware that the streets are becoming crowded and traffic jams more regular. To appreciate the rural surroundings of the city, head for the hills to enjoy a tranquil setting after a hectic time in the historic city centre. The Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai MGallery is set amongst tea gardens with a backdrop of cloud-enshrouded hills.
With just 69 rooms, guests feel like they have the place all to themselves. There are some pool villas with their own private pool while the main pool has spectacular mountain views. The resort has a spa and for the finest local Lanna cuisine with contemporary flair, Rabiang Cha Restaurant set amongst rice and tea terraces, is the perfect location for a relaxing dinner.
Chiang Mai is forever evolving before the eyes of young visitors. Visit the city and lift your head out of your device long enough to realise that the real thing is playing out on the streets right before your very eyes.
TRAVEL FILE
Getting There
Various airlines fly direct to Chiang Mai.
Where to Stay
Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai MGallery fully encapsulates the essence of old Chiang Mai with a rural setting and yet close enough to all the action of the city’s historic downtown.
Contact
ABOUT DAVID BOWDEN
David Bowden is a freelance journalist based in Malaysia, specialising in travel and the environment. While Australian, he has been living in Asia longer than he can remember, and returns to his home country as a tourist. When not travelling the world, he enjoys relaxing with his equally adventurous wife Maria and daughter Zoe. He is the author of Enchanting Borneo, Enchanting Malaysia and Enchanting Singapore. Also in this series, you will find Enchanting Vietnam, Enchanting Penang, Enchanting Indonesia, and Enchanting Langkawi.
