Chiang Mai, Thailand
Welcome to Thailand!
After a hop skip and a jump from Bali we have made it to Chang Mai, Thailand. Arriving in the evening we didn't have a chance to see much the first night, but immediately loved our location and hotel at the Log Home Boutique. The first morning we were surprised to see how quiet the streets were. Yes, still busy, but we were expecting it to be similar to a Chicago city with large sky scrapers. Along the roads are cafes, restaurants, hotels, laundry services and a lot of tourist hubs for activities. We have a total of 11 nights in this location, which seems to be needed.
Our first day was spent wandering around the old city. We stopped at the famous east Phae Gate, which was built to protect the city from the Burmese invasion and was the main entrance for monks, traders, and diplomats if they were to enter into Chiang Mai back in the day. There are eight gates around the city each having a symbolic meaning and the Phae Gate only a few blocks from our hotel symbolizes prosperity. Most festivals or significant ceremonies are held or begin at this gate, which is where we were able to experience the famous Chiang Mai Flower Festival.
We were lucky enough to meet Sara, Jesse's friend from college and her boyfriend Adam.
Something you literally can't miss are the temples. You can see temples every few blocks. Sadly, we have not been as lucky with tour guides here so we still have a bit of learning on symbolism, but a large majority of the people practice Buddhism and Hindu. We decided to venture out on a scooter to get out of town and see the Wat Phra That temple, which was located about an hour from our hotel. Something to note is that you can rent a scooter for about 200 Bhat ($7) a day, but you must have an international drivers license. The police are constantly doing check points and if you don't have a license you are fined 500 Baht ($15), but can continue to ride for 3 days. So basically a way to make some extra cash. OR you can get lucky like we did, not understand what the check point was for and just keep going with no fine:)
Each night on the east side of town you can experience the large night markets. Buying pretty much anything you could want souvenir wise. However, the famous market is held on Sunday evenings. We highly recommend trying a Roti, which is a crepe with banana and Nutella!
Of course you have to get a Thai massage in Thailand. Some may know that I really enjoy massages and have been lucky enough to drag Jesse along with me on past vacations. Since they're so cheap I figured it may might not be what you experience in the US, but I am sure nevertheless relaxing. I enjoy deep tissue massages and although a bit uncomfortable in the moment, pleasant later. Jesse however, enjoys the light rub, music, scents and a cup of tea at the end. Well that is not a Thai massage.... I could hear him moaning in pain and tears almost rolling down his eyes once it finished. When the woman exited the room he sat up with his head in his hands and said, "never again". After that one I think Jesse is over the spa experience with me.
Culturally a few things we have learned:
1. You want to dress appropriately if you plan on doing a tour. Plan on bringing a scarf or something to cover your shoulders or legs if you are wearing shorts. As most temples will not let you in.
2. Thai people are very polite. They do not show much emotion and expect you to do the same. Even if you feel angry or mad it is very rude to show it.
3. Take your shoes off in someone's home or in sometimes shops and always in Temples.
4. You are not allowed to display the Buddha head as a decor piece. Although local markets will sell it to you it is actually illegal to bring it home to the US and is considered very disrespectful in the Thai culture.
5. Thai Wai is where you bow your head and put your hands in prayer. It is considered to be a hello, goodbye or thank you!
The next few days will be spent in Chiang Mai then we will head to southern Thailand in Krabi!
After a hop skip and a jump from Bali we have made it to Chang Mai, Thailand. Arriving in the evening we didn't have a chance to see much the first night, but immediately loved our location and hotel at the Log Home Boutique. The first morning we were surprised to see how quiet the streets were. Yes, still busy, but we were expecting it to be similar to a Chicago city with large sky scrapers. Along the roads are cafes, restaurants, hotels, laundry services and a lot of tourist hubs for activities. We have a total of 11 nights in this location, which seems to be needed.
Our first day was spent wandering around the old city. We stopped at the famous east Phae Gate, which was built to protect the city from the Burmese invasion and was the main entrance for monks, traders, and diplomats if they were to enter into Chiang Mai back in the day. There are eight gates around the city each having a symbolic meaning and the Phae Gate only a few blocks from our hotel symbolizes prosperity. Most festivals or significant ceremonies are held or begin at this gate, which is where we were able to experience the famous Chiang Mai Flower Festival.
Something you literally can't miss are the temples. You can see temples every few blocks. Sadly, we have not been as lucky with tour guides here so we still have a bit of learning on symbolism, but a large majority of the people practice Buddhism and Hindu. We decided to venture out on a scooter to get out of town and see the Wat Phra That temple, which was located about an hour from our hotel. Something to note is that you can rent a scooter for about 200 Bhat ($7) a day, but you must have an international drivers license. The police are constantly doing check points and if you don't have a license you are fined 500 Baht ($15), but can continue to ride for 3 days. So basically a way to make some extra cash. OR you can get lucky like we did, not understand what the check point was for and just keep going with no fine:)
Of course you have to get a Thai massage in Thailand. Some may know that I really enjoy massages and have been lucky enough to drag Jesse along with me on past vacations. Since they're so cheap I figured it may might not be what you experience in the US, but I am sure nevertheless relaxing. I enjoy deep tissue massages and although a bit uncomfortable in the moment, pleasant later. Jesse however, enjoys the light rub, music, scents and a cup of tea at the end. Well that is not a Thai massage.... I could hear him moaning in pain and tears almost rolling down his eyes once it finished. When the woman exited the room he sat up with his head in his hands and said, "never again". After that one I think Jesse is over the spa experience with me.
Culturally a few things we have learned:
1. You want to dress appropriately if you plan on doing a tour. Plan on bringing a scarf or something to cover your shoulders or legs if you are wearing shorts. As most temples will not let you in.
2. Thai people are very polite. They do not show much emotion and expect you to do the same. Even if you feel angry or mad it is very rude to show it.
3. Take your shoes off in someone's home or in sometimes shops and always in Temples.
4. You are not allowed to display the Buddha head as a decor piece. Although local markets will sell it to you it is actually illegal to bring it home to the US and is considered very disrespectful in the Thai culture.
5. Thai Wai is where you bow your head and put your hands in prayer. It is considered to be a hello, goodbye or thank you!
The next few days will be spent in Chiang Mai then we will head to southern Thailand in Krabi!
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