Chiang Mai: Sticky Rice, Stray Cats, and a Whole Lotta Humidity
okay, so i’m back. Chiang Mai. Wow. Just…wow. I’m still peeling sunscreen off my nose and trying to remember what a dry climate feels like. I just checked and it's clinging to everything like a damp hug - twenty-six point something degrees, feels like twenty-six point two, and the air is thick enough to chew. Seriously. Seventy-six percent humidity. My hair is currently staging a full-blown rebellion.
I’m a touring session drummer, you see. Usually, I’m bouncing between soundchecks and smoky clubs, chasing the next gig. This was supposed to be a break. A chance to, like, breathe. Turns out, breathing in Chiang Mai is a workout in itself. But honestly? I wouldn’t trade it.
I spent most of my time wandering around the *Old City, getting delightfully lost in the maze of tiny streets. The temples are… intense. Like, seriously ornate. Wat Chedi Luang is a must-see, obviously. But I also stumbled upon a bunch of smaller ones, tucked away behind walls covered in bougainvillea. Pure magic. I even managed to snag a ridiculously cheap Thai massage - seriously, like, twenty bucks for an hour. My back is thanking me.
Food. Oh, the food. I ate my weight in pad thai and mango sticky rice. Seriously, I think I’m 50% sticky rice now. I found this amazing little street food stall near the Night Bazaar - you can find it on Yelp if you search for “Auntie’s Noodles” - and I swear, I went back every night. Someone told me that Auntie’s secret ingredient is a pinch of palm sugar and a whole lotta love. I’m not kidding. It’s that good. Check out TripAdvisor for more reviews: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g298313-Chiang_Mai.html.
I also spent a day at an elephant sanctuary. I did my research and went with one that actually seemed to prioritize the elephants’ well-being - Elephant Nature Park is the gold standard, apparently. It was… emotional. Seeing those gentle giants up close was incredible. Just remember to do your homework before you go anywhere. Don’t support places that exploit them.
Speaking of locals… if you get bored, Lampang and Lamphun are just a short drive away. I didn’t make it out there this time, but I heard that Lampang has some really cool pottery workshops. I’m already planning my return trip.
I overheard some drunk tourists complaining about the heat and the mosquitos. Honestly? I kind of loved it. It felt… real. Raw. Like I was actually experiencing something, you know? Plus, the stray cats are everywhere. Seriously, they own the place. I spent a good hour just watching a ginger cat nap in a doorway. Pure bliss.
One thing a local warned me about: be careful crossing the street. Motorbikes come out of nowhere. Like, really* nowhere. Keep your eyes peeled and don’t be afraid to just stand your ground.
I’m already missing the chaos, the smells, the sounds… everything. Chiang Mai, you were something else. I’m off to find a dehumidifier and a very large cup of coffee. You can find more info about the city here: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/chiang-mai. And if you're looking for a place to stay, check out this local forum: https://www.chiangmaicity.com/forum/.
Okay, gotta go. My hair is staging a full-blown revolt, part two.