The flight to Chiang Mai was only about an hour or so, and with the pollution (well actually smoke) in the air, not much to see along the way. We found out that this time of year is known for inversions that trap the smoke from all the burning going on in Myanmar (Burma) nearby. And we also found - thanks Google - that Chiang Mai was actually the worst air quality on earth for a few days this March. So, people are wearing masks - but it has nothing to do with the Rona (thank goodness).

We checked in to the Le Meridian (points nights again - book 4, get the 5th night free), which was located right in the heart of the Night Market area. A great place to walk and look for trinkets, and try not to overload your already full suitcase.

The staff at the hotel were incredible. The concierge, named Man, came to meet us at the airport. The housekeepers were amazing with Ning making us a new towel animal every day - sometimes using accessories we had left sitting on the table. And the lounge here was awesome - a great free perk for us from all our business travel days. A full buffet breakfast each day, and an amazing appetizer buffet with free drinks each evening. This is a huge help when you are trying to stretch the budget, for sure! The hotel was in the middle of a major renovation, and after being here we definitely want to come back to see how it all turns out.

On our first day here we did another Guruwalk. A great way to visit some of the incredible temples, try some local food, and learn a bit about the city from a local. We started at the monument to the Three Kings that were instrumental to the development of this city and the country.

One of the most amazing temples was the Wat Chedi Luang. Built in the 14th century it is amazing to see the remaining few Elephants that surrounded the structure. An earthquake in the 16th century collapsed much of the structure, but it remains an impressive site.

This Guruwalk was great. Only thing we wish we had done was to book the morning walk instead of the 2:00 PM, as it was about 88 degrees with a 70% humidity factor. It was cookin’ hot! Back to the AC in the hotel and some appetizers (and wine), before we head out again to the night market, and to look for a massage. Which is not hard to find here - probably half a dozen places on every block, with chirps of “massage, massage” as you walk by each one. The key is finding good quality, clean and priced right.

A one hour foot and shoulder massage for 200-300 baht ($6-$9) is common and we found a couple good places near the hotel. We also decided to do a “Spa Day” with 3 hours at a high end place - about 3,500 baht ($120) - a waste - no need. We found a better place close by with 2 hours for 900 baht ($26) that was incredible. Of course I had to put my shoulder back in its socket after this true Thai massage, but it was great!

Time for a day tour - we did a full day tour that took us to and through Doi Inthanon National Park. Beautiful waterfalls were the first stop, and then to a small “Karen” village to try their coffee and tea (fabulous by the way). The Karen - real name is Kayin- tribes are varied and came to Thailand after being persecuted in Burma. There are many different tribes with the most noted being the “Longnecks” (which we will visit later). They are mostly Christian, and from what we experienced, they are wonderful loving people.

After lunch in the Karen village, we headed up to the top of the mountain - the highest point in Thailand at 8,415 ft. It was beautiful here - I.e. - 20 degrees cooler than the city! We went on a nice little hike/walk, and then stopped on the way back down to visit the “Phra Mahathat” In honor of the 60th birthdays of the King and Queen (not sure if I even got a cake!). Incredible structures housing ancient Buddhist artifacts, the two structures are stunning, as are the gardens all around.

After getting back to the hotel to see our latest towel animal, enjoy a glass of wine, and go for another massage, it was time to really get cookin’ in Chiang Mai.

We signed up for a wonderful Thai Cooking class on our final full day here. What a great class. We spent the first hour or so visiting a local market, tasting some ant larvae, and a few other delicacies (the food of the future, so they say). Then to the school. Really well set up - for maybe a maximum 20 people, everyone had their own cooking station, and we could choose an appetizer, soup and main, while also sharing in a few other items on a group basis. Great mix of people from various countries and backgrounds, a family or two, etc.

The cooking class was a great way to end our stay here. We of course will come back - we did the math - the savings on massages and the “free” food and drinks must offset the airfare costs, right???

Hope everyone is enjoying a bit of Spring, and have a wonderful Easter.

All the best,

Tim & Eileen