Chiang Mai, the city of 300 temples
Every Sunday, at sunset, chiang mai becomes.
That is when the streets of the old city are closed to traffic, countless tourists and Thais conquer the space and the atmosphere becomes most festive: It's market day.
And it's not because in chiang mai there are no multitude of them daily, what's up. In fact, we can convincingly state that paradise for street market lovers is here. But on Sundays, what can we say… They are special.
As soon as we enter the long avenue of Ratchadamnoen, Once one of the old gates of the city has been crossed, stalls with all kinds of handicrafts and knick-knacks take over the streets. Here prices are announced, shouted, haggled over and, once agreed, paid. The best way to return home loaded with memories. This is pure local immersion, hey.
Wat Phra Singh, home to the most revered Buddha in all of Chiang Mai
Music is also present, of course: artists and street musicians liven up the roost. But there is something even more important : food . To the hubbub of the market are added the street stalls, which follow each other one after another by dozens. The exotic smells permeate everything. Unpronounceable proposals made with ingredients never seen before make hunger take over us and inevitably we try everything that we fancy. There is no doubt: ** Thailand is the paradise of _ street food ._**
Considered the second largest city in Thailand, Chiang Mai was founded by King Mengrai in the 13th century as the capital of the Lanna kingdom. . And this, when choosing the place, could not have more eye: the landscape that surrounds it, formed by the mountains of northern Thailand -between Mount Doi Suthep and the Ping River -, it's just amazing.
But if there is something that convinces about this city on any other aspect -besides its markets- it is its overwhelming monumental offer. And when we use this adjective, believe us, we do it with all of the law: Chiang Mai has more than 300 holy temples scattered throughout its streets and is considered the center of Buddhism in northern Thailand. There is nothing.
Wat Chedi Luang
And it is not that we are going to visit the 300, calm down. But yes, willing to tour the city to soak up its essence, why not start with its most mystical side? Many of the temples are located in its historic center, a square delimited by the old walls and the city moat. One of them is the Wat Phra Singh , where is it located the most revered Buddha in all of Chiang Mai.
The smoke of the incense of the offerings, the prayers murmured aloud, the atmosphere of respect shown by all the faithful… Everything helps us to immediately connect with the place. We will take the surprise –or fright, that is…- when we run into some monk figures already deceased life-size so realistic that we will doubt at all times whether they are real people or not.
around the temple, the gardens invite you to stroll. It will probably surprise us, but it will be quite normal for some group of novices to approach us eager to talk: their purpose is to practice English and we are a very easy target. A golden opportunity to discover the open and hospitable nature of the Thai people and, why not, take advantage of and take an interest in What is life like in a monastery?
And from temple to temple, which is what it touches! We visited one of our favourites: Wat Chedi Luang . And we do not know if it is because of its grandeur or its beauty, but what we are clear about is that this place has something special.
Wat Phan Tao
Although today it is half in ruins -it is believed that due to an earthquake-, contemplating the immense and imposing chedi, probably the tallest building in ancient Chiang Mai, leaves you speechless.
It is also wonderful Wat Phan Tao , a former royal residence converted into one of Chiang Mai's treasures: a temple built entirely of teak wood. And, once outside the ancient city, the Wat Sri Suphan , whose prayer room built entirely in silver is the only one of its kind in the whole country. A curiosity? Talks with monks and meditation classes are organized here.
Wat Sri Suphan
But if there is a must-see temple in Chiang Mai, that is the one that takes us to the top of Mount Doi Suthep: the Wat Doi Suthep . Getting to him means a tuc-tuc ride combined with a songthaew ride -Vans used for public transport-. Once at the top, you have to go up again: this time the 306 steps flanked by two dragon-shaped railings.
Many of the faithful come here attracted by the relic of Buddha that is kept inside his chedi. Although we, sincerely, are left with the peace that is breathed in its patios and with the incredible views of Chiang Mai that are obtained from them. . Fabulous!
And once we have paid our respects to all the Buddha figures we have had occasion to see, it is time to pay our respects to our appetite. It's already getting hungry! The ethnic diversity in these parts is also reflected in its gastronomy , and restaurants where you can try traditional dishes from all over the country proliferate in every corner of the city.
Wat Doi Suthep
A great idea is to get closer to Nimmanhaemin Road, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Chiang Mai. In addition to restaurants with cuisines from all over the world, here we will also find art galleries, cafes, original shops and the most Instagrammable corners.
We, however, keep a classic: at the Lemongrass Thai Restaurant we taste the best of the best of thai cuisine . In this cozy place, always overflowing with people, it is worth arriving early or, failing that, arm yourself with patience: the waiting list is usually long. Pull the traditional pad thai or one of its delicious spicy soups it will be a hit. At the end, one more detail: we cannot leave without leaving our signature on the walls of the premises. Quite a custom.
Another somewhat more elegant culinary option is David's Kitchen. At the base of this business, three names: David , London businessman based in Thailand, prom , a Thai cook -and David's wife-, and the Chef O , tanned in the best kitchens in the country and capable of preparing the most exquisite recipes based on veal. The restaurant, located in a beautiful country house 10 minutes from the center of Chiang Mai, brings the rest of the charm to this beautiful project.
One of the best kitchens in the country
But if there is a really nice project in Chiang Mai, it is the one that takes place in the Massage Center of the Women's Prison. In a small wooden building surrounded by gardens next to the prison, the prisoners, who previously have been trained in this blessed Thai art, They offer body and foot massages at a more than competitive price.
It is a reintegration plan so that those women who are about to serve their sentence have a profession when they are released. Massage rooms are common, with elegant tables and a very relaxed atmosphere. An experience -we promise- of 10.
But Chiang Mai is a lively, enthusiastic and cheerful city. And that is perceived just by walking through its streets, yes, but if it is in one of its night markets and with a Singha -read, one of the most popular beers in the country- in hand, better than better.
Life in Chiang Mai is done at night
And, at this point, two proposals that cannot be missed. On the one hand, a walk to the traditional Night Market : a multi-storey building in which the souvenir shops and boutiques, antique dealers and artisans They share space and offer their products together with the most varied restoration businesses. If you weren't lucky enough to find souvenirs to take home at the Sunday market, don't worry, this is the perfect place!
On the other hand, the ** Ploen Ruedee Night Market **, a most attractive outdoor space that represents the coolest atmosphere in the city. In it, food trucks of all kinds surround a central square with tables and benches made from piles of hay. An original and transgressive corner where you can enjoy live music and in which to share the best of experiences with other travelers and locals.
After the visit, we have no doubt: Chiang Mai is special. And the best farewell we could have for her is celebrated here.
chiangmai night market