Chapter 19 - Chiang Mai - a retrospective

Chiang Mai is the ancient Northern Capital of Thailand and was originally a large square moated and walled city. It has a number of truely fantastic wats including Wat Chiang Man which is said to be some 700 years old and is packed full of some beautiful towers and spires. It also contains what the Lonely Planet describes as two "important" Budhas, one made of jade and one of stone. They may be important but as they are about 10cm high they are seriously disappointing as an experience.

Chiang Mai is famous for its markets and in particular its night markets which are a) huge and b) sell almost anything. The main memory of them has to be the constant frog noise as Karen women walk up and down the street trying to sell you little wooden frogs that make a noise quite a lot like a frog. Of course the boys bought one for the sole purpose of using it to denote beer o'clock - once the frogs start they start.

It is also a big centre for trekking and almost all the travellers who end up there head off into the hills and mountains of northern Thailand for a few days, as already noted our heroes managed one day.

In short Chiang Mai offers everything that Bangkok offers except in a much calmer and laid back setting. It is to be recommended.