
The Lanna Legacy: Serenity Amidst Chiang Mai's Historic Walls
For three blissful weeks, Chiang Mai became our home, a welcome change after two weeks of island hopping and beach towns packed with tourists. We started our stay in the walled Old Quarter, soaking in the milder climate and truly local feel. It was wonderful to slow down, just appreciating the ancient temples and the rhythm of daily life within those historic walls.
After a week, we moved to Nimman, a hip neighborhood of Chiang Mai, eager to dive deeper into the local scene. This neighborhood was a food lover's dream! We explored countless Thai and Chinese fusion restaurants. We shopped like locals, hunted for unique finds, and became addicted to the sweet, creamy milk iced teas sold on every corner.
Our weekends often led us to the Northgate Jazz Bar. The live music was fantastic, and my husband, a drummer, even got up for a few open mic nights. Beyond the city, we took day trips to Pai, a charming village town set in the most picturesque valley. We also visited an umbrella-making village, a fascinating glimpse into local craftsmanship, and explored the region's largest jewelry and gem market, where we found plenty of souvenirs to bring home. The restaurants and bars across the Ping River offered a wonderfully scenic and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.