Chiang Khong… check! Chiang Rai… double check! Let’s see what Chiang Mai had in store for me. A bustling northern capital, far different from what I’d expected. Google Chiang Rai and you’ll see something just like this…

Queue another typical snack-filled, awkward guitar positioned journey…

I couldn’t have been more surprised when what I turned up to wasn’t so much tranquil lakes, rolling hills and temples, but a huge, bustling city. Yes, it was a return to fond memories of dodging taxis!

Waking the next morning to a gorgeous sunrise I checked out the local area and got a few errands in – big shout out to Don’s Barbers Shop!

I also saw some familiar shops on my travels around the city…

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Now moving on from spotting surprise Tescos outlets, one of the biggest reasons for backpackers flocking to Chiang Mai on their passage through Southeast Asia is a day trip to see elephants close up at one of the sanctuaries. I’d had this on my mind since arriving on the continent, and spent hours one day looking for an office that takes on volunteers to no avail (turned out they closed and moved this office without letting anyone know) but at least it gave me a reason to see a little more of the city.

After getting lost countless times I finally made it back to my hostel, Stamps Backpackers. I loved the vibe here, the staff were so friendly, and I spent countless hours in Chiang Mai sat on bean bags playing music with new friends. I had so much fun in fact that I don’t have any photos! 😛 my bad!

The rooms are simple at Stamps because nice enough, with your own little sleeping pod and a privacy curtain. Doesn’t sound much but it’s more than you get in many places, and for £6 a night I couldn’t complain!

I never made it too the elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai but was all too happy to push forward in my Thai adventure to the wonders of Pai. I’d heard incredible reviews of the town, which rarely extended beyond ‘oh are you backpacking? You have GOT to go to Pai’. To be honest with all the freedom I could ask for, plenty of time… and hearing that phrase about a hundred times, it was enough to persuade me.

I’ll say this now, Pai is with doubt one of top top places I’ve been to on my travels, so do watch out for the next post!