I'll be honest when I say I had low expectations for Thailand. After the Philippines I didn't think anything could get better. I wouldn't say I was wrong, but I'm enjoying myself more than anticipated (which is why I'm still here.)
I first arrived in Krabi for New Years, and met with some wonderful couchsurfing friends. Krabi is a super touristy town, something that I don't enjoy for too long, so I was pleased to head to Bangkok. After a few fun days there, and a nice stomach bug, I decided to go elsewhere. There's plenty of options, and Bangkok is a wonderful hub to move around from. With bus options to anywhere, and the train as well (seriously... you can take it to Singapore) I was spoiled for choice. Wanting to remain in Thailand I decided my next location; Chiang Mai.
There's a few options to get to Chiang Mai, the best (for me) is the train. With numerous departures, the 12-17 hour trip is not for the faint hearted. Having waited till the day of to buy tickets, all the remained was a seat in third class w/ fan. Well, in theory with a fan... ours wasn't working. The windows opened, and at around 6:20 P.M. We departed. The heat is exhausting at first, but come bedtime (good luck sleeping) you get quite cold. Everyone shuts their windows, and I hear the sleepers with AC are ridiculous cold. If I went again, I would plan better and get a sleeper with a fan, second class, and lower bunk. If interested, check out the wonderful Seat61 for all things train travel. Sleep all night, and watch the sun rise for the last few hours of your journey.
Upon arrival, leaving the train station is as hectic as you'll imagine so it's best to walk a few steps before even beginning to look for things. I sat down for a bite across the street before I started to look for hostels. Outside the station is all hustling Tuk Tuk drivers and people really after your money.
Being the more adventurous type (read:cheap idiot) I decided to take the 5 km walk with my pack into town. [Old] Chiang Mai is basically a big square, with gates on two ends. Learn the geography easily via motorbike, bicycle, or foot. Most everything is located in and around the square. With night markets every night, flea markets on fridays, and weekend night markets, Chiang Mai has all your purchases covered.
As far as food goes; Khao Soi. Khao Soi. Khao Soi. Just do it. In the healthy choices options, there's a myriad of smoothie shops and cafes who take their arts very seriously. Beyond my favorite is Khun Kae's Juice Bar. To begin with, at 40 baht its already cheaper than most the smoothie shops. But the combos they have made me feel at home, and you can add spirulina for 15 baht, turmeric for free, amongst other things. My routine lately has been to go for a run there at 10:30 A.M. For th "L" with Spirulina. Avocado, banana, coconut, ginger, lime... mmmm. Hold on, gotta grab one before I finish this.
For me, I need some quiet and I've spent a few days here just to recharge. Within 3 hours each direction you have Pai, the backpackers paradise. The other way is Chiang Rai and it's famous white temple. Also there's an airport here and I will be heading to Kuala Lampoor from here in just a few days. I still haven't adventured out and this has been my burnout haven, but if partying is your thing there's a nice set of bars all around town. I think the common routine is coffee and yoga, khunkae's for breakfast, then partying all night. Depends on what your jam is, but I just love walking around the town everyday.
All this is without even covering the beautiful Wats, Doi Suthep, the holiest Wat in Thailand which is surrounded by waterfalls and a national park. Seriously, a day in itself could be spent there. Chiang Mai also has its own Grand Canyon! I love Chiang Mai, and it's been a wonderful place to regroup and recharge. I found a lovely little hostel (Bamboo's) right near the bustling party town, and for a private room in only spending 149 baht; not to mention the owner is the sweetest person on the planet.
Did I mention there's a cafe called... Yolo Cafe? What are you waiting for; come to Chiang Mai!