As of writing this article I have stayed here in Chiang Mai for over a year and I don't want to leave. I don't consider myself a hardcore traveler simply because I enjoy the comfort of staying in one place that I already enjoy a lot. That doesn't mean that I believe in living only in your comfort zone.
So how do you actually enjoy this place? Do you go out at night and get wasted or do you get up with the summer sun and fully immerse yourself in an intense workout?
Here is a list of 5 things you can do to live blissfully in this place:
1.Ride your bike early every morning
In case you're wondering where this photo was captured it's just before the temple on Doi Suthep. There is nothing like a solid session on the bike before your day starts to get you primed for the rest of it. Yeah that's me on the right and yes it was hurting quite a lot. Most people don't really consider that you can experience a place far more wholesomely when you ride your bike. Why? Because you feel the terrain and you are more immersed in your surroundings. The humble bike will get you fit, healthy, skipping traffic and save you heaps of cash.
2.Try the dozens of vegan restaurants that this place has to offer
Being vegan is great for you, the animals and the planet. It tastes great too. The burger in this picture is the mushroom burger from Reform Kafé and it is pretty much my favorite thing to eat. Don't even think about it, just go there and order it! Chiang Mai has many other fantastic vegan/vegetarian places like the vegetarian food court at Maya mall, Imm Aim Vegetarian And Bike Café, Blue Diamond, Vegan Heaven and another favorite of mine Home J. If you're like me and you like pizza, cinnamon rolls, croissants, hotdogs, burgers, curries and noodle soup then you will love these places.
3.Durian buffet
Yes I know more food but hear me out alright. Durian is a fucking amazing fruit and is worth a category of its own on this list. You can smash the local buffets here for anywhere from 200 to 400 baht or 6 to 12 dollars for an hour to an hour and a half of feasting! Just make sure you go there hungry and ready to devour like an animal to get much more than your money's worth.
4.Tube Trek
Tube trek is situated just a few kilometres out of the city and it’s a great place to go if you’re looking for some fun with friends for the day. I’d say the main attraction is the conical water slide where up to 4 people can have an adrenaline fix. Another notable slide is the narrow red tube which has impressive velocity and a nice loop to add to the thrills. It’s not the cheapest place to go to as foreigners pay double (1200 baht or 37$) but it’s definitely worth it as a one day adventure.
5.Happy ending massage
I had to give this one a try because I’ve always heard of people talk about the happy ending massages in Thailand. This one is for the men so if you’re a chick you’ll do just fine with a regular relaxing deep tissue massage. In my experience it’s super relaxing especially after a hard week of training. This will cost you anywhere from 500 to 1000 (16 to 31$). Find yourself a girl at the shop that you like and have a fun chat during the massage to make it a more enjoyable experience. I recommend Ann at Sang Samrit Massage if you are too lazy to search.
I trust that you found this list interesting and unique and that you will enjoy the awesome things that Chiang Mai has to offer for the sober adventurer. This is by no means a complete list as there are dozens of other activities you can do in and around Chiang Mai if you get creative. Stop reading this article and book your flight ticket.