Family Adventure in Chiang Mai

A Golden Start to Our Chiang Mai Adventure

After a long journey from Berlin, with a layover in Bangkok, touching down in Chiang Mai felt like stepping into another world. The air was warm and thick with the scent of exotic flowers, a welcome change from the Berlin winter. Today was all about diving headfirst into what makes Chiang Mai special – its temples, its wildlife, and its vibrant culture. And of course, sharing it all with Klara and Naomi made it even better.

Our first stop was the majestic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The drive up the mountain was an adventure in itself, with winding roads offering glimpses of the lush landscape. As we climbed higher, the air grew cooler, a refreshing change. Naomi was fascinated by the red songthaews zipping past, each one packed with tourists eager to reach the temple.

Reaching the base of the temple, we faced the Naga Staircase – all 309 steps of it! I took a deep breath, Klara gave me an encouraging smile, and Naomi, ever the ball of energy, started bounding up the steps. The intricate carvings of the mythical Nagas lining the staircase were captivating, and the climb was a good workout, even for a well-built Jamaican like myself. Of course, there was also the option to take a cable car, but where's the fun in that?

At the top, the golden chedi of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep glittered in the sunlight, a truly breathtaking sight. The temple was bustling with activity – monks chanting, locals praying, and tourists snapping photos. Naomi was mesmerized by the intricate details of the temple, the colorful decorations, and the panoramic view of Chiang Mai spread out below us. We lit incense, made our offerings, and took a moment to soak in the spiritual atmosphere.


Discover the spiritual heart of Chiang Mai at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a stunning temple with breathtaking views and rich cultural heritage.

Sometimes, the most beautiful journeys are the ones taken with the people you love, discovering new wonders together.

After the serene experience at Doi Suthep, it was time for something a bit more wild – the Chiang Mai Zoo. Now, I'm not always the biggest fan of zoos, as I prefer to see animals in their natural habitat. But Naomi was excited, and I have to admit, seeing her face light up at the sight of the animals made it worthwhile. The zoo is quite large, and we hopped on a tram to get around. We saw everything from elephants and zebras to giraffes and tigers. The highlight, of course, was the panda enclosure. Linping, the panda, was a sight to behold, munching on bamboo with an air of zen-like calm. Naomi was absolutely thrilled, and even Klara, who's usually more interested in architecture than animals, was impressed.


Explore Chiang Mai Zoo, a captivating destination showcasing diverse wildlife amidst lush surroundings in the heart of Thailand.

I have to say, though, the zoo felt a bit… fragmented. It felt like everything cost extra once inside. Still, seeing Naomi's excitement made it worth it. Plus, it gave me some ideas for some new dishes at Yaad Vibes, maybe a panda-shaped dumpling or two?

By lunchtime, we were famished. We headed to Tikky Cafe for a bite. This place was a real find! Tucked away in a quiet corner, it had a charming, open-air setting with lush greenery and a relaxing vibe. The menu was extensive, with a wide range of Thai dishes, and the staff was incredibly friendly. I went for the Tom Yum soup, Klara opted for the Papaya Salad, and Naomi, surprisingly, chose the Mango Chicken. The food was delicious, bursting with authentic Thai flavors, and the prices were very reasonable. Definitely a spot I'd recommend to anyone visiting Chiang Mai.


Discover authentic Thai flavors at Tikky Cafe in Chiang Mai - where every dish tells a story.

With our bellies full, we decided to do some shopping. ChiangmaiCotton was our next stop, a store known for its high-quality cotton products. Klara was in her element, browsing through the racks of colorful fabrics and clothing. Naomi found a cute elephant-print dress, and I picked up a couple of comfortable shirts. I even found some interesting fabrics that could work as decoration in my restaurant. Supporting local businesses is always a good feeling, and the quality of the products was top-notch.


Explore ChiangmaiCotton: A treasure trove of authentic Thai textiles and vibrant cotton clothing in the heart of Chiang Mai.

As evening approached, we made our way to The Good View Bar & Restaurant Chiang Mai for dinner. Located right on the Ping River, this place offered stunning views and a lively atmosphere. The menu was extensive, with a mix of Thai and Western dishes, and the prices were reasonable. We ordered a selection of Thai dishes to share, including Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Massaman Curry. The food was good, but the real highlight was the live music. A local band played a mix of Thai and Western pop songs, creating a fun and energetic vibe. The staff were friendly, and the service was excellent. It was the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of exploring.


Discover authentic Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine at The Good View Bar & Restaurant in Chiang Mai—where delightful flavors meet stunning riverside views.

After dinner, while Klara and Naomi headed back to the hotel for some much needed rest, I decided to check out the local nightlife. I ventured to Boy Blues Bar, a small, open-air bar located in the Kalare Night Market. This place was a hidden gem! The bar was packed with locals and tourists, all enjoying the live blues music. The band was fantastic, playing a mix of classic blues tunes and original compositions. The atmosphere was laid-back and friendly, and the drinks were cheap. I struck up a conversation with a local who told me all about the Chiang Mai music scene. I even got to jam with the band for a couple of songs! It was a fantastic experience, and I didn't get back to the hotel until late.


Experience the pulse of Chiang Mai at Boy Blues Bar, where soulful blues melodies and a lively atmosphere await every night.

Today was an incredible introduction to Chiang Mai. From the spiritual heights of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to the wild wonders of the Chiang Mai Zoo, and the smooth blues of Boy Blues Bar, every moment was filled with new experiences and unforgettable memories. Sharing it all with Klara and Naomi made it even more special. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. We're planning to explore Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan and the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre. And who knows, maybe we'll find another hidden gem along the way. I think we'll do some shopping at Rojana Art & Souvenirs tomorrow too, and maybe have dinner at B Samcook Home16.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get some sleep. Tomorrow is another day of adventure in Chiang Mai!

Oh, and I almost forgot! I realised I left the mosquito repellent and portable phone charger back in Berlin. Lesson learned: always double-check the essentials list, even if you think you've got it covered! Better make sure to get these items tomorrow.