Family Adventure in Chiang Mai

A Day of Reflection and Flavors

Today in Chiang Mai was a beautiful blend of ancient history, spiritual reflection, and, of course, incredible food. From exploring the weathered ruins of a once-towering chedi to wandering through peaceful forest temples, every moment felt like a step deeper into the heart of Thai culture. And let's not forget the food – each meal was a delightful journey through the rich and diverse flavors of Northern Thailand.

Our day began, as it often does, with the promise of good food. We headed to Madame Koh Fun Dining for breakfast. The name itself is intriguing, and the experience lived up to it. The restaurant had a modern, stylish vibe, a departure from the traditional Thai decor I'm used to, but welcoming nonetheless. The menu was a fusion of Chinese and Malaysian influences, and I decided to try their take on Khao Soi. It was a fantastic choice! The creamy coconut curry broth was rich and flavorful, and the perfectly cooked noodles had just the right amount of bite. Naomi, ever the adventurous eater, surprised us by devouring a plate of fried rice. Klara opted for a lighter option, a duck salad, which she raved about. Fueled up and ready to explore, we set off for our first temple of the day: Wat Chedi Luang.


Discover the serene beauty and rich history of Wat Chedi Luang, a majestic Buddhist temple at the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Wat Chedi Luang, also known as the 'Grand Stupa,' is located in the heart of Chiang Mai. As we approached, the sheer scale of the ancient chedi was breathtaking. Even in its partially ruined state, after the earthquake centuries ago, it still stood tall and majestic. The temple grounds were expansive, with various assembly halls and chapels scattered around. We wandered through the park-like setting, taking in the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorned the buildings. The towering chedi, a testament to the rich history of the Lanna Kingdom, was a sight to behold. It was originally built in the 14th century, and once housed the Emerald Buddha. Though the original is now in Bangkok, a jade replica sits in its place. The kids were fascinated by the elephant statues guarding the base of the chedi, and Naomi even tried to count them all!

To travel is to take a journey into yourself.

After soaking in the grandeur of Wat Chedi Luang, we sought a different kind of spiritual experience at Wat Umong Suan Putthatham. This temple, nestled in a tranquil forest setting, offered a serene escape from the bustling city.


Experience the serene beauty of Wat Umong Suan Putthatham, a historic Buddhist temple offering tranquility and rich spiritual heritage in Chiang Mai.
Wat Umong, which translates to 'Tunnel Temple,' is known for its unique network of ancient tunnels built into a man-made mound. These tunnels were originally designed as a place for monks to meditate in peace and quiet. Walking through the cool, dark tunnels, I could feel a sense of calm wash over me. The air was thick with the scent of incense, and the only sounds were the soft echoes of our footsteps. Naomi was a bit apprehensive at first, but she soon got into the spirit of exploration, pointing out the ancient murals that adorned the walls.

The grounds of Wat Umong were just as captivating as the tunnels. We strolled through the wooded area, admiring the lush greenery and the peaceful atmosphere. There's a large pond where you can feed the fish, turtles, and ducks. Naomi loved this, of course, and we spent a good half-hour tossing breadcrumbs into the water and watching the animals scramble for a bite. The temple is also known for its 'talking trees,' which have words of wisdom written on them in both Thai and English. I found myself pausing to read each one, contemplating the simple yet profound messages. It was a truly unique and enriching experience.

All that exploring worked up an appetite, so we headed to Parc Thai Eatery for lunch.


Experience authentic Thai flavors at Parc Thai Eatery in Chiang Mai – where tradition meets taste in every dish.
This restaurant, recommended by a fellow foodie, promised a modern twist on classic Thai dishes. The restaurant was beautifully decorated, with a blend of traditional and contemporary elements. The menu was filled with intriguing options, and it was hard to choose just a few dishes. We started with the stuffed mackerel, which was deboned and had the meat marinated. For the main course, I opted for the duck confit massaman, Klara ordered the pla too yatsai hor mok, and Naomi had the grilled chicken. Every dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. It was clear that the chef had a passion for using fresh, local ingredients, and the innovative combinations were a delight to the senses. Parc Thai Eatery definitely lived up to its reputation, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and memorable dining experience.

Before dinner, we decided to do some shopping. We stopped by Mainiji.Everyday Craft Shop, a charming little store that features handmade crafts and goods.


Discover the charm of Thai craftsmanship at Mainiji Everyday Craft Shop, your go-to destination for unique clothing and accessories in Chiang Mai.
I was hoping to find some unique souvenirs to take back home to Berlin. The shop was filled with all sorts of interesting items, from handwoven textiles to intricately carved wooden sculptures. Klara found a beautiful silk scarf that she absolutely loved, and I picked up a few small gifts for friends and family. Naomi, of course, gravitated towards the colorful toys and trinkets. It was a nice way to support local artisans and find something special to remember our trip by.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Paak Dang Riverside Restaurant for dinner.


Discover delicious Thai cuisine and live music at Paak Dang Riverside Restaurant, where every meal is a celebration by the river.
This restaurant, located along the Ping River, offered stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. Paak Dang is known for its commitment to giving back to the community, providing employment and training to less privileged individuals from neighboring villages and hill tribes. Knowing that we were supporting such a worthy cause made the meal even more enjoyable. The menu featured a mix of traditional Thai dishes and international favorites, and we decided to try a little bit of everything. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. The staff was friendly and attentive, and they went out of their way to make us feel welcome. As we sat there, enjoying our meal and watching the boats glide along the river, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

Tomorrow, we're planning to venture a bit further outside of Chiang Mai to Wat Phra That Doi Kham, also known as the Temple of the Golden Mountain, and Khun Chang Khian to explore the natural beauty of the area. And, if we have time, we might just check out the THC Rooftop bar for a nightcap. Can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow brings!

Today was more than just a day of sightseeing and eating; it was a day of connecting with the culture and community of Chiang Mai. It's these kinds of experiences that make traveling so rewarding. And it's these kinds of memories that I'll cherish long after we've returned to our cozy apartment in Prenzlauer Berg. Ya mon, Chiang Mai is truly a special place!