Chiang Mai

We flew to Chiang Mai, about 700 km north of Bangkok, and the second largest city in Thailand. Chiang Mai was founded in 1296, and was once the capital of Lanna, one of the founding kingdoms of Siam. There is some interesting history here, including over 300 temples. The coolest thing here is the Old Town area, the geographical center of Chiang Mai city which was originally surrounded by a tall city wall and a 20 meter wide water-filled moat. Some remnants of the ancient brick wall still remain. 

Like I mentioned, northern Thailand has had unusually high rains and experienced some of the worst flooding it’s had in over 30 years. Specifically the Ping River, which winds through all of Chiang Mai. We delayed coming here a good week or so, but water levels receded and cleanup has mostly been completed here now. There is still evidence of the flooding - large piles of garbage and furniture from homes that were flooded, and some streets still have a layer of mud.  

True to fashion, we’ve already walked a zillion steps around Chiang Mai. 

Two things that are just next level here are pigeons and rats, haha! 🐀🐦‍⬛

Regarding the pigeons, I tried to get that video of a hilarious business scheme that some locals Thai’s do. They sprinkle down some rice on the ground so all the pigeons come land close by you. Then as you walk through, they make a loud noise to scare the pigeons so they’re all flying up, as they take your picture or video. They charge a couple dollars and keep busy doing this for tourists all day long. It makes us laugh, these Thai people are always hustlin’.

We also went to a Muay Thai fight and it was an extremely different cultural experience. There was about 11 fights of varying levels and genders. Mostly Thai fighters but a few foreigners (from China, Belgium, France, and US).  What I personally loved the most was before the fight began, Thai fighters would do a very calm ritual - bowing at each corner of the ring and in the middle, stretching, posing, etc. It seemed so calm and methodical and almost religious? in a way. Definitely not the way westerners hype themselves up for a boxing match. They are a very humble people and it shows in situations like this. 

At the end of each match, it’s customary for each fighter to cross the ring to the opposing fighter’s corner. They bow to the opposing ring coach, and the coach in turn gives them a drink of water. It happened after every single fight and it was just a touching gesture to me. 

We have a few fun plans coming up, including temples and elephants! Until then, stay humble 🙏🏻