After our somewhat interesting evening in Phitsanulok, we were eager to jump in our van and head back to Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai has always been our favorite spot in Thailand. The combination of a comfortable climate, mountain scenery, a vibrant walled city, and a central location to so many outdoor activities makes it nearly perfect.
In addition, it is only a couple of hours to fly to the islands or other countries in SE Asia, making it an ideal location to use as a base for the region. The large number of expats and remote workers, for better or worse, has brought some changes to the city in the form of more international restaurants and amenities than when we were last there.
We had been looking forward to using a variety of transportation options in the country, and our day from Phitlok to Chiang Mai was about enjoying the comfort of a private van. We had gone through 12Goasia once again. Their website is a joy to use, making it easy to look at all transportation options.
We arrived in town on a fabulous Sunday and checked into our adorable guest house. Awana House is just the type of spot we love to call home for a bit; colorful, friendly, and centrally located. We had rooms with mosquito netting, ensuite bathrooms, and small balconies. The top floor has a large lounge area and some outdoor lounge chairs, and in the lobby there is a somewhat frigid small swimming pool, as well as chairs to hang out and play cards or enjoy a beer.
Located just within the Thaphae Gate, it proved a spectacular location to explore the inner walls as well as arrange tours further afield.
Our first stop….lunch! We headed out to the main street and wandered a few blocks, sadly finding many spots closed on Sunday. No worries, there is always something open in town, and we enjoyed our first lunch in this delightful city featuring the normal noodle bowls and spring rolls, but also a delightful chicken wrapped in banana leaves and baked. Heaven.
Sunday night, the Awana House is also right next to the beginning of the Sunday Night Walking Market on Rachadamnoen Road, a perfect arrival experience.
We ate and shopped our way up and down the market street for hours, sampling new delicacies and finding some unique art and jewelry.
We got foot massages and people watched, and ended the night with a bottle of wine near the entrance to our street.
A wonderful beginning to a week in Chiang Mai.