A very early start, with the train morning announcement coming at 5.30am.
From there we were required to vacate our ‘beds’ and within 15mins the whole train was converted back to normal seating.
By 7.15am we arrived at Chiangmai station and within seconds we were hit by the mountain heat. Thankfully there were minibuses waiting for us and we were at the hotel for check-in by 8am.
The 320 steps up to the entrance of Doi Suthep temple whilst steep, were made that bit more challenging as a result of just 3hrs sleep and the intense 36c sun. Fortunately talking to other members of the group helped to distract us and we made it to the entrance without stopping/collapsing…
The temple building are revered in this part of Northern Thailand and sit at one of the highest peaks in the area. Despite the steep climb up we were impressed to see a few walkers and cyclists battling up to the summit.
At the entrance to the temple was one of the ‘guards’ decorated in finery with offerings sitting at its feet. As ever the colours are so vivid and you can’t help but marvel at their vibrancy.
Adjacent to the entrance was a jackfruit tree, with the ooh so massive fruit that sits precariously on the main trunk. The size and weight of these fruits are such that if you were in the wrong place at the wrong time they would surely severely injure, if not kill you if they landed on your head!
It’s hard not to get a little complacent when visiting Thai temples day after day. Each are so magnificent, but you do become accustomed to seeing them and going on your way. We are trying to fight this response.
The temple was blessed with an array of Buddhas and gold painted temples. We were also greeted by one of the monks who said a blessing to us both along with the local Thai people, a truly fantastic experience.
Post the temple walk it was time to relax and refuel. Andy decided to get a strawberry smoothie which he proceeded to slurp all the way back to the hotel!
This afternoon we had the opportunity to catch up with some missed sleep from the train journey last night, but Andy decided to get his miles in with a run along the streets of Chiangmai.
After doing some washing and a little more chillaxing, we headed out later afternoon and found a great coffee shop. So good to have a decent flat white and macchiato with some juicy biscuits, just the right treat before our evening out at the night market.
At 6.30pm we headed out with the tour group for dinner at one of the street markets and indulged in some Thai and Indian snack food. Wow was it good and so reasonable priced – we love Thailand!
Michelle and Claire, one of the girls on our tour decided to try roasted crickets as a ‘desert’ and fair do’s they are a decent number. It’s the future of healthy and sustainable food we’re told!!
Tomorrow we are off on a walking tour around this beautiful over city and will be meeting a monk to hear all about his life. Hopefully we will sneak in a Thai massage too.
@travellingwiththeateam 