During my travel experience I have always been getting some information about Chiang Mai. Especially information from various travel blogs which were related usually to digital nomads or from travelers from many different countries which I met, had mentioned this amazing city . For those who don’t know what digital nomad means – it’s kind of work style, in simple way it’s somebody who is traveling and working at the same time. It doesn’t matter it's as a freelancer or if somebody is working for some huge international company the point is, to able to manage to be always flexible, effective and good issues solver anywhere in the world. Well, not entirely everywhere. Few conditions are needed as to be on right place as digital nomad. At first you need some country with good services, if internet sucks then you will be not able to perform job which you have to and that's problem. Another important thing is to find relatively cheap country which include two important things - accommodation, food. And as last thing is safety. Yes, in the world are many places where everything can be more affordable but unfortunately just few of them are relatively safe. Various popular places for digital nomads are available in East and Southeast Asia as Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia or Indonesia and even more expensive South Korea.
I returned back to Siam Kingdom gladly again. After time spent in Europe I missed Thai food, weather… and just to be there. This time I was planning visit Chiang Mai as other travelers had recommended me. City located in north of Thailand closer to Myanmar and not directly to China borders. To east you can find another famous city Chiang Rai not far from Laos’s borders.
Chiang Mai is very old city with specific square and center in shape of square which is originated back to 13th century. In past the square was surrounded by huge walls but unfortunately today just few fractal of walls remained. One the most important part of wall is located on main square of Chiang Mai where many important actions and festivals are happening. This city is far different from chaotic, hectic and huge Bangkok. Chiang Mai conserve many elements of Thai culture and old structures, especially very historically important temples.
I visited very nice temple with beautiful view named Wat Phra That Doi. The temple is located west, close to Chiang Mai in big mountains surrounded by jungle.
In Chiang Mai are many amazing thing to do. Do you want to spend some time with elephants? No problem! With plenty different tours available you can ride on them, clean and brush them and spent even some time together with these intelligent animals. Or they can paint pictures for you. Yes, I have seen a lot of picture painted by elephants! There are able to paint for example flowers or some figures and many other things. It’s amazing that they are actually self-aware animals which is very rare attribute for animal generaly. Next attraction you can go to reservation to check out tigers, if you want even you can go into cage personally meet them face to face. Well, not directly face to face that’s actually thing which you should not do at all because it can be lethal! I am not fan of this tour especially after I have seen it on my own eyes, lot of tigers locked up in small cages in not good living conditions. Of course there is more! Cobra’s exhibition, monkeys and big orchid farm too. It just depend what you prefer more.
What I really liked in Chiang Mai was cheap food and accommodation. To pay for main meal 1$ it just sounds unbelievable. Accommodation with A/C, good internet and private toilet for 160$ per month it’s just another perfect thing and advantage for stay in the city longer. Before my visa were going to expire I have decided to travel to Laos for 14 days. I have heard about great option, trip with boat through downstream on Mekong river to city Luang Prabang so I grabed my small backpack and went to Laos. It took two days to get there and it was really spectacular! Laos was of the most adventurous place I have ever visited. But about it I will write next time