Same but different
We left Bangkok on the day train to Chiang Mai and arrived after a slightly delayed 11h journey ready for dinner. Of course we had to try the northern Thai speciality Khao Soi which lived up to the hype.
Chiang Mai has quite a temple density, many more than one would expect in this relatively small town, hence we spent our first full day exploring on foot. When in Chiang Mai, a visit to Chiang Rai and its white, blue and black temples/houses is obligatory and definitely worth it, despite the rather long and, due to roadworks, bumpy drive.
Last but not least, we came across the first exhibitions of the upcoming flower festival and visited the stunning Doi Suthep pagoda, including a panoramic view of Chiang Mai by night.
Chiang Mai temple blue