Chiang Mai, Thailand

In Chiang Mai we stayed near the Tha Phae gate. It was walking distance to go to the Sunday market and the night market. These markets were very different from the night markets in Krabi. Rather than selling just food as in Krabi these markets sold primarily souvenirs, crafts, clothing, etc with a few carts selling waffles, etc but with very little options for food that would constitute a meal.

Decorated soaps at the Sunday Market, Chiang Mai, Thailand

 The Sunday market gets CROWDED. Streets are closed down to car traffic multiple blocks up from the Tha Phae gate. Clothing is cheaper here than elsewhere in Thailand. Unfortunately Thai clothing doesn't fit me so well and the stands rarely let you try anything on. Prices are negotiable and walking away will typically get you a lower price if you are nice about it. Say sorry it is to much, I would pay this, thank you and then walk away.  If it is something you really want and it doesn't work then go back for it later. Prices also get lower the later in the night it is. If you go to the market early it might not be as negotiable as right before the stands are closing.

Sunday Market, Chiang Mai, Thailand

I was very sad that the clothing doesn't really fit me since they have such colourful and lovely patterns in their clothing. A basic t-shirt with a design costs about 100TB ($4 CAN) which is equivalent to many of the stores in Chaing Mai. The traditional clothing is a thicker material (more durable but also warmer), costs more but can come with embroidered designs rather than dyed cotton. I didn't spend as much money at the market as I expected. It was nice to walk around and see everything but there was not much I actually wanted.

The city has some parks and green space that do appear to be suitable for reptiles but sadly the only snake I found was dead. The first lizard I found was in the tight grip of a house cat but I managed to save a large skink from its captor.  It just sat in the grass stunned for a while I held the cat. It eventually did get its bearings again and ran into a crack in the nearest wall.

Skink

 It was a great pleasure to finally see the gorgeous Red-whiskered Bulbuls outside of cages. In the south of Thailand these birds were frequently kept in captivity but int he north they are incredibly common and free.

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Just above Chiang Mai in the mountains was Wat Pha Lat. This was my favorite temple yet! It was simple without the bright decorations seen in the cities but rather an ancient beauty and wonder from weathered rock and moss amidst the greenery. Some buildings were new but there was also a lot of older statues and small shrines. The temple had a nice trail going down the mountain towards the city. There might be other trails but the only one I found was a one-way trail. It goes along the small creek at some points and takes you higher on the slopes at others. At least two species of frogs were calling from the water and we found a garden lizard but nothing really new or spectacular. I imagine the area was really in need of rain to liven the mood and make wildlife really active. The forest here is somewhat older but still appears to have been influenced by logging or tee cutting.

Garden Lizard

 From Chiang Mai we went on a tour with Elephant Nature Park. They are regarded as one of the elephant sanctuaries where elephants from logging trade or begging on the streets are taken up to the mountains where they can live in a more relaxed wild setting. This is funded by tourists and volunteers who want to see the elephants.

A tour consists of return transportation from Chiang Mai to the location of your choice (they have multiple locations but the main location books up quickly so you need to reserve far in advance), a vegetarian lunch, feeding the elephants and walking with the elephants up to a mud pit where they get a mud bath and then walking back down to the river where you can swim and splash around with them.

You don't get to ride the elephants Asian Elephant

Asian Elephant

Asian Elephant

You don't get to ride the elephants but they do very much enjoy a snack and frequently ask for food on the walk since you are given a sac of it for them. The tour is very enjoyable and although I can only comment on the one experience, the animals appear to be very well treated. Elephants are incredibly stunning animals and this was a great way to see them and support local efforts for removing these creatures from strenuous and abusive work conditions.