Chiang Mai is an absolute haven for yogis, vegans, and vegetarian foodies. If you’re a little bit of a hippie at heart, you’ll totally fall in love and never want to leave! Old City was definitely my favorite and I chose to spend most of my time there. Like the name suggests, Old City is a bit more authentic and culture centered compared to the more modern parts of Chiang Mai. You’re not going to find any big hotels or a Starbucks here. Instead, expect to find quirky shops, loads of street art, open-air yoga studios hidden away in old homes, restaurants on top of restaurants and magnificent temples right alongside it all. You can easily spend all your time in Old City exploring the winding lanes and popping in and out of the never-ending cafes and juice bars. And whats wrong with that?

Think of Old City as a giant square with a moat around it. And when I say giant, I mean small. The area is super manageable and finding your way around is relatively easy. Remember to use the GPS on your google maps! You don’t need wifi or data on your phone to access your current location and figure out your way.

To Do

Simply wandering down the many streets and taking in the sites can keep you busy all day. And it’s also a great way to find places you may want to check out later, whether it’s a cooking class or a cool looking shop. Exploring the streets is always the best way to get a feel for your surroundings. Take a walk over to the Thapae Gate and see one of the four entrances into the Old City. If you happen to be in town on a Sunday, take advangtage of the Sunday Night Walking Street Market, which is located right next to Thapae Gate. It starts around 16:00 and goes until around midnight. This was one of my favorite experiences in Chiang Mai. You can find loads of handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, everything you didnt realize you needed. It is definitely a bit crowded, but there's lots of goodies and the energy is just awesome! Don't forget to bargain for everything as well. Just keep in mind that these vendors work hard and are trying to support their families- so try to avoid low balling. You don't want to insult them. If you haven't taken a tuk-tuk yet, it is definitely a must while you're in Thailand. And what better place than Chiang Mai! Tuk-tuks tend to cost more than a songthaew or taxi, so if you're watching your spending, once for the experience is enough. There are loads of places throughout Old City to get a Thai Massage as well! Depending on the package you prefer, you can expect to pay 5-9 US dollars for an hour long massage. Don't forget to tip your masseuse! :) If cooking interests you, you can book a cooking class as well. There are quite a few schools to choose from and they typically offer half day or full day courses. I went to  Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School and definitely recommend it. 

Temples 

Inside the square, you can find a crazy amount of temples, some famous and easy to spot and others not so famous, but just as captivating. The three main temples in Old City are Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Man and Wat Phra Singh. Known for its giant chedi and Naga flanked staircases, Wat Chedi Luang measured a height of 85 meters and a width of 44 meters at the time of its construction in 1441. It was the largest and most impressive structure in Chiang Mai. It was also home to the Emerald Buddha that now resides on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The architecture of Wat Chedi Luang was built in classic Lanna style, but has become a bit of a ruin after an earthquake in 1545. Attempts have been made to restore the temple, but it still remains unfinished. Built in 1297, Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. In addition to housing the oldest Buddha statue in the Lanna Kingdom, Wat Chiang Man is also home to two additional significant Buddhas. One, known as the "Crystal Buddha" with a height of 10 cm tall and made from clear quartz, and the other, Phra Sila, a stone stele of Buddha taming an elephant. Together, these two Buddhas are known as the Palladium statues of Chiang Mai and hold protective powers. Wat Phra Singh is probably the most magnificent temple of the three. It's a great example of classical Lanna architecture and is currently used as the learning centre for young monks. The temple is home to the Phra Singh Buddha, which translates to Lion Buddha, and where the temple gets its name from.

Food

The restaurants in Chiang Mai are incredible! And if you're vegan or vegetarian, you're in luck! The amount of vegan friendly cafes and juice bars everywhere will blow your mind. If you prefer meat-heavy dishes, you'll be equally impressed though. Everything is so fresh and full of flavor you'll contemplate staying just for the food. Whether you're eating meat or not, khao soi is the first meal you need to order. It's a traditional Northern Thailand dish that will blow away your taste buds for sure! Basically a soup flavored with yellow curry and coconut milk, khao soi is served with boiled noodles and topped with fried noodles. It's typically made with chicken and beef, but you can absolutely find it not only vegetarian, but also vegan in a lot of restaurants. I'm telling you, vegan paradise! Taste From Heaven is an awesome place to go if you're looking for a vegetarian khao soi. I definitely wasn't disappointed! Khun Kae's is a well known place to go for juices and smoothies. It's located on Soi 7 and easy to miss when you're walking by. The menu is awesome with a huge selection of superfood combos- and all for reasonable prices! I recommend trying one of the many smoothie bowls they have. And if you think of yourself as a smoothie bowl connoisseur, head up to Free Bird Cafe as well. I had one of the most magical bowls that I will never forget here. Unlike Khun Kae's, Free Bird is more of a cafe with a full menu and indoor seating. And by indoor seating, I mean they are what westerners would consider a normal cafe. Khun Kae's is more of a typical Thai spot with an open-air aspect and hole in the wall feel.

Yoga

If you’re a yogi- doesn’t matter what level you are- you will love Chiang Mai. Studios are throughout the city and some are tucked away with only a small, easy to miss sign. This definitely makes finding some of the studios an experience in itself- I thought it added to the fun though! A lot of studios tend to only have a morning class and an evening class, but places like The Yoga Tree offer a couple more classes throughout the day. (Keep in mind that Thailand is much cooler in the mornings and evenings though, so avoiding daytime yoga may be in your favor.) The Yoga Tree studio is awesome by the way. I loved attending their restorative classes in the evening. It was such a relaxing way to wind down after spending all day exploring in the heat. The Yoga Tree also has a volunteering program. Help out with maintenance and cleaning in exchange for room, board and yoga! What could be better? Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to take advantage of this since I planned my trip pretty last minute and they didn't have the extra space. I do hope to make it work in the future though! Wild Rose Yoga Studio is also worth checking out! It was actually my favorite and I can't wait to go back. The studio itself is small but awesome. It's situated inside an old teak house tucked away down a tiny lane. The windows are wide open, creating an open-air concept and making you both grateful for the flow of fresh air and resentful of the stagnant Thailand heat. Like most studios in Chiang Mai, classes are scheduled for an hour and a half, however, my class ended up running two hours. TWO HOURS OF YOGA. I'm still unsure if I felt elated or dead afterward. That may be the same feeling though. Either way, it was amazing. It was a challenging class that pushed me and had me both excited and exhausted. And that's a win in my book. The instructor was badass and I really can't recommend the studio enough. Hidden House Yoga is another studio I feel is worthy of a visit! In addition to two classes a day, they also offer 45 minute morning meditation every other day of the week. Their schedule consists of a variety of styles, including yin, hatha, and vinyasa, which is always nice if you're looking to change it up. I took a structural alignment class when I attended. We worked with props and like the class indicates, we focused on proper alignment in certain postures. Although it's not an everyday class for me, I love checking in on my practice and working on strengthening fundamental poses.

Whether you plan on doing a bunch of day trips out of Chiang Mai or just getting to know the city really well, I definitely recommend staying in Old City. There are loads of hostels and guest houses that range in price and comfort that will fit exactly what you’re looking for!

If you’re looking for a more detailed itinerary, feel free to check out 24 Hours in Chiang Mai. Have fun! 

Planning a Thai Island vacation can be overwhelming, no doubt. There are loads of islands to choose from and they all offer something a little bit different and unique. If you only have a week though and you’re trying to get in as much as you can while hitting up some well known spots, I recommend three destinations: Krabi, Phi Phi, and Phuket. Places such as Railey Beach, Tiger Cave, Maya Bay, and Phuket’s Big Buddha can all be crossed off your list with this trip. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling alone or with others, you’re bound to have a great time and feel fulfilled on your Thai adventure.

On the map, Krabi, Phi Phi, and Phuket create an upside-down triangle: Krabi to the east, Phuket to the west and Phi Phi right in the middle to the south. Whether starting in either Krabi or Phuket, you want to do a loop before heading back to Bangkok or wherever else your travels may take you. I recommend flying into Krabi first and ending with Phuket, but compare your prices and see which one may make sense for you.

Krabi

Krabi is not actually an island, but instead a part of mainland Thailand. You can easily fly into Krabi from Bangkok for as low as 15 USD. There are different areas to choose from on
where to stay, but I recommend Ao Nang for this itinerary. It’s a big tourist area, which isn’t always my favorite, buttttt it provides a great location for taking advantage of your time in Krabi. Check out GLOW for hotel accommodations. It’s just up the road a bit from the main beach street and right next to the Ao Nang Night Market. The hotel itself is gorgeous and has great amenities including a pool, onsite bar, fitness center and a great breakfast in the morning. Super affordable as well.

Your first day in Krabi will be spent at Railey Beach! So throw on your suit, eat breakfast, and head down to the beach to catch a longtail boat. Tickets can be purchased at a booth right off the main road at Ao Nang Beach. You may have to wait a few minutes since the boats like to fill up before heading out. The ride only takes about 15 minutes though, so you’ll be there in no time. Once you arrive at Railey Beach, you’ll immediately realize why it’s one of Thailand’s must-see destinations and a great place to start your Thai excursion. The scenery is gorgeous with beautiful limestone cliffs framing either side of the beach. Spend the day soaking in rays, indulging in coconut shakes and just relaxing. If you’re looking for adventure instead, go and explore! There are other beaches to check out and loads of activities. You can head over to Phra Nang Beach and scope out Princess Cave or end up in Ton Sai for some rock climbing. Don’t forget to look into kayaking as well.

The longtail boats typically head back to Ao Nang before sunset, so make sure to catch one of them back! If you plan to stay later or end up missing the boat, expect to pay higher rates. Once you get back, you can freshen up at the hotel and then check out the Ao Nang night market. The market is on the smaller side, but it has all you need. Spend some time hopping around and sampling all the goods. When you can’t eat anymore, wobble your way back to the hotel and collapse in one of the lounge chairs by the pool and relax.

Day 2 in Krabi 

Instead of your bathing suit today, lace up your sneakers and grab a couple water bottles. Tiger Cave is a Buddhist temple about a half hour away by car or motorbike. You can find a taxi or motorbike rental place down the main beach street in town. The grounds have a few places worth scoping out, but the main draw is the 1,237 steps to the top of the mountain. It will have you sweating and wishing you had made today another beach day, but it’s totally worth it- I promise! A giant Buddha awaits you at the top and the view is absolutely incredible. After spending some time catching your breath and taking in the view, make your way back down and reward yourself with a coconut ice pop from one of the many shops. If you rented a motorbike, you can explore the surrounding areas before ending back to Ao Nang. Otherwise, jump back in your taxi and shoot back to town.

Enjoy the rest of your afternoon hopping between shops, lounging on Ao Nang Beach or simply relaxing. For dinner, The Hilltop Ao Nang is the place to go! The restaurant sits up on the hilltop (in case you didn’t put that together) and looks out over Ao Nang and the Andaman Sea. Make an early reservation to watch the sunset, it’s simply incredible. Sip on crisp white wine paired with your favorite seafood dish as the sun sparkles down on the water and the sky projects a deep hue of orange. The limestone cliffs emerging throughout the water far into the distance just add to the breathtaking site. The Hilltop Ao Nang also has a shuttle that will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel free of charge. Considering all the walking you did earlier at Tiger Cave, you may want to skip the uphill walk and opt for the free ride.

Phi Phi

The next morning, catch a ferry to Phi Phi. Make sure to have an idea of the ferry schedule and maybe even have tickets ahead of time. Some ferries have transfer vans that will pick you up at your hotel, which is definitely helpful. The ride is about 2 hours but goes by quickly. Take advantage of the top deck outside space for some rays and incredible views.

The main island of Phi Phi is divided into two islands with a strip of land connecting them. This is where all the shops, restaurants and bars are located. Once arriving in Phi Phi, the ferry will spit you out at Tonsai pier, which is right in the middle of it all. Depending on where you decide to stay, someone from your hotel may meet you at the pier, throw your bags in a push wagon and guide you back to the hotel. Papaya Phi Phi Resort is a great spot to stay and is a bit back from the craziness of Phi Phi’s nightlife. It sits up the hill a little bit, which is great for views of the island and a glimpse of the water, but this also means lots of stairs! I loved it, but if you’re thinking, “…oh no…” maybe book elsewhere.

Once you get settled, slip into your bathing suit and grab a bite to eat at Garlic 1992. It’s a little gem right in the middle of the touristy madness. Here, you will find delicious Thai dishes and super sweet service. The portion sizes are great and so are the prices! Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the streets, popping in and out of shops and then heading over to Loh Dalum Beach. This beach is on the opposite side of where the ferry dropped you. The beach inlet is surrounded by limestone cliffs and has shallow waters, making it perfect for basking in a gorgeous setting and remembering how beautiful life is. Although the beach is not littered with bars and restaurants, there are some beachside places you can definitely find if you’re thinking a cocktail would be the perfect addition to your day.

In the evening, head over to Hippies Beach Restaurant for seafood, live music, and a fire show. They have a full menu of food and drinks and even offer cocktail buckets. Pick out your own seafood and have it cooked up to your liking. The atmosphere is super chill and it’s nice to just hang out and relax. A fire show in Phi Phi is a must see so getting to enjoy one during your meal is a huge plus!

Day 2 in Phi Phi

In the morning head over to the Phi Phi viewpoint 1. Its actually not far from Papaya Phi Phi Resort. The steps will feel like a breeze after Tiger Cave! For a small fee, you not only get access to the viewpoint, but you can also wander the garden and even lounge in one of their hammocks. The immediate view is awesome, but it’s really just a taste of what’s to come if you continue up the path. Once you reach the top, you’ll look down on all of Phi Phi and out to the other side of the island, giving you a great view of both bays on either side. Hang out on the rocks and enjoy the view for as long as you want. There’s even a snack bar type place alongside the viewpoint that sells a variety of snacks and drinks.

By early afternoon, head down to the pier for your boating excursion. My friends and I chose to book a booze cruise, which obviously specialized in consuming classy beverages in an elegant style… Er, maybe it was shooting questionable beverages in a hysterical style? Either way, you have options at the pier, so don’t think you’re stuck booking a
booze cruise and nursing a hangover on your ferry the next day. These boating excursions will cruise you around to different islands and beaches, allowing you to see much more than just Phi Phi. I recommend booking ahead of time. This will just make the entire experience more enjoyable and you won’t have to waste valuable time hopping around and trying to choose a day trip that may or may not be available due to booking last minute.

For those interested in the booze cruise, we reserved spots on Captain Bob’s Booze Cruise. You can either choose a sailboat or a speedboat. We chose the latter. The day starts at the pier and then a beachfront bar for some pregaming. Next, the group is brought over to the boat and the excursion begins! Maya Bay, made famous by the movie The Beach, starring Leonardo Dicaprio, and Monkey Island are two of the stops on the cruise. Most the excursions from Phi Phi hit up these two spots, so expect loads of other people and boats lined up. You don’t have a crazy amount of time at either, but it’s still nice to see each place. The boat also anchors a couple times in deeper water to allow you to swim alongside the limestone cliffs. You can also snorkel or try your hand at stand up paddleboarding. After quite a few drinks though, neither was my forte. But maybe you’ll have better luck! The boat returns at 7PM and you head back to the same beachfront bar for the after party. Hang out and booze with unlimited drinks and enjoy the rest of your night.

Phuket

Depending on your condition after last night’s shenanigans, you may want to take a later ferry to Phuket. This is totally up to you. The ferry is about 2 hours to Phuket and although the schedule may shift a bit, there tends to be one in the morning and two in the afternoon. The afternoon ferries are great because they not only give you time to relax and sleep in, but they also give you time to enjoy one last beach day in Phi Phi and get you into Phuket after typical check-in times. You can arrange transportation to your hotel while on the ferry, which I definitely recommend. When you get off the ferry, cab drivers are everywhere and it’s super hectic. Arranging your car through the ferry allows you to skip over the mess of comparing taxi fares and trying to bargain with anyone. The prices through the ferry arent much more either. So it’s definitely worth it!

Have your arranged transportation take you to Patong Beach. There are loads of different areas to stay in and although Patong is really touristy, it’s also a good location for everything you need for your two days. Burasari Phuket is an incredible hotel with a prime location near the beach and I can’t recommend it enough. The amenities are amazing and I would go back just to spend hours eating their breakfast buffet and floating in their gorgeous pool! After you get situated at the hotel, hop in the pool or explore the area a bit. The beach is a two-minute walk from the hotel, and Bangla Rd, known for its nightlife is only a few streets down. For dinner, hit up Sea Hag for some delicious and super fresh seafood.

Day 2 in Phuket

Today you’re renting a motorbike/scooter and heading out to explore. Before leaving the hotel though, book yourself a massage for the afternoon when you get back. It’s your last night and not only are you probably exhausted and looking forward to relaxing but you’re also in Thailand and in desperate need of that Thai massage before you go! The hotel has an incredible spa, but there are also tons of massage places around town, including next door.

Once your massage is booked, head over to the beach with your passport. You don’t have to walk far before stumbling upon a man renting motorbikes and/or scooters on the side of the road. Hand over your passport (yes, I know this is a terrifying thought, but all rental places do it) and the payment and its that easy! Make sure to take photos of the condition the bike is in and where the gas is before taking off. Plug Big Buddha into Google Maps and off you go! If you don’t have data on your phone, no worries! Have Big Buddha pinned and use google maps like an old-school map, figuring out your way road by road. Sounds tedious, but its really not. You can easily pull off to the side of the road during your ride to check your location and make sure you’re on the right track. Having someone on the back of your bike gets you off the hook entirely, though. They have no other choice but to become your GPS and direct you. 

The ride to Big Buddha is about an hour and so much fun. The site is situated at the very top of the Nakkerd Hills, so its not particularly the safest ride. There are loads of steep uphill, downhill, and twisty turns. If you aren’t an experienced rider or aren’t feeling confident, just opt for a taxi instead. Having the bike though gives you the freedom to stop along the way and take your time exploring different areas. Once you arrive at Big Buddha, park the bike and head in! If you aren’t dressed appropriately, there’s a stand at the entrance that lets you borrow scarfs to throw over your shoulders or wrap around your waist. It doesn’t cost anything to rent these, but you should consider giving a donation. Youll walk past some vendors set up and come across the Meditation Hall, where you may see monks meditating or chanting. Continue on around the bend and you’ve reached your destination! Sitting at 148 feet tall and made of Burmese alabaster, the Big Buddha is incredible! Walk up the wide, white staircase (FYI-it was not handicap accessible when I was there) leading up to the Buddha and turn around for the view. You’ll look out onto the rest of the island and to Kata Bay- it’s absolutely stunning. You can spend some time wandering the grounds before heading back down the mountain. Definitely take advantage of one (or more) of the many cafes along the road on your way down. Most of them offer great views and who can say no to some Thai spring rolls or a fresh smoothie?

From the Nakkerd Hills, head to Karon Viewpoint, the last stop of your trip! the viewpoint isn’t overly exciting, but the ride is nice and allows you to see more of the REAL Thailand instead of all the touristy beach spots you’ve been visiting on your trip. Getting to Karon Viewpoint from the Big Buddha will take you about 30 minutes. The drive takes you down the east side of Phuket, closer to where the ferry dropped you and loops up and around. From the viewpoint, driving back to Patong Beach will be about 25 minutes- the ride is mostly along the shoreline, which is beautiful. Once you get back to Patong, drop off the bike, (don’t forget your passport!) and head back to the hotel for your massage appointment.

After your massage, you may be wanting to chill and spend the rest of your evening relaxing by the pool. If this doesn’t sound like you, throw on some clothes and grab a cab to Patong Sunset View Restaurant for… you guessed it, the sunset! The view is incredible and its the perfect way to end your Thai Island vacation!

Traveling just brings out the best in people. You’re in a new place, feeling good, trying new food, life is just perfect. And when you feel good, you project that. Maybe that's why making friends while traveling is so much easier than at home (at least for me). I’m sure it also has something to do with finding companionship while in a new place, but I like to think of it as good energies being drawn to each other. But anyway, I made a friend in Chiang Mai and we spent the next day hanging out and exploring together. Not only did we have a pretty fun day, but it was actually super productive as well.

Whether you’re passing through Chiang Mai and only have a day to explore orrrr you’re just looking for a fun, productive day in the city, this day itinerary is just for you! This plan is great if you’re staying in the Old City, but can work even if you’re staying elsewhere.

If you don’t have time to read the article, here’s the short list:

To Do / See:

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

• Thai Massage

• Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School

• Night Bazaar

• Chiang Mai Cabaret

Where to Eat / Drink:

• Blue Diamond

• Clay Studio

• Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School

MORNING

Wake up and start your day with breakfast and coffee! I met my friend, Suzanne at Blue Diamond, located in the top right corner of Old City. The cafe is super cute and opens at  7AM- so if you're an early riser, you can rely on Blue Diamond to be open! In addition to savory full breakfast items, they also have a variety of juices and smoothies. They have a bakery and little shop in the back as well that not only sells baked goods, but also an assortment of handmade products and knick-knacks. I noticed that a lot of shops and cafes in Chiang Mai sell all natural bugspray, which I loved finding! It definitely doesn't work as well as chemical loaded death spray, but I still like using it. Before leaving Blue Diamond, grab a muffin for the road. They're delicious and even vegan! 

Once you’re through with breakfast, head out to the main road, just outside the Old City, and hail a red covered pick up truck. You’re heading to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This is the well known temple on top of the mountain, Doi Suthep, just outside of town. The red covered pickup truck is going to get you there. These are called songthaews. A songthaew is similar to taking an Uber pool or Lyft line. Kind of between a bus and a taxi. When the driver pulls over, you tell them where you want to go and they’ll either nod or tell you “no” and drive off. Songthaews don’t have specific routes, so picking you up may depend where their other passengers are headed. You don’t have to ask the price like you would with a tuk-tuk . Songthaews are straight forward prices and all the same within the city. When I was visiting, the price was 30 Baht per ride within the city, but I recently read that the local government was lowering these prices. The cost is usually written on the side of the songthaew, so keep an eye out. If you ask the driver the price, he may tell you something outrageous, realizing you aren’t familiar with the system.    

Getting to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep takes transferring to a different songthaew at the Chiang Mai Zoo. Sounds weird, but trust me. So when you initially hail the songthaew after breakfast, you can tell them “Doi Suthep” or “the Zoo to go to Doi Suthep”. Either way, they’ll take you to a pick up area just outside the zoo entrance where other songthaews will be waiting to drive people up the mountain.

The songthaew will drop you off at Doi Suthep and you will start your way up the 306 steps to the temple. Once at the top, you can wander around the grounds and check out the incredible views of Chiang Mai below. If you don’t have proper attire for entering the temple, there are robes you can borrow. Take your time exploring and enjoy yourself!

After spending time at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, you can meander through all the roadside shops or head back to Chiang Mai. Suzanne and I poked around for awhile, snacking on fresh passionfruit and Thai coconut pudding pancakes.

AFTERNOON

At this point in the day, it’s most likely hot. And after walking up and down steps and wandering around in the heat, you’ll definitely be feeling it. You'll probably be ready to head back to your accommodation for some down time. If you're up for more exploring, I suggest grabbing your book, journal or just your earbuds and hitting up Clay Studio. Order an iced coffee and a fruit plate and just relax. Clay Studio has an awesome atmosphere and feels like a hidden temple ruin in the middle of a jungle. Located within the Old City walls, you enter through a beautifully carved wooden door and step into a gorgeous outdoor terrace covered in plantlife and old sculptures. Tables are set up throughout the garden and provide such a peaceful setting. 

If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, head over to one of the many spas and get yourself a proper Thai massage. Don’t be surprised when they give you a pair of pajamas to change into and twist your body into a pretzel. Afterwards, if you have time before your evening plans, check out The Lost Book Shop for a great selection of used books and affordable prices.

EVENING

Feeling refreshed and recharged, head over to Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School for your 5 PM cooking class. Be sure to make a reservation beforehand. At the start of class, you’re given a menu and have to choose what you will be cooking. Each person gets to make 5 dishes. Spring rolls, a curry paste of your choice and a curry dish made from your paste are 3 of the 5 dishes everyone will be cooking. The last two dishes are chosen from 4 categories (salad, soup, stir-fry & dessert) and have to be agreed upon by everyone in your group session. Luckily, everyone agreed pretty quickly that stir fry and dessert were the necessary choices. After agreeing on 2 categories, each person can choose what they would prefer to cook. I chose Hot Basil with tofu as my stir fry and fried banana as my dessert.

After the decision making has been concluded, class kicks off with an introduction of different herbs all grown in the back garden and then a trip to the market. Everyone is assigned their own wok and expected to prep and cook their own meals.. including the tedious job of grinding curry paste with the mortar and pestle. Feasting is obvious the best part! If you decide to make the fried banana for dessert, don’t leave them frying in the oil too long like I did. Turns out, burnt bananas aren't ideal. 

LATE EVENING

Heading outside the Old City to the main road like you did earlier, hail a songthaew or tuk tuk to the Night Bazaar. You may have a little bit of time to wander through the street vendors before your Ladyboy show at Chiang Mai Cabaret. The show starts at 9:30PM and tickets are 350 Baht and include 1drink. The show is absolutely incredible and an awesome way to end your busy day. Before heading back to your accommodation, wander the side streets and check out some of the street vendors. You may find some fun souvenirs you can't live without. The Night Bazaar goes on every night so you may want to come back another time to fully indulge in shopping and eating.