Embark on a Journey to Thailand’s North: Chiang Mai

Bernardo Faigenblat
Dec 11, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Mar 26, 2023

June 2022

Looking for an adventure in Thailand? Look no further than the North, where excitement and beauty are waiting for you at every turn. Recently, I traveled to Chiang Mai with two friends, and the experience was unforgettable. Here is a breakdown of our journey, from our arrival at Chiang Mai International Airport to our visit to Grand Canyon Water Park. Our first stop was Kokotel Chiang Mai Nimman, where we stayed for three nights. The hotel provided a comfortable and affordable room with 3 twin-size beds and a refreshing shower, perfect for our budget of $125 for the three of us. After checking in, we asked the front desk for recommendations for electric moped rentals. We rented Honda mopeds and rode around the city, visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and other stunning temples.

We encountered a surprising situation we we tried to pay for entrance to the temple and Jake's cash was rejected for being counterfeit. The money in question was withdrawn from an official ATM at the airport, which made us realize how unstable the country could be. It was shocking to see that even the airport's ATM contained counterfeit money, which could be attributed to poverty or corruption. However, thanks to the bank's support, Jake was able to dispute the issue and avoid losing his money. This experience opened our eyes to the importance of being vigilant while traveling and using money in a foreign country.

As much as we enjoyed visiting temples, we wanted to explore more of Chiang Mai’s culture. We stumbled upon a local market, but it was not yet open. Luckily, we found a photo shoot parlor with traditional Thai clothing and had fun taking portraits. When the market opened, we strolled through it and then at night, we headed to Good View Restaurant & Bar, which had delicious food and live music.We then hung out at a bar called Zoe in Yellow for a bit where we were able to meet many foreigners doing similar trips as us.

The next day, we rode our mopeds to Grand Canyon Water Park, where we had an amazing time running around and relaxing. However, we realized that we were out of shape and needed more stamina for our upcoming event, Zabb E Lee Thai Cooking School. We were picked up in a van and headed to Pa Ngew Market near the Ping River to get ingredients. We saw exotic foods like cockroaches, beetles, and fried eggs the size of olives, and we even tried some of them. Anne, the owner of the cooking school, bought some buffalo and experimented with it in our soup recipe. Located in a beautiful garden in the heart of Thailand, this cooking school offers a unique and unforgettable experience for foodies and travelers alike. As soon as we arrived, we were blown away by the stunning tiki hut and gorgeous surroundings.

The cooking school boasts plenty of space, with 10 cooking stations complete with stoves and ample counter space. The dining room table easily accommodated our group of 10, and there was even more space available for meal prep. In addition to the cooking school, Anne's backyard also includes a restaurant with traditional seating and private areas for smaller groups. Plus, there's even a gift shop filled with unique wooden silverware. But it wasn't just the beautiful surroundings that made this experience so special. Anne and her husband went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and comfortable throughout the course. Her husband even serenaded us with his guitar playing while we cooked, and their daughter played in the background. As we cooked and enjoyed our delicious meal, we were also offered cold beers to keep us refreshed. It's clear that Anne and her family take great pride in their cooking school and go out of their way to make sure guests have an unforgettable experience. Overall, our time at Anne's cooking school was an absolute blast. It's an experience that truly must be experienced to be believed. If you're ever in Thailand and looking for a unique and authentic cooking experience, be sure to check out Anne's cooking school – you won't regret it!

Overall, our visit to Chiang Mai was an incredible experience, filled with unforgettable moments. From discovering the fascinating history of Thailand through its ancient temples to savoring some of the most delicious dishes on the planet, we had a blast. Another of the standout culinary delights was undoubtedly Dan Chicken Rice, a Michelin Guide-recommended eatery that surpassed all our expectations. If you're planning a trip to Chiang Mai, make sure to take advantage of the culinary experiences this city has to offer.

Good View Restaurant