After a few days of exploring Chiang Mai and contemplating what would be an interesting route to photograph, I decided to choose a path with a little bit of everything. The first picture is taken just inside the moat of the Old City, and each one thereafter is moving toward the Nimman District, an up and coming hub for digital nomads (people who work remotely and aimlessly wander around) and ex-pats with trendy coffee shops and shopping malls.  You’ll see food, temples, people, and I hope you enjoy the ‘walk’ just as much as I did.

Brick repair on one of the few parts of the Old City walls still standing, ancient trees, and a spirit house of Chiang Mai.  These can be found in many different forms, outside businesses and homes alike, and is a shrine to the protective spirit of a place.  They’re found in many Southeastern Asian countries, and the theory is these spirits can cause problems to the people if not appeased.  You’ll often find food like bananas and coconuts as common offerings, but surprisingly Red Fanta is also a heavy hitter for its parallels with animal sacrifices.   

Facing West, I stepped off the road to take this with the mountains in the background.  The cool season is almost over, and that means soon the population will surge for the famous Chiang Mai Flower Festival which includes a parade, music, dancing, and the coveted pageant which will crown a new Miss Chiang Mai.  

Dental care is extremely cheap in many Southeastern Asian countries, and you can find dentist’s offices all over the city as well as many young Thais with braces.  I asked a Canadian dentist friend how it’s so cheap, and his answer was that quality is sacrificed.  I’d say go with the teeth whitening here, but maybe hold off on the root canal or filling.  

This is my favorite establishment in Chiang Mai.  There is a live band every night, sometimes open mic, and the vibe toes the line between bluegrass jazz to alternative rock.  The crowd spills not just onto the sidewalk, but into the street holding up traffic.  Come early and you may be lucky enough to get a seat up front. 

This man was quite pleasant, and when I gestured ‘OK to photograph?’ he smiled and removed his hat.  He must’ve been in a good mood after a delicious meal at the North Gate food stalls.  

This is Wat Khuan Kama temple.  Outside the walls there’s an array of golden horse statues.  Apparently a royal soldier lost his favorite horse in battle, and dedicated this plot of land to become a temple with a horse theme.  There are over 300 temples just in Chiang Mai, and the word for temple in Thai is ‘Wat.’  

This is the famous Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak food stall just outside the North Gate.  Anthony Bourdain’s visit to this stall made the woman in cowboy hat serving stewed pork leg over rice famous, and now many restaurants all over Chiang Mai have the iconic picture outside their establishment to let people they are serving the tender stewed meat.  

This clay figure caught my eye and I had to cross the street to snap a picture.  It’s outside a non-formal library so I’m guessing it’s portraying the happiness that comes from reading and learning.

As a kid I used to think graffiti was a malicious act, and now seeking out local artist’s work is one of my favorite ways to see a new city. This is right outside the Old City, and just one segment, my favorite, of what must’ve been a 200 meter wall covered in different styles of graffiti surrounding a car park.  

Food stalls outside the oldest mall in Chiang Mai.  I stopped for a Thai Tea, and noticed predominantly students and digital nomads as guests of the vendors compared to the diverse crowd involved in Old City life. At night, the mall is deserted except for a bowling alley on the top floor, and everything will be closed and dark as you wander through ‘Walking Dead’ style.  Don’t be discouraged as bowling is cheap by western standards, about $2 USD all in,  with $2 beers to keep the whole crowd pleased.  

The modern MAYA Shopping Center is the nicest mall I’ve ever been in between the upscale restaurants and rooftop cocktail bar.  Since traffic and the shear amount of tourists has increased I’m pleased that I stay on the other side of town. 

I walked two miles, was tempted by countless food stalls, and saw a wide variety of changes in land usage along the journey.  Until the next time, friends. Cheers!