The overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai took just over 14 hours. We boarded car #3, nestled into our shared cabin with foreign couples and solo backpackers from across the world, and spent the time catching up on some reading. After a cozy night’s rest, we pulled into the Chiang Mai train station around 8:30am on Sunday morning and immediately hitched a ride to our bed and breakfast, located just outside the city limits. We walked inside the gates of Liam’s Suan Dok Mai and immediately fell in love – a plush pool was surrounded by palm trees, fresh greenery and beautiful flowers that made you feel like you were in a secret oasis – away from the hustle and bustle of city life. After shaking hands with our host Daphne, she led us to the open dining room area where I was finally reunited with my little brother, Ian, after nearly a year of being apart. He totally fit the bill of the traveling backpacker; a full beard, long hair and colorful wristbands from every country and memorable experience from his travels in Southeast Asia. We all sat down for a full breakfast, caught up on his latest adventurers and planned our day.
The idea was to rent three motorbikes, so we didn’t have to use tuktuks, and peruse the city for the next several days. Once we made it to the shop, we choose our bikes, paid the fee and secured some insurance in case of accident(s). Ian ran me through a quick tutorial and after shaking off some initial nerves, I decided I’d be okay. Off we drove…
About 5 minutes into the ride, on our first major turn in town at the Pae Gate, traffic was buzzing by and my bike sped forward. I totally freaked out… and crashed into the ground, skidding underneath a local truck parked on the side of the road. Don’t worry, Mom, I’m obviously ok! I walked away with some scuffed hands and a massive bruise on my leg, and my pride in the pit of my stomach. Amen for that insurance, huh? The running joke of the trip is: “Maggie, watch out for this turn… It’s a doozy!” I guess that’s what you get when you’re the only girl… and you crash a motorbike in the center of Chiang Mai.
We returned the bike less than 10 minutes after renting it, used my recently purchased insurance to cover the scratches and started fresh.
I rode on the back of Ian’s bike while Patrick manned his own ship, and we set off to see the sights! We drove down the overcrowded streets in 90 degree heat, and visited Buak Haad park and Huai Kaeo waterfall before stopping for lunch at Ton Tem You – a local favorite we had read about. We were the only foreigners at the restaurant – which we knew was a great sign – and hardly any English was spoken by the staff. That said, we pointed to pictures and prayed that our food tasted just as good. It did! Lots of curries, rice, chicken and spice.
After a long day of exploring, we decided to end the evening at the Night Bazaar market that is famous for local crafts, music and good food. Our early morning wake up call for Nooh’s day-long bike tour forced us home early, but we were exhausted and slept like babies. It was an epic kickoff to our stay here in Chiang Mai… aside from having my life flash before my eyes 🙂
-Two for Takeoff
