S1 E33 | First Impressions of Chiang Mai – Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Night Market

After weeks of exploring Bangkok, we flew north to Chiang Mai, ready to begin a new chapter of our budget travel journey through Thailand. This was our first full day in the city, and it quickly showed us why Chiang Mai is loved by so many travelers.

We started by picking up a scooter from Cat Motors, a rental shop in Chiang Mai we’d recommend to anyone visiting. The bikes were well-maintained, the staff carefully checked our licenses and international permits, and they even reminded us of the risks of riding without proper documents — something many tourists unfortunately learn the hard way. Helmets on, we set off with our shiny red Honda Click 125cc (which matched the color of our old car back home!). We even gave it a name.

The ride took us through changing weather — sudden bursts of rain and clear skies — until we reached the foot of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most iconic temple. To get to the top, we climbed the famous 300-step staircase, flanked by two enormous dragon sculptures. The climb was steep but beautiful, and halfway up we were already rewarded with sweeping views of the city below.

At the top, the golden stupa of Doi Suthep shone against the cloudy sky. Built in 1384 and restored over centuries, this temple remains one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Thailand. The air was filled with chanting, incense, and the quiet footsteps of devotees circling the stupa. Looking out from the terrace, we could even spot Chiang Mai Airport’s runway in the distance — a surreal mix of tradition and modern life in one frame.

The serenity of the temple was something we hadn’t felt in Bangkok. It felt peaceful, grounding, and perfectly in tune with the gentle charm of northern Thailand.

As evening fell, we made our way back into the city for our first taste of the Chiang Mai Night Market. With food stalls, souvenirs, and the hum of live music, it was the perfect way to end our first day.

This day gave us our very first impressions of Chiang Mai — spiritual, scenic, and full of life. And it was only the beginning.