I love Chiang Mai !

Much better then Bangkok, smaller and a lot of history. The surrounding country side is beautiful as well as the "old city" in the centre which is still surrounded by walls.

I decided to rent a scooter for my four days here, what a blast ! It is quite easy to get around and I only got lost twice before some what knowing my way around. Besides, for 7 dollars a day and the freedom it provides is awesome.

I went up the mountain to Doi Suthep to visit the temple at the top. 5500 feet above sea level with a climb of 300 stairs to reach the top ! What a beautiful temple and surrounding sights. The road up the mountain on the scooter was an experience in its self. Winding hilly terrain an cars, buses and vans fighting for space and enough power to make it up. I think I may drive up again tomorrow just for fun !

There is only really one major tourist area here at "Loh Kroh Rd" they have the usual bars, massage shops, but the also have a night bazaar daily selling the usual clothing, jewellery, statues etc. etc. all within walking distance of my hotel which is perfect.

I can't get over the food here - so cheap and so good ! My dinner usually cost less then 4 dollars ! The dish I had last night was a chicken/curry/soup mix with vegetables , it was sooooo spicy, but awesome ! Of course I paid a little for it today :) all good. I am going to try the street vendors for dinner tonight. They are all over selling any meal you can imagine and all for under 2 dollars !

Tomorrow I am off for a drive into the country side and to visit the Tiger Temple. You can actually play with the baby tigers here and take the big tigers to the pond area for a bath ! Should be fun.