On my first day in Chiang Mai I spent time exploring wishing the old city walls with Eke a lovely girl I met in my hostel from the Netherlands. Inside the wall there are many beautiful Buddhist temples, I visited all the main temples (Wat Chiang Man, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Jet Yot).

After spending the day wandering around I decided to take a recommended cooking class with Thai Kitchen. We began our class by going to the market and learning about Thai produce before heading back to the kitchen to cook out chosen 3 dishes. I decided to cook a Penang curry, pad Thai stir fry and a chicken and coconut soup. After all the cooking we got to eat our dishes, I have to say it was/is the best food I have eaten whilst in Thailand the main reason was I could leave out the spice!!

Chiang Mai - day 2
Located over an hour outside Chiang Mai the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary rescues abused and injured elephants from around the country. I decided to visit for the day where we fed and washed the elephants. It was a phenomenal day trip, gives something back to the community and let’s you help these beautiful animals. I would definitely recommend a stop to see the 'happy elephants'.

Chiang Mai - day 3
Wat Doi Suthep and its 304 Steps – Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, perched high on top of Suthep Mountain and is Chiang Mai’s most famous temple. The temple can be reached by climbing a steep staircase comprising 304 steps. Only costing 50baht each way by taxi it is defiantly worth spending a morning there. Try to avoid going at midday, early in the morning for sunrise would be the best time to visit beating the crowds of tourists.

Exploring the night markets
Chiang Mai is the main handicraft center of Thailand and the night bazaar is the largest center for the selling of all sorts of crafts. The markets run literally every day and night in different parts of the city. To be honest it is a little over whelming with the amount of tourists trying to grab a bargain.

Chiang Mai - day 4
A day to relax!

One thing I can say about Thailand is they sell the best fruit smoothies!