Up early for an early flight to Chiang Mai. I can't believe how quickly our trip is going. The Golden Jade has a shuttle bus for 150baht/person, although a bit more expensive than a taxi, considering it is less than 10 minutes to the airport, it was easy at that time of the morning.

Quickly booked in and through security and it was breakfast. Sad to say Macca's was the option that morning for us. Egg and bacon muffins that Miss A was happy with as well as some of Marie's almond croissant and some chocolate muffin and she was done! Got to love toddlers, everyone's food is fair game!

And then we realised we had left Miss A's blanket in the hotel room. No idea how we could have done that, we always double check, must've been under the quilt. Not much we can do so will email later and hope for the best.

The flight was almost over before it began it was that quick. Less than an hour and we were landing. Thai Airways is professional as always, even gave Miss A a 'Frozen' pack with book, crayons and ruler which she was happy to show everyone.

Organising a taxi from the taxi booth on arrival was simple and easy. Walking through the exit we were quickly spoken to and taken to a station wagon. . .This could be interesting. 6 adults and luggage. So a couple of bags on the roof (no straps), the driver assured us they would be fine and off we go . . .

Turns out we should trust the driver more. Arriving safe and sound at Rimping Village after some local information from Mr Nalad about the old walls of the city and the layout, one room was early so we all piled in before Phil and Miss A found the pool. I seriously think she would live in the pool if we let her.

With some renovations going on just outside the restaurant we decided to take a walk for lunch. Near the river we found the Khualek Cafe and Restaurant. We choose to eat outside overlooking the river and with a slight breeze although hot it was quite nice. Miss A had fallen asleep so we put her down on a love seat hoping she would stay asleep.

Very relaxing, the service quick and friendly. Highly recommend the mixed berry crush smoothie. Absolutely awesome. Marie had the blue curacao smoothie, non alcoholic we are still working out what they put it in, but really good too.

And then basil fried pork or chicken with rice for four of us, a stir fried pork and basil and a chicken spagetti with black pepper. Now I love spicy food but I had concerns when Philip's arrived and after the first spoonful he couldn't eat it. The chilli was quite obvious and nowhere did it say spicy in the menu. Mine arrived and while it was hot I like that but I knew there was no way that mum could eat it. The staff came over and asked about mum and Philip's and offered to remake them. Once back they were really good and everyone was happy. Some carrot cake and warm chocolate brownie later and we were all sated and happy.

Miss A had woken up so we decided to head back to Rimping Village via the supermarket. This supermarket was cool. Obviously in Australia we have supermarkets but over here they have so much more in them. From groceries, to alcohol, to toys, books, magazines and also souvenirs it's so much to take in as you walk around. Milk, beers and ice cream later it was back to the hotel to escape the heat and have some rest after our early start.

With Miss A monopolising her 'Marie', a grateful rest was had by Phil and I (she has two switches, full on and asleep) before we decided to head down to the Sunday Walking Market. The walking market takes up the entire street. On advice from the hotel staff we got dropped off at the Watphrasing Waramahawihan Temple, a large buddist temple at one end of the street.

A very gorgeous temple with two large golden dragons protecting the entrance. The inside was seperated into various worship areas all beautifully decorated with gold and coloured stones. Phil and Marie went inside while the rest of us stayed outside trying to keep Miss A entertained. Trying to tell a two year old she's not allowed to climb the dragons . . .

Marie took some contemplation time while Phil took time to read the pictures and information before we headed across the road and into the market.

The sunday market is different to the night markets Chiang Mai is known for. The sunday market is primarily a market for local designers and artisans and the products are clearly well made and by hand. The market opened at 4pm and as we were there not long after this some stalls were still opening but the lack of tourists made for a good opportunity to look around without having to push past people.

A plush handmade elephant mum bought for my niece and we stopped for some spring rolls and drinks. Unfortunately mum hadn't put the elephant away and Miss A thought it was her's, so back to the stall we went! A surprising choice when she choose a yellow one with small pink spots. It definitely wasn't the one we thought she would choose but she was sure so who are we to doubt her.

A couple of drinks later and the boys decided to take Miss A back to the hotel for tea and bed, while the girls stayed on. In the time we had been seated the market had got a lot more busy. Marie found a local artist whose work was beautiful. Chumpol Taksapornchai had exhibited in Brisbane last year and was planning another exhibition in Melbourne. He grew up and lived in Chiang Mai and his work is shown around the world. At 750baht a picture Marie and I both bought one, the boys will love it ;).

After a few more purchases and an hour later we decided we had had enough and were leaving. Well it was chaos. We had underestimated the length of the road and with all the tourists and the disabled music players busking in the middle of the road it took us well over half an hour and we weren't stopping to look at anything.

A barter with the tuk tuk driver (200baht - 100baht - 250baht (?!) and finally they agreed to 100baht) and we were on our way. Chiang Mai at night is beautiful. On every corner there is something new and most of the time a 'did you see that?' Could be heard from one of us.

Back at the hotel the boys were relaxing by the pool with a beer, with Miss A finally asleep. They had got their ride back for 80baht and did I hear about that. I had found pork crackling - looked like thin strips of pork belly that had been deep fried- in the market and as it turns out it was a good thing I changed my mind and went for the bigger bag as it didn't take long before it was gone!

A lot of laughs, Philip taking aim at dad (he makes it way too easy), a few more drinks and off to bed.