Sawadeeka! I will be travelling solo for the first time to Thailand, February next year. It’s all exciting for me. Hoping to ask your advice on the feasibility of this itinerary. And if you have other recommended activities given my schedule and interests. I’m open to any suggestions (esp. for locally recommended lunch or dinner restaurants), sizing down, or tweaks (too touristy? too unsafe or inaccessible? too underwhelming? too much eating? 😂) Thank you!
Context: 20s something woman who likes to soul search, appreciates art, immerse in nature, and explore culture. Don’t like too “touristy” and too “bustling”, which is why I chose this city over Bangkok.
OBJECTIVES OF THE TRIP
– Recharge: Improve well-being physically, emotionally, socially
– Reconnect: Hang out with locals and see art spaces that can inspire me
– Give back: Support animal welfare or community based tourism projects
POINTS of INTEREST
– Wellness and spiritual related activities (e.g. massage, yoga, yoga nidra, meditation, crystal bowl healing)
– Cooking, markets, and street food (love love Thai food)
– Leisurely but scenic walks in parks or gardens (the quieter the better)
– Art spaces, flea markets or vintage stores, off beat or curio shops
– Beautiful handmade souvenirs (bonus points if ethically made)
– Homestay
– Art classes
– Immersive museums
– Participating in festivals or rituals
My itinerary so far:
Day 1: Take morning flight, Arrive by the afternoon, Check in and settle
Day 2: Cooking Class (Mama Noi)
Day 3: Chai Lai Orchid Elephant Sanctuary
Day 3: Arts: Rumpung Community Space, Baan Kang Wat, JJ Market
Day 4: *Free day: no plans yet*
Day 5: Old City Walk + Fah Lanna Spa
Day 6: Food Tour (A Chef’s Tour), Pack for tomorrow’s trip
Day 7: Check out + Depart Chiang Mai in the morning
Some places I have heard about but cannot figure in yet the itinerary:
Park: Ang Kaew Reservoir, Mae Kampong
Galleries/Art Centers: Kalm Village, Gallery Seascape, Thailand Creative and Design Center, Khua Silpa, Hern Gallery, Thapae East, MAIIAM contemporary
Shopping Complex: One Nimman, Wua Lai Road, Commune Malai
Temples: Wat Pha Lat, Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang
Spa: Chiang Mai Univ Medical Center
Restos: Moo Ping Khun Por, Rote Yiam Beef Noodles, Khao Soy Nimman, Meena Rice Based Cuisine, Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant, Pure Vegan Heaven, Bad Boys Valley, Thongma Studio, The Ironwoods
Cafe: Raming Tea House, Woo Cafe
Elephant Park: Chai Lai Orchid
Cooking Class: Thai Akha Kitchen, 137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai Thai Farm,
Yoga: Satva
Singing Bowl: Chiang Mai Holistic
Neighborhoods: Nimmanhaenim Road, Wat Umong, Old City
Market: Pratu Chiang Mai
Others: Museum of Insects and Natural Wonders
Nature Trail: Tiger Trail, Pooh Eco Trekking
