The Kingdom of Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is not a city you merely pass through; it’s a place you absorb, slowly and deliberately, letting each street and scent settle into memory. Arriving here for the first time, I had 48 hours to peel back its layers, an ambitious timeline, perhaps, for a city so deeply rooted in tradition and mystery. Yet, Chiang Mai’s unhurried pace and reverence for detail allowed me to settle in and explore with a rare intimacy in travel.

Before anything else, did you know that Cebu Pacific now flies thrice a week to Chiang Mai? Last October 29, I had the opportunity to attend their maiden flight from Manila, marking their third destination in the Kingdom of Thailand. And to make things more interesting, because I was the first to check in online, I won a free roundtrip ticket to Chiang Mai! Looks like I will be back again in this beautiful city sooner than I thought! Thank you, Cebu Pacific, for making moments happen.

The flight time from Manila to Chiang Mai was three and a half hours. We touched down at Chiang Mai International Airport at around midnight. The air was cool, and stars sprinkled the velvet night sky. For this trip, I only had 48 hours to experience Chiang Mai, and I had to make the most of it. I stayed at Namton Boutique Hotel, located right at the heart of Old Town. For first-time visitors, staying at the Old Town is the best choice due to its proximity to temples, cafes, and souvenir shops.

Touching down in Chiang Mai for the first time felt like stepping into an enchanted realm, a place where ancient tales linger in the air, woven between temple spires and bustling street stalls. My journey began in Old Town, where I wandered through narrow, flower-lined lanes shaded by leafy trees. Here, life moves at a different rhythm, imbued with an easy grace that pulled me in.

My first stop was Wat Phra Singh, its golden accents gleaming under the soft morning light. The temple exuded an ethereal calm. Every inch seemed imbued with reverence. As I explored the grounds, the delicate sounds of soft chanting emerged from somewhere within, as though the temple whispered Chiang Mai’s old secrets to me. Time felt like it slowed, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful to be wrapped in the spiritual calm of this place.

Needing a caffeine break, I went to Akha Ama Coffee, a cozy nook that epitomized the town’s understated charm. Inside, the scent of freshly ground coffee enveloped me, and I was delighted by the discovery that their beans came from local Akha villages. Each sip of my brew was a small marvel, earthy and smooth, the product of community and care. It was a perfect interlude, grounding me in the town’s pace and warmth.

Feeling invigorated, I continued my walking tour to Wat Chedi Luang. This temple, more weathered and stoic than the last, stood like a sentinel of history. Its towering, ancient chedi—partially restored but still bearing the scars of time—felt grand and timeless, embodying centuries of faith and resilience. Standing there, dwarfed by its massive structure, I felt a connection to something vast and enduring.

I had lunch at Huen Phen restaurant, where I delved into the flavors of northern Thailand. The dishes were vibrant and complex: khao soi with its spicy coconut curry balanced by crispy noodles, sai ua sausage bursting with herbs, and the unmistakable zing of local spices. Each bite was a revelation, capturing the essence of northern cuisine—bold, aromatic, and unapologetically rich.

As evening approached, I took a Grab car and made our way to the mountains of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The road wound higher, and with each turn, the anticipation built. By the time I arrived, the sun was low, casting a golden glow over the golden stupa at the temple’s heart. The view stretched endlessly, the city below nestled among soft hills under a dusky sky. There, amid the monks’ chants and the wafting incense, I felt a transcendent moment of peace.

My day ended at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a lively maze of stalls and street food thrumming with the city’s heartbeat. As I strolled through the labyrinthine market, vendors greeted me with warm smiles, and the scents of sizzling meats and exotic spices filled the air. I lost myself in the sensory tapestry—the colors, the sounds, the flavors. By the time I finished, I was steeped in the spirit of Chiang Mai, each moment of the day leaving an indelible mark on my heart.

On my second day in Chiang Mai, I woke up with a bittersweet feeling, knowing I had just one last day to soak in this serene city. Morning sunlight trickled through the trees as I ventured back into Old Town, the quiet streets slowly coming to life. I picked up a few souvenir items to carry a piece of Chiang Mai home with me.

For lunch, I met with friends at Fern Forest Cafe, a lush oasis tucked away in a quiet corner of town. The cafe lived up to its name, with greenery spilling over every surface, transforming the space into something between a garden and a hidden sanctuary. We sat under sprawling ferns and vibrant flowers, indulging in local dishes and sipping on refreshing herbal drinks as soft sunlight filtered through the leaves. The laughter and conversation filled the air, mingling with the sounds of rustling leaves, and for a while, time felt blissfully suspended.

With lunch behind us, we headed to Central Festival Mall, where we navigated the sleek, modern corridors in search of last-minute essentials. It was a lively contrast to the historical calm of Old Town—a reminder of how Chiang Mai seamlessly balances its rich history with a modern pulse. I picked up a few small gifts, and we lingered, savoring the easy pace that makes even a shopping trip feel unrushed.

Later in the afternoon, we returned to Old Town, making our way to Cafe Siam for a final indulgence of tea and treats. The quaint atmosphere felt like a warm hug, the kind of place where old-world charm meets a touch of the contemporary. Overdelicate pastries and fragrant tea, I found myself lost in the moment, surrounded by friends and immersed in the simple pleasure of a quiet afternoon. The cafe felt like a fitting finale, encapsulating the understated beauty of Chiang Mai.

As my 48 hours in Chiang Mai drew to a close, a wistful realization settled that two days were simply not enough. Despite the gentle rhythm of life here, the city had woven its quiet magic around me. Chiang Mai is a place that invites you to linger, to explore each narrow lane, every lush cafe, and each temple tucked away from sight. I found myself yearning to know more and to delve deeper into the city’s history, food, and people.

Though I had to leave, I knew that I’d barely scratched the surface of Chiang Mai’s charm. It’s a city that stays with you—a place where time slows, the spirit settles, and life feels a little brighter. My short visit had only deepened my desire to return, to embrace the laid-back pace once more and let the city reveal more of itself, one tranquil day at a time.