The pride of the fleet, the jewel in the crown. Chiang Mai is the dream destination of many Thais, and it is not hard to see why. Since I have spent many a good night with friends in Chiang Mai, it holds special significance for me too. 
Chiang Mai is the northern satellite city of Thailand, and even with 1.4 million, it feels like a country town. The city was built around 700 years ago, and still has a moat and remnants of the stone wall which protected it against Burmese invaders.
We catch the train to Chiang Mai- a great way to travel, but after 14 hours, we are ready to get off. Although it is not the peak of summer yet, it is hot and smoky when we arrive, so we head to a guesthouse with a pool. A welcome relief from the heat.
Chiang Mai is gearing up for the Songram- a Buddhist new year festival. Thais from all around the country converge on Chiang Mai to celebrate, with lots of water throwing, drinking, and general merriment. In an attempt to skip the early water throwing, we check out an amazing temple, Doi Suthep, which according to the local legend holds important Buddhist artifacts. It also affords an amazing panoramic view over the city.
Present company excepted, things are different without friends, and it feels really different in Chiang Mai this time. But the last time I was in Chiang Mai, I did hear about a sleepy little town up towards the Burmese border, Pai- somewhere not to be missed. I did miss Pai last time and was keen not to repeat this. So off to Pai we go.....
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