A tempting proposal to go relaxing at the lake
The girl working at the bar of the guesthouse where I am staying asked me yesterday if I wanted to join her and some friends on her free Sunday. The prospect of relaxing at the lake sounded appealing to me, so I agreed. She arranges a tuk-tuk for me. We drive to the center of the city to pick up Ae and another friend, Rung. The four of us – me as the only foreigner – leave the city center of Chiang Mai to Huay Tung Tao Lake. I am sitting in the middle of the couch, with two Thai ladies on either side of me.
Exchanging travel tips
Rung and I start a conversation. She picked up studying again after having worked for a few years; she is not really following a specific course, as far as I understand it is instead a preparatory level. Inevitably, she also expresses interest in knowing about my upcoming travel plans. She was recently in Kanchanaburi, a pleasant destination to explore according to her. She advises me to stay at a charming small hotel; after returning to the city, she promises to provide me with a guest card. That way I instantly have a tip regarding my whereabouts when I eventually decide to visit Kanchanaburi.
Chill out with friends and relatives
Huay Tung Tao where we have now arrived is an artificial lake. Scattered around the lake there are several small, open huts with reed mats and a table. Each cabin is numbered; we choose one and sit down. A servant approaches us to take our order. This is how Thai people – particularly the youth, but also families – spend their days off; by simply relaxing at the lake with friends and relatives, and inevitably enjoying plenty of food. You don`t see too many tourists hanging around here, but there are a few.
Feasting a local delicacy
My company ordered multiple dishes, including spicy meat, various vegetables, and a unique recipe. It is served in a sealed soup bowl. Soon after, I discovered the content; small, living grasshoppers, mixed in a soup with herbs. To ensure the unfortunate creatures are no longer alive you need to shake the bowl for a while, and then you can start feasting this local delicacy. I choose to wisely only eat my rice and vegetable dish.
Hiking in a jungle-like scenery
Rung wants to go hiking, I am also interested in exploring the area, so I decide to accompany her. The first part of the road diverges from the lake. In the distance, you spot large hills covered in lush greenery, and in the foreground, there are some rice fields. The scenery looks a bit jungle-like. I am enjoying the stroll in this beautiful landscape a lot.
Making plans to dive into Chiang Mai`s vibrant nightlife
Back at the lake, we suddenly end up in front of a golden Buddha. I didn`t expect to come across this outdoors. Gradually we make our way back to the camp of huts again. When I mention to Rung that I am interested in finding out more about the nightlife in Chiang Mai, she proposes accompanying me on a tour tonight. That is an opportunity I gladly accept, as it is my last day in Chiang Mai.
Great time relaxing
In the afternoon, at approximately 4 o’clock, we return to Chiang Mai again. Afterward, in the tuk-tuk, I am told that the reason behind their thinking is that they believed I was getting bored. But that couldn’t be further from the truth, I had a great time relaxing at the lake with my new Thai friends today, in a picturesque environment.
Loud blaring reggae music
After a beer and dinner at the bar of my guesthouse, I refresh myself. The tuk-tuk driver arrives to pick me up at 11.00 PM to meet Rung. Since it is still too early to go to a nightclub, we decide to go to an outdoor bar, with reggae music. The place is predominantly filled with young tourists and some Asian youth. We engage in discussions about the facts of life, the conversation is fun, and Rung is a smooth talker. Yet due to the loud music blaring through the speakers, I have to make an effort to understand her.
Watching Thai people dancing
Around midnight we decide to visit the first discotheque. The place is quite crowded, predominantly with Thai locals but also a few tourists. They are playing Western house music, which is rather ordinary, but still audible. Sporadically you notice people dancing, at their designated tables, which I find amusing to observe. Unfortunately, due to the loud volume of the music, conversation is virtually impossible.
A real Thai hot spot with a good vibe
After we finish our beer despite the staff persistently urging us to order another one, we decline and decide to head to another hot spot. We opt for a real Thai place with a good vibe. The venue is filled to the brim with young Thai, and I seem to be the only farang in sight. There appears to be a popular Thai music group performing. As a result, we regularly hear somewhat hysterical screams among the audience. The enthusiasm of the attendees inspires us to join in and dance along.
Sweet ending of my stay in Chiang Mai
The music venue shuts down at 3 o’clock. The beer takes its toll, and I say that I had enough. Back outside Rung has to discuss with a tuk-tuk driver to negotiate a reasonable price to return me to my guesthouse. I express my gratitude for the enjoyable moments we shared, first, during the day, relaxing at the lake, and later, a fun evening out. We exchange our email addresses and plan on keeping in touch. This was a lovely way to conclude my stay in Chiang Mai, but tomorrow I really want to travel further.
