Thai soup for breakfast
On my second day in Chiang Mai, I want to make a trip to Doi Suthep. I wake up later than usual due to my late night of drinking. A staff member informed me yesterday that she intended to prepare Thai soup for breakfast. When I arrive at the bar at half past eleven, I can still get a bowl. The soup is tasty, not too spicy, and consists of various Thai vegetables and meat. It may seem unusual to have this as a breakfast option, but the fact that it is already late in the morning justifies the choice.
A frustrating start of my trip to Doi Suthep
Doi means mountain in Thai, and at its peak, there is a must-see temple. According to the guesthouse staff, I have to stop a songthaew and say where I want to go. The ride to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep may not cost more than 70 baht. Unfortunately, the whole endeavor turns out to be a somewhat frustrating experience, which almost inclines me to abandon my plan. All drivers I approach, tuk-tuk or songthaew, want 300 baht for the ride.
Inadequate English at the Tourist Information Office
I decide to go to the Tourist Information Office to ask them how to arrange my trip to Doi Suthep on my own. Out of the poor English of the servant in the office, I distille that I should catch a red songthaew and that the ride would cost around 150 baht. That is still twice the price that I was told at the guesthouse. Eventually, I find a tuk-tuk driver who wants to bring me to the correct street for 50 baht, from where I have to take another songthaew to Doi Suthep.
The red bus only leaves when there are enough passengers
After reaching the starting point, the red bus driver tells me that the round trip to Doi Suthep would cost 60 baht, but he will only leave once there are eight passengers. However, after a five-minute wait, only three individuals are present, so the fare per person increases to 100 baht. Soon after, an American couple arrives, increasing the total number of passengers to five, allowing us to lower the fare to 80 baht each. We agree to this new price. Upon arrival, we learn that we have to be back within an hour.
A pilgrimage site with a beautiful view over Chiang Mai city
Doi Suthep can best be described as a Buddhist pilgrimage site and the most important one in Northern Thailand. Places of interest are the golden chedi and an emerald Buddha. In clear weather, the mountain also offers a beautiful view over Chiang Mai city. However, today the city is covered in a layer of haze. I take a walk around the site and make my way back to the exit. To conclude my trip to Doi Suthep, I decide to indulge in a snack from one of the many food stalls – a banana wrapped in dough and warmed like a waffle, topped with honey. The result makes for a delightful treat that tempts me to consider ordering another one.
Losing direction at Thapae Gate
Back at the departure point of the songthaew bus, we hear that our driver can transport us back to a location in the city center of our choice. I get off at the tourist center around Thapae Gate with the intention of having a good meal at a restaurant that is recommended in my travel guide. However, even though I am currently in the area, I am unable to locate the establishment. Eventually, I enter a random restaurant and opt for a noodle soup.
Searching to find my guesthouse again
After finishing this sober meal, I continue walking on what I believe is the correct path toward the guesthouse, but that does not turn out to be correct. I hand down a tuk-tuk with a female driver this time. She does not know the guesthouse (again) and initially asks too much money for the ride. But I persist, and 10 minutes later we arrive at my play of stay.
Entertaining conversation with an Australian
After a refreshing shower, I visit the bar in the guesthouse again. I would like to check out the nightlife in the city, but I am still in doubt. Eventually, I just stay at the bar all night. I get into a conversation with an Australian, pretty disturbed, but funny. He appears to have been around almost everywhere in Asia and even lived in Taiwan for seven years. Many juicy, messed-up stories follow; almost every possible subject passes by, women, meditation, raves, music, deprivation, literature, and more. Clearly, this is someone who is not accustomed to everyday life. A strange guy, but very entertaining to listen to.
