Chiang Mai

After Bangkok I was ready for something a little less stressful. I couldn't really enjoy Bangkok, that city is one big pressure cooker. So I came further north, to Chiang Mai. This town is a lot more relaxed; traffic's better, the people are friendlier, food's cheaper, in general things are less hectic. But what to do in Chiang Mai?

Of course temples are a good way to spend the time; there are temples everywhere, with free admission. This one had spires gilded in gold.

Shiny, no?

Photo of the room inside.

This statue was a lot bigger than it looks in the photo, believe me.

Stupa outside the main temple building.

Another temple, but this one was off limits so I couldn't take a photo inside. No matter, I took enough photos everywhere else.

Besides temples, there are tons of other things to do. I spent some time at the zoo, because why not? I've not been to a zoo in years.

Looks like someone did a really bad job shearing off the wool from this sheep.

Hippo out of the water. Looked kinda pink?

Aha! An elephant!

And this was a fun night out. It was a cabaret show, from the Anusarn Night Market in Chiang Mai.

But this wasn't your typical cabaret show; no no, this one was special. See, all the dancers in it were, in fact, ladyboys.

Does that look like a guy to you!?! Like, damn, I never would have known.

Outdoor activities are also a thing in Chiang Mai. I went ziplining for a day, where you can slide across suspended wires between trees way up off the ground.

See the rickety wooden bridge? Yeah, totally safe.

Ziplining was a little expensive, but a fun day out in the forest it was.