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Read the beginning of my spontaneous trip to Krabi [here]

In Part 1, I shared how my spontaneous trip to Krabi came about. But the adventure didn’t stop there. After enjoying the sun, sea, and chill island vibes, I felt like exploring something new. So, I booked a flight to Chiang Mai—a peaceful, culture-rich city in northern Thailand.

Here’s a little glimpse of that experience.

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📍From Krabi to Chiang Mai

Flight Ticket

I got my flight for RM199.00. Not sure how much cheaper it could’ve been, but since it was a last-minute decision, I just booked whatever was available. The flight took about 1 hour and 50 minutes.

I chose a morning flight so I could make the most of the day once I landed in Chiang Mai. I wanted to explore as much as I could during my short stay.

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Where I Stayed in Chiang Mai

✅ Gord Chiangmai

For my first night, I stayed at a boutique-style guesthouse, Gord Chiangmai. The room itself was decent—clean, nicely decorated, and had a cozy vibe.

But to be honest, I wouldn’t recommend this place for solo female travelers, especially if you’re planning to walk back in the evening.

The location was the main issue. I had to walk through a few narrow and poorly lit alleyways. During the day, it felt okay. But once the sun set, walking alone in those dark and quiet lanes made me uneasy. There were no clear signs, not many people around, and quite far from the main road. That’s not a great feeling when you’re alone in a new place.

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✅ The Old City Wall Inn

The next day, I decided to find a new place and ended up checking into The Old City Wall Inn, a small budget hotel I stumbled upon after walking for 30 minutes with my heavy backpack from the first hotel (yes, it was as tough!).

The receptionist there was super kind and helpful. She told me I could get a cheaper rate through Agoda, but I told her I was too tired to wait—I just wanted a room as soon as possible. She helped me check in smoothly, and honestly, her kindness already made the place feel warmer.

The room itself was simple, clean, and comfortable, with all the basics I needed. But what truly stood out was the hospitality.

On the day I checked out, I skipped breakfast because I was too tired to catch breakfast that morning. Somehow, the receptionist noticed and offered to make me a fresh smoothie before I left for the airport. Such a small gesture, but it meant so much—especially when you’re traveling solo and far from home.

It reminded me that kindness can show up in the most unexpected moments, and those are the ones you’ll remember.

💡 Travel Tip:

If you’re traveling solo, location matters. Look for hotels near the old city gates or main roads where there are more lights, people, and restaurants. It’ll feel much safer and more convenient, especially if you’re coming back late.

Also, always save your hotel location on Google Maps. Trust me, it’ll help you find your way back easily, especially in places with winding lanes.

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Things I Did in Chiang Mai

Despite my short stay, I managed to squeeze in a few memorable experiences that showed me just how beautiful and rich this city really is.

✅ Day Trip to Doi Inthanon

One of the best parts of my Chiang Mai visit was a full-day tour to Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand, standing at 2,565 meters above sea level.

I was picked up early in the morning by a van filled with other travelers. The 2-hour ride gave us a glimpse of the changing scenery—from city streets to winding roads, with trees and cool mountain air. It was a refreshing break from Krabi’s tropical heat.

Here are some of the highlights from the tour:

• The King and Queen Pagodas
  Built to honor the late King and Queen of Thailand, these twin pagodas sit on a mountain surrounded by gardens. It was misty during my visit, which made it feel like a scene from a dream.

• Wachirathan Waterfall
  A stunning, powerful waterfall you can hear before you see. Surrounded by greenery, it’s perfect for photos and cooling off in the mist.

• Ang Ka Nature Trail
  A peaceful short walk through a mossy cloud forest. It truly felt like stepping into a fairy tale.

• Karen Hill Tribe Market
  A quick stop on the way back. Great for handmade souvenirs and a chance to support the local community.

The weather was refreshingly cool, and I wore a sweatshirt the whole day.

💡 Tip: Wear comfy shoes, bring a light jacket or sweater, and pack some cash for the local market (many stalls don’t accept cards).

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✅ Temples and the Soul of Chiang Mai

I took time to explore a few of Chiang Mai’s iconic temples. The city has so many, each with its own charm and story. Even if you’re not into history or religion, the calm and beauty of these places are worth experiencing.

Here are the ones I visited:

• Wat Lok Moli
  Just outside the old city walls, this temple is known for its ancient brick chedi (stupa) and quiet grounds. It wasn’t crowded when I went, which made it easy to walk around.

• Wat Chiang Man
  Chiang Mai’s oldest temple, featuring a small chedi supported by stone-carved white elephants—something I’d never seen before. Inside, you’ll also find beautiful old Buddha images and intricate artwork on the walls.

• Wat Phra Singh
  One of the city’s most famous temples. The Lanna-style architecture is stunning, with detailed wood carvings and golden spires that shine under the sun. 

💡 Tip: Bring some cash, as a few temples charge a small entrance fee.

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Getting Around Chiang Mai

I mostly explored Chiang Mai on foot, especially around the old city. The streets are walkable, and you’ll stumble upon hidden gems like cute cafés, small temples, and local shops just by wandering around.

But when the distance got too far and too tired to walk back to the hotel, I used Grab. Most of my rides within the city cost me around THB 80–92 (roughly RM10–12), which I found reasonable.

I also booked a Grab to the airport from my hotel in the old city. That cost me THB 176 (around RM23).

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No Trip to Thailand Is Complete Without Thai Food

Thai food is hands-down one of my favorite cuisines, and Chiang Mai absolutely delivered. I had seafood tom yum with almost every meal. Honestly, I could never get enough of it.

I also tried Thai salt-crusted tilapia for the first time. It was grilled whole with a salt crust, then served with fresh dipping sauces. The skin was slightly crispy, while the inside stayed juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned. Totally addictive and something I didn’t expect to love this much!

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Sudden Decision Back To Kuala Lumpur

I had to cut my Chiang Mai trip short and ended up booking a last-minute one-way flight back to Kuala Lumpur that cost me RM472.69. Yep, it was definitely pricey for a one-way ticket from Thailand, but sometimes life happens, and you just have to go.

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Chiang Mai, ‘Til We Meet Again

This trip was full of quiet beauty, unexpected kindness, and those little moments that reminded me why I fell in love with travel in the first place. Chiang Mai showed me that even when things don’t go as planned, there’s still beauty to be found.

I was way out of my comfort zone on this trip, and honestly, it pushed my bravery to a whole new level. I had to think on my feet, lean on strangers, and most importantly, trust myself a little more. And I truly believe the universe has a way of showing up for you when you need it most. During this trip, I felt that—deeply.

So if you ever find yourself on an unplanned path, embrace it. You never know what beautiful memories, surprises, or stories are waiting just around the corner. Maybe, just maybe, it’s the universe’s way of showing you something you didn’t know you needed to see.

Until then.

X, Hani. ❤

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