Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

You don't want to miss this temple when you're in Chiang Mai.  We took a Songthaew ride up the mountain.  To do it right, you need 3-4 hours to enjoy this historic temple.  And once you're up there, be sure to check out the panoramic views of the city and province.  

If you want to do something more adventurous, there are waterfalls in the area, and there's a smaller jungle temple that could be included if you decided to hike all the way up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.  You can do it on your own or you could possibly go with others. 

One other thing I wanted to mention is that that gift shops and souvenir markets up on the mountain are pretty nice.  They have a great selection of quality Northern Thai handicrafts.  After your time at the temple, you could easily buy a few things before going back down into town - that is, if you have the energy. 

My coconut shake is ready!

306 steps

Up at one of the viewing areas, while we were waiting out the rain, we talked to a young guy from Ohio who is traveling around Thailand before starting a new job in Atlanta.

Once we got back down to the city, we got some crab fried rice for dinner.  We got it for takeaway.  While I waited for it, I drank a coconut.  I also bought some mango sticky rice and Chinese donuts with pandan custard to take back to the room.  This was at the Chiang Mai Gate Night Market, which is the one closest to where we were staying.  It's open every evening.