Chiang Mai: Master Chef Turns Master Tour Guide

In this latest episode of our Master Chef Turns Master Tour Guide series, Chef Nawamin (aka Dr Boss) travels to Chiang Mai. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Rose of the North’, Chiang Mai is regarded as the cultural capital of North Thailand. And as Chef Nawamin discovers, the city is also home to a vibrant food scene.

I planned this trip to Chiang Mai far in advance together with my friends. This was a bit unusual for me as I’m normally a last-minute person. As soon as we booked our flights I knew that it would be super fun to explore Chiang Mai with a nice and rather hilarious group of friends!

Welcome to Away Thapae Chiang Mai Resort

We decided to stay around Thapae Gate, one of the prime locations in Chiang Mai. And our hotel, Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort, ticked all the boxes. It is located just a few minutes walk to Thapae Gate and to Warorot Market (known locally as Kad Luang). The hotel also got extra brownie points for being surrounded by lots of cool cafes.

Chiang Mai culture

Another thing that I really like about Chiang Mai is you can find northern-style Thai temples in almost every corner of this charming city. I stopped by a few of them at Wat Upakhut and Wat Saen Fang. They both have their own charms. The landmark of Chiang Mai that you can’t miss is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The golden pagoda which is located in the centre of the temple is just stunning especially when it’s reflecting the sunlight at midday. I have no idea how many times I have to visit Chiang Mai in order to complete visiting all of these temples. Well, that could be my good excuse to come here more often!

Northern Thai food delights

Chiang Mai is a real heaven for foodies. The food scene here offers a great variety from an authentic northern Thai sausage (sai oua) and a classic khao soi gai to a private dining experience and an inventive coffee drink. Imagine having northern Thai food in the morning and ending up in a quirky cafe in the afternoon. What a good mix and a cool way to uptake good calories and happiness!

Exploring nature in Chiang Dao

I had a chance to go to Chiang Dao to explore the countryside of Chiang Mai. I thought I would just visit the Chiang Dao cave temple, but ended up going inside the cave aiming for good content and footage for my fans (hehe!). It was the longest cave I have explored. The trail was very challenging, but I don’t regret doing it. Inside the cave was spectacular. It looked like a parallel world which had its own charm. I can really recommend this walk if you visit Chiang Dao.

Chiang Mai is already a famous destination for tourists and for Thai travellers. There is no doubt that this wonderful city will become a world destination again post-Covid. It seems like Chiang Mai just had its well-deserved break and now it is ready to welcome all of you again.

#MasterChefTurnsMasterTourGuide

Visit chiang mai Like a Boss: Nawamin’s ‘SET’ (Stay, Eat, Travel) Menu

Stay: Away Thapae
Eat: Khao soi
Travel: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Chiang Dao

Thank you to Dr Boss and Away Thapae Chiang Mai Resort and we hope you are inspired to discover the charms of Chiang Mai when you next visit Thailand. Follow the adventures of Dr Boss on his travels around Thailand on the Fan Club Thailand Facebook and Instagram channels.

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