Almost Got Enlightened by a Scooter in Chiang Mai Scooter Zen: A Near-Spiritual Experience in Thailand’s Temple City
Hello everyone! It’s your travel buddy, Xiao Qiang, back with another hilarious travel diary! This time, we're heading to Chiang Mai, Thailand—a city where you can find everything from ancient temples to elephant mud baths. So, strap in and get ready for an adventure that’s part spiritual journey, part comedy of errors!
Day 1: Almost Got Enlightened by a Scooter
Stepping off the plane, I was immediately hit with the chilled-out vibe of Chiang Mai. We took a taxi to the city, and boom! Nearly got run over by a scooter. The driver laughed and said, "Welcome to Chiang Mai!"—I swear I almost started pondering life’s deeper meanings right there.
Day 1: Temples Everywhere!
Chiang Mai is known for its temples, so naturally, I started the trip with a temple-hopping adventure. First stop was Wat Chedi Luang, a stunning 14th-century temple that once housed the Emerald Buddha. Though part of the structure got damaged in an earthquake, the atmosphere there is something else.
Next, I visited Wat Phra Singh, home to one of the most revered Buddha statues in Thailand. The intricacy of the carvings and murals was breathtaking. Even if you're not into temples, these are must-see spots just for the sheer beauty and history.
Costs
- Wat Chedi Luang Entrance Fee: $1.30 USD
- Wat Phra Singh: Free! Perfect for the budget traveler.
Day 2: Elephants and Mud Baths
What’s a trip to Thailand without seeing elephants? I booked a half-day tour to the Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for rescued elephants. Here, you get to feed and bathe the elephants without riding them—a humane experience, unlike some other camps. The real highlight? One of the elephants playfully splashed me with mud, making me realize that life’s messes can sometimes be fun.
Costs
- Elephant Nature Park Tour: $33 USD, including lunch. Totally worth it!
Day 3: The Night Market Challenge
Chiang Mai’s famous Sunday Walking Street Market is a foodie’s dream. You can find everything from traditional Thai dishes to quirky snacks like fried crickets! Yes, I ate one. No, it wasn’t awful. And yes, it was crunchy—like a very extreme potato chip.
Costs
- Street food: $3-$9 USD
- Souvenirs: Prices range from $1.30 to $15 USD, depending on how fancy you want to get.
Travel Summary & Expenses
- Round-trip flights: $160-$230 USD (from Taipei to Chiang Mai)
- Accommodation: I stayed in an Airbnb in the Old City area, costing around $13.50 USD per night—a total steal.
- Daily Expenses: Meals average around $3-$4.50 USD, though fancier places could go up to $9 USD per meal.
Recommended Stay Duration
I’d say spend 3 to 5 days in Chiang Mai to fully explore the temples, experience the wildlife, and immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine.
Next Stop: White Temple Madness in Chiang Rai
For my next adventure, I’m heading to Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) in Chiang Rai—a temple so stunning it’ll make you question if you’ve stepped into an art exhibit instead of a place of worship. Stay tuned for more laughs and misadventures!
So that’s my ridiculous yet heartwarming journey through Chiang Mai. Make sure to subscribe, like, and share this post—your support fuels my next adventure!