Chiang Mai is just lovely and I’m so glad I got to spend a good chunk of time exploring this mountainous and ancient city. Be sure to check out my previous post on Chiang Mai in case you missed it too is jam packed with great stuff for you to see if and when you visit!
After my time at Jirung Health Village, it was time to move into the city center. I had the wonderful pleasure of staying at the Rarin Jinda Wellness Spa Resort. On the shores of the Ping River, Rarin Jinda is a beautiful property boasting a world class spa, gorgeous pool and top notch accommodations. My room opened right up to the pool and fountains! 
I got to experience their incredible half day spa ritual package which included Siamese Herbal Steam, Body Scrub, Herbal Hot Compress, Floral Bath Jacuzzi with Chromotherapy (this tub was on the rooftop with gorgeous views of the city!), Luxurious Facial Relaxation, Aromatherapy Oil Massage and Guava Foot Polisher. Needless to say all that luxurious indulgence worked up an appetite! Their restaurant, Deck 1 is a chic eatery right on the river. Be it breakfast or dinner I always sat on the deck to watch the boats go by and listen to the sounds of the city. And the vegan options are terrific!
The resort is serene and peaceful while being within walking distance to the old city and the famed Night Market. Vendors of beautiful produce, flowers, street food, clothing, crafts and pretty much anything you want is available 24 hours a day! And the city really does come alive at night! I tried so many wonderful fruits and street treats while stocking up on souvenirs, I went back every night and always saw something new.
One morning, I had the good fortune of experiencing a beautiful Thai tradition. My guide from Destination Asia, Yui, invited me to do the morning food offering to the monks which entailed shopping for several items and heading to the foot of the hill where the monks come down with large bowls to collect food. 
It was lovely and I learned so much about the culture, a monk’s life, how one becomes a monk, etc. I happened to catch the school aged monks, made my offering and received a blessing. Definitely a highlight of my time in Chiang Mai!
Not too far from the night market you will find Whole Earth. A restaurant built in traditional Thai style, it is such a pretty location and the food does not disappoint. They have an extensive vegetarian menu with many easily veganizable and all are delicious! My tofu satay was wonderful as was my various veggie dishes and noodles!
Also in the city center, a fully vegan restaurant, Taste from Heaven, is a great option. A restaurant and cooking school, Taste offers traditional Thai dishes as well as western foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as sandwiches and light take away snacks, perfect for sightseeing. I popped in for a snack and dessert and wished I had gone back for some other meals!
Well, that’s a wrap on Chiang Mai for now but I’m not done with Thailand yet! Thanks to ext, we head to Koh Samui! Special thanks to Tourism Thailand for the incredible trip!
