This series is about places that we’ve been able to visit because of our freelance lifestyle. This isn’t just so that I can share my travel photos; there is a larger point! We have been able to take more holidays or stay longer because we could combine our work with travel. I want more people to get involved in online freelancing and I hope that this series will inspire you. Yes, you.
We've Worked in... Chiang Mai
Despite living in Thailand for a year and half and visiting multiple times before that I had never been to Chiang Mai. Agi visited in 2009 and loved it. When my parents visited Thailand we decided to take advantage of the opportunity and the four of us headed up north for a week.
Things started well as we were staying in a traditional Thai house made of teak. It was absolutely beautiful and a real change from our apartment in Bangkok. On the first day Agi went off to do an 80km run in the hills with some people she knew through the running club in Bangkok. I took my parents for a more sensible walk around Chiang Mai. The town is lovely, there are temples everywhere. It's also a foodie's paradise. One evening I had a Mexican / Thai fusion meal; pork enchilada in penang curry sauce. Delicious! Check out Ole Gourmet if you are in town.
We took a day trip to Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand. I had to laugh because there was a big sign stating that you were at the highest point in Thailand when you could clearly see steps behind the sign and a higher point beyond that. The main photo for this post is from the small shrine on top of the mountain. I loved the moss covered elephants. Also on the mountain were two pagodas dedicated to the King & Queen. These were spectacular and the views down into the valley were captivating. Definitely worth a visit.
Obviously Agi and I had to work some of the time we were there and it was an absolute pleasure! Our hotel had a covered seating area outside. The temperature was perfect, there was a cool breeze from time to time and we never got too hot. I'm seriously considering moving to Chiang Mai after this, Bangkok is too damned hot.
My mum had her birthday while we were there and she wanted to go and see elephants. She was adamant that she didn't want to go somewhere that teaches elephants to do tricks or offers elephant rides. We found the Thai Elephant Care Centre, a place that cares for elderly and sick elephants. She had a wonderful time there. We helped feed the elephants, learned about the medicines that elephants need and helped bathe the elephants in the river.
All in all Chiang Mai is a wonderful place. Nice Thai food, not too hot, plenty of sights and activities. I can see why everybody has been telling me to go there for years!
Another great trip enabled by freelancing! Get in touch with us and see how you can freelance and have more holidays.