Thailand // Day 8 - Doi Suthep-Pui National Park + Warorot Market + Nimman

The view of Nimman from the rooftop of MAYA

We woke up early today to get our laundry from a laundromat beside our apartment (40B/kg) before heading up to Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.

We managed to get a song thaew for 200B/person to and fro which, according to our AirBNB host, was the average price. It took us roughly 40 minutes to get to Wat Pra That Doi Suthep which was one of the highlights of Chiang Mai with some saying that “you haven’t been to Chiang Mai if you didn’t visit this temple”.

Upon alighting the song thaew, we took a short walk past some street stalls selling clothes, fruits, souvenirs and many more, before we were welcomed by a formidable flight of 306 steps. Being feebly me, it took me some effort to lug my impotent self up that dreadful flight of stairs which, in all honestly, really wasn’t that bad if you stopped to take photos every once in a while. I, on the other hand, just tried my best to not be in anyone else’s photo.

We were there at around 11AM and the bulk of the crowd were already finding their way around the temple. Originally, I was told to be there as early as 9AM to experience a quieter more restful ambience but I honestly didn’t have much regrets because I’m not much of a temple person. I didn’t manage to enter the temple because I was wearing shorts (yes, again) but my friends took their turn inside the temple and was pleasantly surprised by a jade Buddha. While they were inside, I explored the outside of the temple and saw a hint of the city amidst the fog/haze. Sadly, all the camera could capture was the fog.

A friendly busker 

Next up was Huay Kaew Waterfall. I was hoping and praying that the waterfall was actually… working. Because it’s the dry season here in Chiang Mai and honestly the worst time to be here but ah wells we really had no other choice.

When we arrived, I asked, “where’s the waterfall?!” and my friend pointed to a pile of rocks and exclaimed “this is the waterfall” :’) well if we can’t swim in it, we climb it. Better than nothing right?

Back in the city, we headed for lunch at Black Canyon Coffee because Lert Ros, the restaurant we initially wanted to visit but didn’t because our motorbike broke down, was closed and also because we literally saw it everywhere. Even in Chiang Rai!

I had a Caesar salad because I felt the need to consume some proper vegetables after a week of mostly carbs carbs carbs carbs. It felt good to finally feel a sense of familiarity since I usually eat salad at least once a week back in Singapore.

After lunch, we headed for Warorot Market. I hope I went to the right place because the sign wrote Waroros Market LOL. Anyway, I loved the atmosphere at the market. Everyone was nice and friendly; the market was clean with dried fruits/goods, spices and even fresh ingredients like chilli up for sale. We didn’t explore the second floor because it was mostly bags and cosmetics but we did head opposite to take a short look at the similar products sold. What I love the most about Warorot Market is that they let you try the product before you buy them! I really loved the dried fruits and bought a packet of dried papayas and dried mixed fruits. I also got a packet of Thai Green Milk Tea and normal Milk Tea bc I saw it online and really wanted to give it a try.

Dinner was at a street vendor by the night market beside MAYA (a shopping mall). I was famished from having only a salad while Kay Wei, only a corn soup, so we just picked a random dish and it turned out to be something like stir-friend beef with rice. The menus are all in Thai so we had to base it off taste and picture LOL. We roamed the market for a little while before heading to Nimman to meet Mo and Perry for a drink.

The night market beside MAYA

Nimman is a more chic part of town where teenagers, especially the students from the University nearby, come to visit a lot. There are many bars, cafes and restaurants along the road giving it a very modern vibe.  

We met Mo at a rooftop bar atop Hotel Yayee. It was a lovely place, away from all the hustle and bustle of Nimman, with a pretty decent view despite only being on the 6^th floor. Doi Suthep can also be seen from the rooftop during the day. I got the Saaw Doy Spitzer (if I recalled it right) – a white wine cocktail – and I loved it! Not too strong alcohol taste with a refreshing touch of fruits.

My drink with Mo and Perry in the background!

Mo wanted to bring us around the interesting bars in Nimman but we didn’t bring any form of identification with us so we couldn’t enter most of the good bars nearby. Instead, she brought us up to the roof of MAYA. 

When we first went into MAYA just now before dinner, we gave up on the second floor because it was so boring! Thankfully, Mo showed us to the rooftop.

Although there wasn’t much to see, it did give off a really nice vibe and I would go back there for a drink if I had the time. Sadly, I don’t. We headed back after chilling for a bit at the roof and made plans to go to Sticky Waterfalls together tomorrow!

It’ll be another early day but I’m really pumped up to see a working waterfall, especially after today. Xx.