Our stop after exciting Bangkok was Chiang Mai, known as the “Rose of the North.” We checked into the Shangri-La, a hotel we used for many years while on buying trips for our company.

This is a 2016 photo of Marla and our agents writing up an order for furniture and accessories from one of our resources. We always found unusual items in the Chiang Mai area! I must confess it felt a little strange NOT to be buying things after our previous 25 visits for business! I had to subdue my hunter/gatherer spirit.

The Shangri-la’s Horizon Club offers superb added features for the tourist as well as the business traveler. Their staff is fabulous and very helpful!

The Horizon Club at the Chiang Mai Shangri-La.

After checking into the hotel we walked to fabulous Jindaporn Laundry, a place we’ve used for years. When traveling with teenage boys the laundry really stacks up! 17 pounds for $15 to be exact!

The Boys hadn’t had a massage before so we made reservations at the Shangri-La’s Chi Spa, a favorite of ours. They loved it!

After visiting frenetic Bangkok it was great to just relax and have a swim.

We are heading out for a walk to the “Sunday Walking Street.” It is a Chiang Mai favorite for shopping, food, and music.

We tried a different route to the market and made new discoveries like the old Wat Chang Khong temple above.

Now, this little restaurant has an interesting design!

We passed a Bodhi Tree with “support poles’ on the side. This is an ancient Lanna tradition of “supporting” a Bodhi tree with a decorative support pole. The Bodhi tree represents Buddha’s presence and an object of worship.

We toured the beautiful Wat Buppharam.

Amazing “Naga” steps to the temple. “Nagas” are mythical serpent beings that originated in Hinduism. In Buddhism, they often are protectors of the Buddha. They can often be seen on temple rooftops, staircases, and even on Buddha sculptures.

We paid a small entrance fee to tour inside the temple.

The golden spire of the Burmese style chedi.

Mythical dragons guard the temple entrance.

The “Tha Phae Gate” is an ancient portal into the old area of Chiang Mai. This is where the “Sunday Walking Street” market begins.

Marla and the Boys find something of interest.

The “Wat Phan On” temple is adjacent to the “Sunday Walking Street” on Rachadamnoen Road. The golden chedi is majestic. The temple grounds are filled with interesting vendors. I must confess to some shopping here! I found a beautiful rock crystal obelisk.

A rainstorm cut short our shopping so we found a Tuk Tuk to take us to a restaurant for dinner. Le Bistrot satisfied my hankering for French cuisine. Chiang Mai has numerous very good French and Italian restaurants.

Logan loved his cheese plate!

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.