CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
The curves of the road draw us forward in a hypnotic trance. Lacing up the mountain side, deep corners and inclined switchbacks allowed me to lean the bike in and accelerate out of the apex. The music loops through my headset. A series of songs complimenting the route perfectly, setting a scene of temporary bliss.
The road marker indicated that seven kilometers remained to the famous temple of Doi Suthep. As the bike elevated further up, the freshness of the mountain air bit through my thin tee shirt. The clouds suddenly shift to offer a secretive glimpse of the Buddhist temple towering over the city of Chiang Mai. Straddled by the Thai highlands, this laid-back gateway to the north had become a constant sanctuary from the sometimes grinding reality associated to full-time travel.
This charming city of the ancient Silk Road found its history shaped by trade and merchants for various generations. Today the expanding center still retains that small town appeal and it’s only during peak times that the streets are choked with traffic and people. Upon an isolated bench atop of the temple, my mind instantly wandered to the bustling vista below.
The clanging of a child ringing giant prayer bells broke my concentration. Small bouts of hunger jolt me back to reality. Motivated me to return. While the sun finally sets over the mountain, the market on the southern side of the ruined wall was awash with stalls and open air restaurants: exotic aromas omnipresent. With a few Thai Baht in hand this outdoor display offered me a cheap flavorsome meal.
Close to my heart and more than just a city, this rich-in-traditions region is a perfect setting to experience the elegance of Thai and Lanna culture.
This collection of photos in particular evoke a personal insight. I approach Chiang Mai not through its historical temples but documenting the people in this scenic location that I have come to consider as a second home.
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