Chiang Mai: A Living Legend in the Heart of Lanna (Reader's Submission)

In the richly varied landscape of Northern Thailand Chiang Mai, where the spirit of the ancient kingdom of Lanna still rustles softly on the wind, my heart has inevitably taken root. Like a returning swallow, I have landed there several times and allowed myself to be embraced by its age-old charm.

The north, a tapestry of history and culture woven by the kingship of Mengrai the Great, contrasts harmoniously with the rest of Thailand. Here in Chiang Mai, the “New City”, the past echoes not only in the writings of history, but in every step you take. Temples, or 'wats', 300 in all, crown the city with a spiritual aura, unparalleled in density throughout Thailand.

Wandering through the Old Town, where the soul of Chiang Mai unfolds in every side street and alley, I discovered hidden gems of historic buildings and serene temples, each a respite in the form of cozy guesthouses and cafes. The Lanna soul speaks through the language, the taste of the food, and the traditions that proudly live on among the inhabitants.

When the last rays of sunshine shroud Chiang Mai in a golden veil, I find myself on a tuk tuk, rattling along on my way to an evening full of culinary discoveries. The Ping River, a lifeline of the city, lures with its riverside restaurants where everyday life seems to take a break. My guide for this evening is a tuk-tuk driver, whose shrill voice waves happily clash with the stutter of her tricycle. She is my compass to a local treat – the Good View Restaurant.

With the precision of a connoisseur, she does not overpromise; the table almost bends under the weight of the abundance that appears before us. Every dish, from the succulent fish to the spicy squid, from the tender meat to the crispy vegetables, seems to capture the essence of Thai freshness. And then the beer – cold, refreshing Singha – it's the perfect counterpoint to the rich flavors of the meal. As a gentle breeze caresses the river, the city lights reflect in its black mirror. Somewhere the melody of Thai music floats across the water, and I sigh contentedly. This is Chiang Mai at its best.

The adventurous souls here are lured by the promise of multi-day treks, a path full of discoveries to the hill tribes. But the peace of Chiang Mai can also be found on a bicycle, floating past sleepy villages and undulating rice fields that are part of Thailand's timeless landscape. Every pedal stroke through this peaceful region reveals a story.

The region is also home to villages where crafts such as ceramics, silverware and parasol making still flourish. And then there is the Golden Triangle, a place where legends go hand in hand with reality, where three countries merge into a crossroads of cultures.

Chiang Mai and its surroundings – a tapestry of traditions, natural wonders and a cuisine that warms both the heart and the stomach. It is a place where every visit feels like a homecoming, a place that both surprises and comforts, and always, always inspires.

Submitted by Rudolf