After several days of road-tripping through northern Thailand, it was time to slow the pace. We drove up from Lampang province, through the Lamphun province, and into Chiang Mai’s Old City; the perfect place to recharge, enjoy some fantastic food, and simply soak in the atmosphere without constantly rushing from one attraction to the next.
We checked into a beautiful five-star hotel tucked inside Chiang Mai’s historic Old City. From the moment we arrived, we knew this stay was going to be something special. We were greeted with complimentary champagne at check-in, a welcoming touch that immediately set the tone for a relaxing stay.
After settling into our room, we spent the afternoon exploring the Old City on foot. One of the things I enjoy most about Chiang Mai is how walk-able it is. Nearly every street seems to reveal another hidden café, boutique shop, quiet temple, or shady lane waiting to be explored.
Even everyday travel chores become easier here. We dropped off our laundry at a nearby shop while continuing our walk through the neighborhood. It’s one of those simple travel routines that long-term travelers know well—taking care of the basics while discovering a new city at the same time.
Back at the hotel, we took advantage of happy hour with refreshing mojitos before deciding to keep the evening simple by ordering a pizza to enjoy at the hotel. Sometimes the best travel memories come from slowing down instead of trying to squeeze one more attraction into the day.
The following day, we treated ourselves to a visit to Old City Spa, one of Chiang Mai’s hidden gems for relaxation. The spa features a traditional steam room and sauna, creating the perfect environment to unwind after days of hiking, sightseeing, and long drives.
The warm steam helped melt away sore muscles, while the peaceful surroundings encouraged us to simply relax and enjoy the moment. Traveling full-time often means covering a lot of ground, so taking a day to recharge can be just as rewarding as visiting another landmark.
As evening approached, we headed to one of our favorite discoveries in Chiang Mai – Zapa Space. This tiny izakaya has an intimate atmosphere that immediately made us feel welcome. Watching the chefs prepare each dish while enjoying the cozy setting made dinner feel more like dining with friends than eating at a restaurant.
The food was outstanding, with every dish prepared with care and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of place that could easily be missed if you weren’t looking for it, but it’s exactly these smaller local restaurants that often become the highlights of a trip.
We also had excellent meals at Yoshinoya and Okada Izakaya Japanese restaurants in the city and very creative coffee concoctions at Pai Yan Yai Coffee cafe.
After dinner, we took the long walk back through the streets of the Old City. As the evening cooled, the city took on a completely different personality. Lanterns glowed outside restaurants, scooters buzzed past, and locals and visitors alike filled the sidewalks, creating an atmosphere that was both lively and relaxed.
Not every day of travel needs to be about checking famous attractions off a list. Sometimes the best experiences come from wandering without a schedule, enjoying a wonderful meal, relaxing at a spa, and appreciating the simple rhythm of a city. Chiang Mai reminded us that slowing down can be just as memorable as chasing the next adventure.
Backpack Benji’s Best Bets
- Spend at least one day in Chiang Mai without a packed itinerary. The Old City is best experienced at a relaxed pace.
- Take advantage of local laundry services if you’re on an extended trip. They’re affordable, convenient, and give you one less thing to worry about.
- Treat yourself to a visit to Old City Spa. A steam room and sauna are the perfect way to recover after days of sightseeing.
- Don’t overlook the smaller restaurants. Zapa Space may be tiny, but it was one of our favorite dining experiences in Chiang Mai.
- If your hotel offers complimentary drinks or happy hour, take the time to enjoy them. Sometimes relaxing at your hotel can be just as enjoyable as another excursion.
- Explore the Old City on foot both during the day and after dark. The atmosphere changes dramatically, and each walk offers something new to discover.
Whether you’re visiting Chiang Mai for a few days or using it as a base to explore northern Thailand, don’t feel like every minute has to be scheduled. Some of the best travel memories are made by slowing down, enjoying your surroundings, and letting the city unfold at its own pace.