“Some places disappear, but the memories stay exactly where we left them...”
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| (Easy way to wonder around Chiang Mai) |
Day 08: 26 November 2025 (Wednesday)
Route: Chiang Mai Mosque Hunting
Hotel: B2 Riverside Colonial Hotel, Chiang Mai
Our second day in Chiang Mai began with the simple plan of visiting a few mosques and perhaps wandering through a couple of shopping malls. We drove toward Hilal Street and parked at Masjid Hidayatul Islam Ban Haw, a corner of the city that always feels familiar.
To our surprise, Sophia Halal Restaurant - a favourite from our riding days was gone. The building had been demolished, replaced by a construction site preparing for something new. Standing there, I felt a small wave of nostalgia. So many meals, so many memories, suddenly replaced by scaffolding and dust.
We walked over to Alee's Roti for breakfast. The warm, flaky roti telur and roti mixed fruits paired wonderfully with hot cups of coffee, cha-ron, and a hearty bowl of chicken curry. The simple meal gave us a gentle start to the day.
After breakfast, we continued our mini mosque tour to Masjid Al Jamiah (Chang Khlan) and Masjid Nurul Chang Phuek (Masjid Kunnun). Both mosques sat within lively neighbourhoods filled with halal restaurants and small eateries. It wasn’t lunchtime yet, but it was comforting to see how vibrant the Muslim community remained around these areas.
We then drove to One Nimman, a unique mall showcasing local crafts and handmade souvenirs. Its creative atmosphere and boutique shops were fun to explore. Afterward, we crossed over to Maya Lifestyle Shopping Centre, but nothing really caught our attention, so we didn’t linger.
By lunchtime we were back on Hilal Street, enjoying a simple meal at Roummit 2 Halal Restaurant - omelette rice and tom yum kung. Back at the hotel, I drifted into a much-needed nap while hubby went for an hour-long foot massage next door.
Tonight, we initially thought of taking a stroll to the Kalare Night Market, but in the end we stayed in, settling for a shared bowl of instant mee while watching the evening news. A dedicated channel was broadcasting continuous updates on the worsening floods in Southern Thailand. Rescue and evacuation efforts were underway, yet our hearts felt heavy thinking of fellow Malaysians still trapped in Hatyai and Songkhla. The floodwaters showed no sign of receding.
Just a week ago, we left Hatyai under pouring rain - now we realise how fortunate we are to be travelling north, away from the disaster zone and its rising waters.
We turned in early tonight, hoping sleep would quieten the growing worry. As we lay in the cool comfort of Chiang Mai’s night air, we pray and wish the same calm could reach those facing the storm. May tomorrow bring better news, and may Chiang Mai’s gentle weather soothe our unsettled hearts, even if just a little.
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