Day 08: Chiang Mai - Time To Pause...

“After a week on the road, sometimes the journey itself tells us when it is time to pause...”

(Chilling out at Anusarn Market, Chiang Mai)

Date: 20 September 2026, Sunday
Route: Phitsanulok – Chiang Mai
Hotel: Star Hotel, Chiang Mai

Breakfast was simple again this morning - eggs and bread, finishing off the last of our breakfast supplies.

By 8.00 am, we were already on the road towards Chiang Mai, taking Highway 11. We stopped to refuel at Pa Sao PTT, our third of the seven planned refuelling stops for this road trip. Each refuelling so far has exceeded our allocated budget. However, our mileage has also increased by about 300 kilometres per full tank. Hopefully, by the end of the journey, the overall fuel expenditure and distance covered will balance each other out.

(3rd refuelling at Pa Sao PTT)

We took a comfort break at Lampang PTT after the climb along Highway 11 from the Uttaradit direction. Traffic was quite heavy, with stretches where the line of vehicles seemed to be almost twenty cars long. With the sharp curves along the route, overtaking required extra caution. We often had to slow down and let the faster vehicles pass us safely.

(Off-the-beaten-path - the rural country side)

(A glimpse into Northern Thailand’s agricultural heartland)

(The start of the climb - hilly and winding road) 

 
We performed our jamak prayers at Masjid Al-Falahu in Lampang, a mosque we have visited several times before. The mosque is a reminder of Lampang's long-standing multicultural Muslim community, with its mosaic of ethnic backgrounds including Malay Muslims, Chinese Muslims and migrants from the Indian subcontinent.

(Masjid Al-Falahu, Lampang)

(Performed our jamak prayers here)

(A group of boys from the Madrasah)

Whenever we are in Lampang, we also look forward to having lunch at Gor Lae Bang Nara Halal Restaurant, located right next to the mosque. It is one of our preferred halal stops here, especially for its fresh, southern-influenced Muslim-style dishes and traditional Thai cuisine. This time, we had their khao mok chicken rice for lunch - fragrant, comforting and just what we needed before continuing our journey.

(Khao Mok for lunch - tasty anf filling)

There is another halal restaurant in Lampang that we have yet to try - Khao Soi Islam Restaurant, about three kilometres from Masjid Al-Falahu. Parking is limited to the roadside, but perhaps we will give it a try the next time we are here.

( A baby elephant taking a ride to the sanctuary)

(Dramatic dark sky over Chiang Mai)

We checked in at Star Hotel Chiang Mai, our first stay here. It is an understated and affordable three-star hotel right in the heart of the city, just a couple of minutes' walk from the bustling Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. The only drawback is the very limited parking, something we always have to consider carefully when travelling with our Hi-Lux.

(Star Hotel, Chiang Mai)

(Nobody was at the reception counter)

(A cozy corner In the lobby)

(Our room for two nights)

We also sent some laundry to Miss Laundry by KPD Rental, located in the Night Bazaar area. KPD Rental provides various rental options, including cars, pickup trucks, scooters and larger motorbikes, together with services such as local tour assistance and laundry. Once the laundry was sent off, we returned to the hotel for a short nap.

After a full week of driving, I could really feel hubby's accumulated fatigue. Long-distance driving demands constant mental focus, continuous visual scanning and maintaining more or less the same physical position for hours at a time. The muscles gradually become strained, while the mind becomes tired from having to remain alert throughout the journey. Hopefully, our two-night stay in Chiang Mai will give both body and mind the opportunity to rest, recharge and regain some energy before we continue.

Tonight, we treated ourselves to sweet Thai pancakes at Safiyah Roti, while listening to live Simon & Garfunkel music at the central open-air dining area of Anusarn Market. Hubby had a double helping of banana-and-egg pancakes with peanut butter and honey. I had a banana pancake with caramel, accompanied by freshly prepared pineapple juice. Simple pleasures after a long day on the road.

(Many Halal eateries in Anusarn Market)

(Sweet roti and pineapple slurpy)

(A favorite place for locals and foreigners)

After dinner, we indulged in an hour of deep, relaxing foot massage. The gentle treatment helped ease the stiffness and tension that had built up over the past several days. I even found myself dozing off several times during the session - perhaps the best indication that my body really needed the rest.

(An hour of strong foot massage)

(Decorative umbrellas on the roof)

 

By the time we walked back to the hotel, the rain was getting heavier. We were lucky to reach the hotel just before the rain came down in earnest. Another few minutes and we might have been thoroughly drenched.

Before going to sleep tonight, we reflected on the chain of events that had unfolded over the past week. As with most long road trips, not everything has gone according to our original itinerary. Some dates have shifted, some destinations have changed, and the journey has taken on a rhythm of its own.

Soon, we will also need to seriously start planning our one-week holiday in Da Lat, Vietnam - a much-desired break from the road and, perhaps just as importantly, a chance for our faithful Hi-Lux to have a proper rest before we embark on the final leg of this long road adventure.

For tonight, though, Chiang Mai is giving us exactly what we need: a pause, a little pampering, and time to breathe.

Day 09: Chiang Mai - Free And Easy...

“Sometimes, the best part of a long journey is not another destination, but a quiet day to pause, recharge and simply enjoy where we are...”

(Tha Phae Gate, old city Chiang Mai)

Date: 21 September 2026, Monday
Route: Chiang Mai – Free & Easy
Hotel: Star Hotel Chiang Mai

After eight days of driving and moving from one destination to another, today felt like a little gift in the middle of our journey. There was nowhere we needed to rush to, no border to cross and no long stretch of highway waiting ahead of us. Just one easy day in Chiang Mai - to walk, eat, wander, catch up on practical things and, most importantly, rest.

The morning was bright and sunny, so we set off on foot towards Halal Street for breakfast at Alee’s Rotee, a popular and highly rated halal stall well known for its crisp, delicious Thai-style roti. Whenever we are in Chiang Mai, breakfast here is almost a must. Even our Malaysian biker buddies seem to share our fondness for this little favourite.

(Alee's Roti stall at Halal Street)

(Crispy roti canai and murtabak for breakfast)

 
After breakfast, we continued walking towards Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai’s most famous historical gateway and the eastern entrance to the Old City. The walk itself was enjoyable. Along the way, we admired Chiang Mai’s architectural landscape, where centuries of Lanna heritage blend naturally with remnants of the old timber-trading era and more contemporary tropical designs. From traditional teakwood structures and multi-tiered temple roofs to modern brick and bamboo creations, the city’s architecture reflects the distinctive cultural character of northern Thailand.

(Raming Tea House Siam Celadon - Colonial-style teak wooden house)

(Thaphae Muay Thai Gym)

(Vines and creeping green foliage covering an old facade)

(A cannabis dispensary and cafe)

(A scenic section of Khlong Mae Kha Canal)

King Mangrai originally built Tha Phae Gate as part of the defensive walls and moat system surrounding the newly established capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The gateway we see today, however, is a reconstruction of the original structure.

(The historic Tha Phae Gate - the old city wall)

(The old city moat in Chiang Mai)

(Thai street food culture - Thapae Walking Street)

 
By the time we returned to the hotel, our four-kilometre walk had left us hot and sweaty. Chiang Mai’s rainy season generally runs from June to October. Mornings can often be bright and warm, with heavier showers arriving later in the afternoon or evening. These wetter months also tend to bring lower hotel rates, making the city attractive to budget-conscious travellers.

(Wat Buppharam - Lanna-style woodcarvings roof spires)

(Colourful graffiti-style elephant figurines)

Back in the cool comfort of our room, we took the opportunity to complete our online booking for the next leg of our travels - a return flight from Bangkok to Da Lat, Vietnam. We are planning a five-night escape there to explore the city and its surrounding attractions. We also booked Hotel Du Lys, conveniently located near the lively Da Lat Market and within easy reach of many of the city’s central attractions. It is always exciting to have the next journey quietly taking shape while we are still in the middle of the present one.

 

(Masjid Hidayatul Islam Banhaw at Halal Street)

By lunchtime, hunger called again, and we made another walk to Halal Street, this time for Khao Soi Islam. Located just a short walk from the Night Bazaar and beside Hidayatul Islam Banhaw Mosque, this long-established halal restaurant has been serving Thai-Muslim food for more than 40 years.

(Khao Soi Islam Restaurant)

(Beef khao soi and beef fried rice for lunch)

(Khao Soi egg noodles is popular in Chiang Mai)

We ordered their signature Beef Khao Soi. Unlike some versions that are rich and heavily laden with santan, the broth here was clearer, fragrant and savoury, with a wonderfully aromatic spice profile and less sweetness. It was comforting, flavourful and just right for lunch.

(Lanzhou pulled noodles Restaurant)

(Fly and Ride favorite bike shop)

 

Back at the hotel, we noticed that more guests were checking into the Star Hotel today. Its convenient location near the bustling Chiang Mai Night Bazaar makes it a popular choice, particularly for travellers arriving by public or commercial transport.

(Murals on the wall depicting local scenes)

Our laundry was ready for collection too. During these long road trips, a full-service wash-and-fold is definitely our preferred option. It saves us time and, more importantly, keeps the travelling wardrobe under control!

For dinner, we picked up takeaway doner kebabs and falafel rolls from Little Istanbul, a halal Turkish restaurant in the lively Night Bazaar area, known for its Turkish and Mediterranean street food. We took our takeaway dinner to Anusarn Market, where we enjoyed our kebabs and falafel rolls while soaking in the evening atmosphere. The market comes alive at night, with visitors able to enjoy traditional Thai music and Lanna cultural dance performances, alongside its many food stalls and entertainment options.

(Turkish and Mediterranean street food stall)

(An artist painting on a canvas)

(A traditional Thai dance performance)

(Having our falafel rolls dinner)

 
And just like that, our last evening in Chiang Mai came to a close. After eight days of being constantly on the move, this quiet day gave us the chance to rest and recharge before the journey continues.

(A quiet welcoming spot to pause and reset)

Tomorrow, the wheels will turn again. We will drive for about seven hours along Highway 1 towards Nakhon Sawan - a city we have passed many times but never stayed overnight.

Day 10: Nakhon Sawan - A Long Monotonous Drive....

“Monotony on the road is like a blank canvas for the mind - sometimes it creates art, and sometimes it just puts you to sleep...”

(Wutthikun Bridge crossing the Ping River)

Date: 22 September 2026, Tuesday
Route: Chiang Mai – Nakhon Sawan
Hotel: Ezy Inn, Nakhon Sawan

We checked out early this morning. Today’s journey to Nakhon Sawan would be another long drive — around seven hours on the road, excluding the breaks in between.

(Clear skies and open roads ahead)

(7-Eleven pit stop for hungry travelers)

At Ko Kha PTT, we stopped for our usual 7-Eleven breakfast. There were also several stalls selling traditional sticky rice, a daily staple in this part of Thailand. I was fascinated by the different varieties on display, including riceberry and dark purple-black whole-grain rice, known for their high antioxidant content. There were also brown sticky rice varieties, including red jasmine and the fragrant Pathum Thani variety. Sticky rice is also used to make crispy rice crackers, a popular local snack. I was tempted to buy some varieties to take home, but with our road trip still having quite a long way to go, I decided it was better not to add to our luggage just yet.

(Traditional woven bamboo baskets)

(Vacuum-sealed multi-color rice varieties)

(Thai special grains from regional farming communities)

The long and rather monotonous drive eventually made me sleepy, so I took a short nap while hubby continued driving. He kept himself alert by munching on snacks along the way. There were quite a number of roadworks and temporary roadblocks, which added to the length of the journey.

In Kamphaeng Phet, we made another stop at Nakhon Chum PTT. This particular PTT station caught our attention with its creative decorations and clever integration of local elements. The combination of community culture and playful sculptures gave the station a distinctive character — turning an ordinary fuel stop into an interesting little roadside attraction.

(An old fisherman figurine)

(Flaming decorative statues at PTT Suthisak) 

By the time we reached Nakhon Sawan it was already late afternoon. We were ready for our usual lunch stop at Aminyan Halal Food Restaurant. The restaurant is known for comforting favourites such as Khao Mok Kai, or Thai-style chicken biryani. It has a clean, air-conditioned dining area, which was especially welcome after hours on the road. Conveniently located on Chakkrawan Road, it made an easy stop for us before continuing to our hotel.

Thai chicken biryani and seafood fried rice)

(Enjoying our lunch in the cool dining area)

Tonight, we are staying at Ezy Inn Nakhon Sawan, a three-star hotel known for being modern, clean and good value. Most importantly for us, it has ample parking - always an important consideration when travelling with our Hi-Lux.

(Ezy Inn Nakhon Sawan)

(Spacious and clean room)

 
Dinner tonight was simple and convenient. We had takeaway tomyam fried rice from Aminyan that we had bought earlier. I was still quite full from our late lunch, so I managed only a few spoonfuls. Even hubby, who usually has a stronger tolerance for spicy food, complained about the overwhelming amount of coarsely chopped lemongrass in the fried rice. It was definitely more lemongrass than we expected!

Before turning in for the night, we spent some time searching for a suitable hotel in Bangkok for our planned three-day stay before flying to Da Lat. We eventually settled on Nasa Bangkok Hotel, mainly because of its convenient location next to Ramkhamhaeng Airport Rail Link Station. From there, it would be an easy 18-minute train ride directly to Suvarnabhumi Airport - a very practical option for us. The hotel also offers a secure long-term parking facility.

One chapter of the journey completed - Chiang Mai behind us, Bangkok on the horizon, and Da Lat awaiting...