06 JJCM: Phitsanulok - The Gentle Rhythm of Ordinary Life...

“In smaller towns, we found a kind of peace that no landmark could offer...”

(Having tea with Santa Bear in the woods)

Part II – Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the Northern Hills

Day 06: 24 November 2025 (Monday)
Route: Bangkok – Phitsanulok
Hotel: Phitsanulok Polkadot Hotel

(Watching the sunset from our room on the 18th floor)

After three nights in Bangkok, we left early for Phitsanulok, grateful for the shift from the city’s bustle to the countryside’s calm. The northern route promised cooler weather, rolling hills, and a quieter rhythm - a welcome contrast to the capital’s restless pace. We cruised steadily along Highway 32, stopping at a PTT rest area for a simple coffee break to ease the monotony of the long drive.

(Simple breakfast at 7-Eleven)

(A beautiful farm along the route)

(Coffee break at a PTT rest area)

By noon, we made a short detour to Restoran Aminyan in Nakhon Sawan for lunch, only to find it closed - as were the neighbouring halal eateries. Since neither of us were particularly hungry, we decided to continue straight to Phitsanulok.

(Entering the city of Phitsanulok)

(Wat Phra Nang Phaya Amulet Buddha)

 
By mid-afternoon, we reached the peaceful provincial city set along the Nan River. We checked into Polkadot Café & Hotel, a small boutique stay with secure parking - simple, comfortable, and instantly welcoming after hours on the road. Its location was ideal, just steps away from the Pakistan Mosque and surrounded by various halal dining options. The rate was an unexpected delight at only THB 560 per night.

(Polkadot Cafe & Hotel, next to the many halal eateries)

(A short walking distance to the Pakistan Mosque)

After settling in, we walked to Pattani Halal Restaurant nearby for a late lunch. I ordered my usual fried rice and oxtail soup - familiar comfort food that somehow tastes a little better when shared after a hot, sunny day on the road.

(Lunch at Pattani Halal Restaurant)

(Dinner at Fakerah Roti just across Polkadot Cafe & Hotel)

Later in the evening, we wandered out again to a small halal stall. Their roti pisang cheese came highly recommended, and it lived up to its praise. As night fell, we lingered a while, enjoying the welcome coolness in the air - a gentle reward at the end of a long travel day.

(A Korean Cafe and Pub on the 2nd floor)

(A cozy corner in the hotel)

(Our room in Polkadot Cafe & Hotel, Phitsanulok)

07 JJCM: Chiang Mai - Lost in the lanes of the Night Markets...

"We walked by the water and left the day’s tiredness behind. Rivers don’t hurry - and neither did we...”

(A painting at the Anusarn Night Market)

Day 07: 25 November 2025 (Tuesday)
Route: Phitsanulok – Lampang – Chiang Mai
Hotel: B2 Riverside Colonial Hotel, Chiang Mai

(A halal restaurant next to our hotel)

(Roti telur and beef curry for breakfast)

(The highway passing through Uttaradit and Prae)

(A comfort break at a PTT station)

(Prae landmark - Pratu Chai or Victory Gate)

The following morning, we continued our journey to Chiang Mai, taking our time to appreciate the scenic views along Highway 11. The drive to Chiang Mai was a favourite of ours: soft hills rolling toward the north, roadside stalls selling fresh fruit, the occasional herd of water buffalo.

(Masjid Al-Falahu in Lampang)

(Prayer break in Lampang main mosque)

(A halal restaurant in Lampang)

(Nasi Komok and fried rice for lunch)

By noon, we made a short detour to Lampang. At the Al-Falahu Mosque, we paused for prayers, then enjoyed a hearty lunch at Gor Lae Bang Nara Halal Restaurant just nearby.

(Winding mountain highway to Chiang Mai)

Sleepiness crept in after the heavy meal, but we pushed on toward Chiang Mai, eager to reach our destination, check in, and straighten our backs. The city welcomed us with cool mountain air and leafy boulevards - a refreshing change after the long drive.

(B2 Riverside Colonial Hotel)

(A cool weather in Chiang Mai)

(The bridge crossing Ping River)

(The Three King Monument - iconic landmark in Chiang Mai)

(Our lodging for two nights)

 
For the next two nights, we stayed at the B2 Riverside Colonial Hotel, beautifully set along the Ping River at THB 940 per night. After a good rest, we took a leisurely walk to Anusarn Night Market. The evening stroll by the river was soothing, the cool weather making every step feel unhurried.

(Visiting a few night markets) 

(Vibrant paintings on display and for sale)

(The Street Food of Anusarn Night Market)

(Bustling and multicultural atmosphere at the food court)

Being a weekday, the market wasn’t overly crowded, giving us the chance to wander freely, explore the night bazaar, and watch the world drift by as we enjoyed a light dinner at a nearby halal stall.

(Varieties of banana pancakes at the Roti stall) 

(My favorite cheese banana pancake for dinner)

(Live music, playing amazing classic rock)

08 JJCM: Chiang Mai - Mosques, Malls & Quiet Moments...

“Some places disappear, but the memories stay exactly where we left them...”

(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.

(Masjid Hidayatul Islam Ban Haw)

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.

 

(A new project in town)

(Where Sophia Halal Restaurant used to be)

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.

(A modest roadside halal stall) 

(The early morning hungry customers)

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.

  

(Parking our 4x4 on the narrow alley)

(Masjid Al Jamiah Chang Khlan)

(Masjid Nurul Chang Phuek)

(Also known as Masjid Kunnun)

(One of the many halal restaurants near the mosque)

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.

(One Nimman Shopping Mall)

(The Market Street)

(Safe the elephants campaign)

(Scenes in One Nimman Shopping Mall)

(Safe Hatyai Campaign)

(MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre)

(The Christmas spirit is here)

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.

(The White Pagoda, Chedi Kiew - the legend of Ling Piang)

(A hearty lunch at Hilal Street)

(Foot massage at Ban Thong U, the Landmark)

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.

(Hatyai flooding is worsening)

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.