Chiang Rai

Sometimes there is no other option and fate leads travelers to unexpected places. Such was the case for stopping in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Normally this city is the jumping off point for tourists looking to do some trekking to visit hill side tribes in Thailand. For me it turned into a mouthwatering culinary escapade.

After visiting the temples, mosques and statues of the city, I decided to check out the morning market although it was already afternoon. Sensory overload was about to kick in with flowers spilling out into the streets, fresh produce piled to the heavens, olfactory senses cannot keep up with the ever changing smells coming from each passing street vendor, and your attention dwindles as each one is shouting for your business. A few dollars quickly turned into a few days of food.

The night market located around the bus terminal proved to be an even more extreme endeavor. Winding through the streets and alleys red tents created a canopy over head to house all the local products being sold. In the center of it all was a stage with live performances with a giant cafeteria style seating in the middle engulfed by food stalls selling everything baked, steamed, fried, boiled, frozen or however you want it to eat. Everything from pizza to burgers, sushi to Chinese, Padthai to insects, if you wanted it I’m sure you could have gotten it. Feasting away with friends sampling a little of everything made for the perfect experience in this stop over city.