My 54th blog - From Chiang Mai Streets to Bangkok Nights: A Foodie’s Journey

by Beth O.  (Oct. 23 to 31, 2025)

 

After our fun and unforgettable food trip to Fukuoka back in 2023, the foodies struck again—this time in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, from October 23 to 31, 2025. Our happy bunch—Lizette, Ditas, Suzie, Chinky, Ayette, Grace, Rowena, Jojo, Keiko, and of course, me—set off on another adventure filled with laughter, good food, and endless stories.

Thailand holds a special place in Lizette’s heart, as she now lives there with her husband, Pum. Naturally, she became our amazing tour guide, leading us through the sights, flavors, and hidden gems of her adopted home. We couldn’t have asked for anyone better! A huge thank-you to Lizette for taking such good care of us, even while Pum was recovering from angioplasty. And to Pum—thank you for letting her come along despite everything. We’re keeping you in our prayers for continued healing and a smooth trip to the U.S. ahead.

Our journey officially began on October 23—but not without a little drama! I honestly thought it was a bad omen when our Cebu Pacific flight was delayed for almost six hours. We were supposed to take off at 9:30 p.m., but ended up leaving close to 4 a.m.! Imagine the mix of exhaustion, laughter, and “are-we-ever-leaving?” moments at the airport.

But as it turned out, the universe had a little surprise for us. Cebu Pacific emailed us travel vouchers for another short-haul international flight. Suddenly, that long wait didn’t seem so bad! Maybe it wasn’t an omen after all—just a sign that another adventure was waiting for us. And so, the foodies were already plotting our next destination: Bali, Indonesia!

On October 24, we arrived at our first stop—the Airport Greenery Hotel—around 7:30 or 8:00 a.m. It was a lovely place, and I especially liked how conveniently it was located near a big mall where we could exchange our pesos for baht and eat to our hearts’ content.

After settling in, we headed to Wat Phra Singh, took some photos, enjoyed a relaxing massage for just 350 baht, and had a satisfying lunch for only 167 baht. I couldn’t help but marvel at how affordable food and services are in Chiang Mai!

Later that day (around 1:00 p.m.), a van arrived to pick us up—with Lizette, Rowena, and Jojo already on board. We were thrilled to finally see them! Our plan was to head to an Airbnb owned by Lizette’s friend, but along the way, we stopped by a charming heritage spot surrounded by magnificent trees and a tranquil atmosphere.

Eventually, we checked in at a cozy mountainside bed and breakfast, where a breathtaking view of the mountains welcomed us. After settling in, we enjoyed a sumptuous meal that left everyone blissfully full—and, as always, the night ended in true foodie fashion, with karaoke, laughter, and a bit of dancing!

The following day, October 25, we had another hearty breakfast. I thought we were just having pancakes filled with pandan cream and coffee—but then came the exquisite rice porridge. It was simply delicious!

After breakfast, we stopped by a chocolate factory. As a baker, you’d probably expect me to stock up on chocolates, but instead, I ended up buying a lovely yellow hat!

Another hotel awaited us in Chiang Mai, so we headed to Art Mai Gallery, located right in the heart of town. Lunch was at Yangzi Jiang, a Michelin-starred restaurant conveniently close to the hotel. I loved how the surrounding area was filled with charming little shops and restaurants—I could never get bored just wandering around!

That evening, we had booked an amazing night tour of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Unfortunately, the rain began to pour, so after visiting a pagoda temple and exploring a tunnel, we decided to stay inside the van while our guide continued the tour with the other guests. Dinner, if I can call it that, was at a street market. Most of us tried siopao, pad thai, banana chocolate crepes, and, of course, mango rice cake, which I love very much.

On October 27, some of us—Grace, Ayette, Suzie and Chinky—headed off on the elephant tour, while Kei and I opted for a relaxing foot massage. I skipped the elephant tour since I had already seen elephants during my visit to Phuket a few years ago. Ditas and Lizette probably treated themselves to a massage as well. Later in the afternoon, a few of us went for a swim. The water was chilly, and the breeze a bit strong, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the pool and soaking in the refreshing air.

October 28 was a full-day tour to Chiang Rai. We visited the stunning White Temple, the Red Temple, the massive White Buddha, and the fascinating Baandam Museum. Everything was awe-inspiring—except for a small hiccup with our tour guide, who seemed a bit irritated when he noticed me walking slowly and snapping photos before he could explain what to expect at the White Temple.

On October 29, we departed for Bangkok and checked in at Asia Hotel Bangkok. Most of us decided to walk to the nearby malls—Big C and Platinum. It was a shopping day, and we bought Thai pants/pajamas and some souvenir items.

The following day, October 30, we had breakfast at the buffet, where all sorts of Thai dishes and fresh fruits were served. In the evening, we went on a dinner cruise at Icon Siam. Before the cruise, we did some more shopping in the same area. That night was our last night in Bangkok, and it ended with a lavish meal on the ship while enjoying the view of temples and hotels on both sides of the river.

Alas, all wonderful journeys must eventually draw to a close. On October 31, with hearts full of memories and a hint of bittersweet nostalgia, we bid farewell to Bangkok and to Lizette, our gracious host, whose warmth had made our stay truly unforgettable. Yet, even as the city faded from view, our spirits brimmed with excitement rather than sorrow—for this was far from the end of our adventures. We already dream of our next journey in 2027, eager to chase new horizons, uncover hidden treasures, and weave even more unforgettable stories together.