My train arrived in Chiang Mai just before noon.  Compelled to get something of a workout, I walked from the train station to my hotel some 5 miles away with my fully loaded backpack in the 100 degree heat. I quickly came to appreciate that Thailand’s northern capital is an escape from the whirlwind pace of its southern rival, a place to relax after the chaos of Bangkok.  After settling into my hotel. I ventured out for a tour of the Old City which contains no less than 36 temples. Quite certainly my favorite was Wat Chedi Luang. It was originally built in 1411 reaching a height of over 278 feet before it was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545. It now stands at 196 feet.

Later I visited Wat Phrasing, Wat Mengrai and the Three Kings Monument. I wrapped up the day with a stroll, sans cameras, to and through the Night Bazzar where I purchased a pair of sandals to be used on my adventures tomorrow.