Day 5: Farewell Bangkok, Hello Chiang Mai

Day 5: Farewell Bangkok, Hello Chiang Mai

Our last morning in Bangkok was blissfully lazy—a perfect Saturday to wrap up our time in this vibrant city. We indulged in a gorgeous, fresh breakfast overlooking the shimmering Chao Phraya River. The gentle hum of boats passing by and the warm morning sun created an idyllic backdrop as we savoured tropical fruits and freshly brewed coffee.

The children spent the morning playing in the pool with their new friend from South Korea. It was satisfying to see them bridge language barriers while sharing playtime in the pool, forming connections that remind us how small the world truly is. Their joy was infectious, and yet, when it came to it, their goodbyes so perfunctory. Bye. See you. Have a nice life.

We headed to the airport for our quick flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The journey was swift—just enough time for the kids to tackle an hour of mental arithmetic and some spelling practice. There's always room for a bit of learning, even on travel days!

Upon arriving in Chiang Mai, we made our way to our condo at the Astra Sky River. Compact and spotless, it was perfectly situated about two kilometres from the centre of the old town. But the real gem awaited us on the rooftop.

Our initial exploration led us to an outstanding infinity pool that spans the entire length of the building—approximately 200 feet of sheer splendour. From up here, we had unobstructed 360-degree views over the city of Chiang Mai and the mountains beyond. It felt like we had stumbled upon a secret reserved for rock stars. As night fell, the pool transformed with underwater lighting, casting a magical glow that mirrored the starlit sky above.

Floating on our backs, gazing up at the endless expanse of stars, we experienced a profound sense of peace and a 'pinch me' moment. The city's twinkling lights stretched out below us, and the silhouettes of distant mountains with the occasional dim light of a hillside village framed the horizon.

Earlier in the evening, we went on a leisurely walk to the night market for our dinner and entertainment to get ourselves oriented. The stroll was invigorating, and the market buzzed with life—aromas of sizzling street food wafted through the air, and stalls brimmed with colourful handicrafts and trinkets. We indulged in an array of delicious street food, each dish more enticing than the last. The kids were captivated by street performers and musicians, while tucking into glorious Thai flavours.

By the time we returned to our condo, we were shattered, but exhilarated by the taster of what Chiang Mai had to offer in this next stage of our adventure. And that humidity of Bangkok had lifted.

Our first day in this charming city has already created beautiful memories. If tonight was any indication, we're in for an incredible journey filled with exploration, culture, and perhaps a few more late-night swims under the stars.