Nothing is better than having a nice breakfast near the “Tha Phae” gate with a freshly brewed coffee. The incessant flow of life can be seen to and fro, in and out of the gate. One can not help but sip the taste of nostalgia and home-sickness.

It has been a long time since I have traversed on the mountain with a motorbike. A mirage of daily lives and struggles has kept me away from the beautiful hike. But now, I had the chance to drive leisurely on the slope of mountains surrounded by nature and cool breeze. It is more than a drive; it is a pleasure cruise, leisure trip, and cozy ascent.

After the leisure drive in the cool breeze, the view can compound your pleasure. It is a good thing that the weather is clouded but there is no rain. Previous raining has cleared the pollution, now, I got the chance to enjoy the view of the city accompanied by some clouds. I stayed there for a few minutes till the landscaped absorbed into my eyes.

Chaing Mai is near the border with Shan State of Burma. So, it is a must for me to relish Shan noodles like in back home. The shop is near the moat, and it took me some time to find the shop among the bustling city. The noodle was worth everything. I ordered some fried Tofu (Shan noodle without tofu is a sin for me). Not only did the noodle taste so good, but the owner was also friendly. I looked around in the small shop and found the collection of classic cassette tapes of Shan songs and sermons.

Many say Chaing Mai is the most progressive city among the Thai. I could not agree more. Even in a toilet of a small night bar, one can find symbolic beauty of stickers and their underlying meanings.

This is what my morning travel in the Chaing Mai looks like in Google Map. A small motorbike, a tiny bag for documents, an old jean coat, and an alone young man, travelled in a big yet old city.