The Country Collectors

shopping

“Wander the colorful JJ Market for fresh produce and unique crafts.”

shopping

“Dive into the buzzing Sunday Night Market for street food, souvenirs, and live music under the stars.”

restaurant

“But today, I am taking you for a special treat to have my favorite crispy pork in the world at Nang Earth and Jar Roast Pork. This spot is famous for their tender, juicy roast pork and chicken, cooked, you guessed it, in traditional earthen jars.”

experience

“Enjoy breathtaking views at Doi Pui Hmong Village and Mon Jam, or race wooden carts for some fun thrills.”

experience

“The Silver Temple is a dazzling gem in Chiang Mai. The exterior walls, roof, and inside shimmer with ornate silver designs and panels depicting scenes from Buddhist cosmology, Lanna folklore, and sacred symbols. You can even see local craftsmen in their workshop showcasing the region’s silversmithing heritage.”

experience

“And last but not least is Wat Doi Saket, a serene hilltop temple located about 30 km from Chiang Mai. It’s very local and is known for its tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views. They have a small skywalk where you can check out the stunning nature, as well as a white pagoda that houses the Buddha footprints. The highlight of this temple is a stunning golden Buddha that sits atop a 218-step staircase, believed to house a piece of the Buddha’s hair, making it an important pilgrimage site for locals.”

experience

“where right behind it you can find the Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Center that offers a comprehensive look at the city's rich history.”

cafe

“my first-ever coffee motorbike at Manmade Coffee. And the owner, Man, is not only du man, but he also makes a great cup of coffee and is always happy to chat and share local spots you just can’t miss.”

outdoor adventure

“The Huay Kaew Waterfall is the closest to town and a popular spot with the locals. It’s absolutely free and just minutes from Chiang Mai City Center. It has gentle cascades, lush greenery, and nearby hiking trails that make it the perfect spot to relax, cool off, or soak in the beauty of Thailand's northern charm.”

experience

“Enjoy breathtaking views at Doi Pui Hmong Village and Mon Jam, or race wooden carts for some fun thrills.”

experience

“Visit the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary to feed, bathe, and connect with gentle giants in their natural environment.”

outdoor adventurePartnership likely

“And last but not least is the Sticky Waterfalls, where 'slippery when wet' does not apply. This is a natural playground where the rocks grip your feet like magic. You’ll feel like Spider-Man scaling the cascades with ease, thanks to the limestone deposits that create a grippy, non-slippery surface.”

experience

“Like right here behind me is the Tha Phae Gate. It’s one of the original pieces of the ancient wall that surrounded the city and used to actually be the city’s primary entrance. It’s also a very popular place to come down and take photos with the local pigeons and is a central point for all of the action and celebrations here in town.”

experience

“It’s a masterpiece of Lanna architecture and one of the city’s most revered temples. Built in the 14th century, this sacred site is home to the famous Phra Singh Buddha. It’s also a great place to watch the sunrise, and on Sundays, they have free Lanna dance lessons from 9 to 11, as well as lots of friendly monks.”

experience

“Wat Chedi Luang stands in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Old City and is a majestic temple steeped in history and culture. Once home to the sacred Emerald Buddha, this 14th-century marvel features an iconic, partially ruined chedi that still commands awe with its grandeur and Lanna craftsmanship.”

experience

“Just outside of town, you can find Wat Doi Suthep, one of Thailand's most iconic and revered temples. At its heart is a dazzling golden chedi said to house the relic of the Buddha, shining brightly against the mountain sky. This is more than a temple, it’s a journey into the heart of Thai spirituality and culture.”

experience

“The peaceful Wat Umong is a 700-year-old temple nestled in the forest, known for its unique underground tunnels that house several beautiful Buddhas. It offers a tranquil space for reflection and meditation and even has its own lake where you can feed the fish and birds.”

experience

“And if you really want to learn about the history, then head over here to the Three Kings Monument, where right behind it you can find the Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Center that offers a comprehensive look at the city's rich history.”

outdoor adventure

“Next is the Mae Sa Waterfall, a stunning 10-tiered cascade within Doi Suthep National Park, just 30 minutes from Chiang Mai City. It’s a favorite among both locals and tourists seeking a refreshing nature escape and some easy hiking along the river.”

restaurant

“And a restaurant called Mr. Dam, which is an authentic Thai eating experience. It is Mookata, or Thai barbecue... They bring you these two big bowls of coals that go on your table, and you get unlimited seafood, meat, and other little snacks. It’s way more fun with friends... And the food is great. It’s one of those things that you have to do while you’re in Thailand, and I highly recommend it.”

experience

“All right, we have arrived at Chaweng Beach, and this is a totally different vibe than we were having just a few minutes ago in Bophut. Look at this. So many people here, and the water is so beautiful. I am coining this “Samui blue”... And this beach is actually the biggest one on the island. It’s 7 km long.”

experience

“Bophut Beach has the kind of easygoing charm that hits you the second your feet hit the sand. It is so calm and relaxing here and probably the most chilled beach that we are going to be visiting all day.”

hotel

“I’m staying just a five-minute walk up the road at The Village Fisherman’s Village. And for $26 a night, I get a nice, comfortable room with a TV, a balcony, and they even have a swimming pool.”

shopping

“right behind it is the main walking street in town that is lined with hotels, beach bars, restaurants, and trendy shopping... they have a famous night market here on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, where it is absolutely massive. And you can do some really good shopping for souvenirs and lots of other things, as well as find some delicious food. And they have pop-up bars and live music. It is so cool.”

outdoor adventure

“And finally, welcome to Lamai Beach. This beach is 4 km long, making it the second-largest beach on the island. And you can just wander along the sand all alone, find yourself a little isolated patch of beach. But if you want to be around people, there are lots of beachside bars and restaurants as well.”

experience

“you will come to the Hin Ta Hin Yai, which is one of the landmarks here that is really great to go and take photos with. It may or may not look like a phallic symbol coming out of the rocks, but it’s beautiful either way, and I definitely recommend going down there.”

outdoor adventure

“Then, just about 10 minutes past that is the Na Muang Waterfall, which is gorgeous and a great place to go and take a swim and just relax in nature.”

outdoor adventure

“So, last night, I went to Lipa Noi on the west coast, and wow, it blew me away. So red, so orange, the palm trees, the waves coming in, absolutely stunning.”