We actually flew out of the Ontario Airport in California, after a fun experience with Katy, sitting in grandstand seats at the 2026 Rose Parade. Our 14.5 hour flight landed in Taipei,Taiwan, where we rested for 30 hours before our flight to Chiang Mai. Our Thailand Airbnb was about 15 minutes from the international airport. The first 5 days were challenging as we slowly adjusted to the time zones. Our home is on the 6th floor of building B of the Astra Condominiums. We are close to everything, 7-11, Big C Supermarket, cafes, massages, ATM’s, pedicures and more. If we need to go further, Grab (like Uber) is $2-$6 each way.
Sunset view from our unit
Our Chang Khlan Neighborhood
We love our area! There is a lot of activity, yet not as touristy as the Nimman area. We took a walking temple tour through Guruwalk, with our fellow Senior Nomads, Ken and Laura. We met up with a group from Go With Less and met up with another Senior Nomads couple, Matt and Brenna, who we will see again in Danang, Vietnam next month. We connected with a friend of Monica’s, named Stuart, who has lived here for 7 years. We even managed to connect with Sean, a good friend of my sister,who has lived here for 20 years.
We found an A quality spa from a referral of a man who has lived here for years. We each have gotten a foot rub, a sea salt scrub, as well as his and hers massages in the same room. We have done pedicures, haircuts, and teeth cleaning as well. Dining options are phenomenal, from Pad Thai at the local food court, to delightful sit down restaurants, to the night markets.
Our pool, which we haven’t used much
Our walking temple tour in the old city
Go With Less meetup
We first met Ken and Laura in Almada,Portugal and now in Thailand
Green curry with chicken and steamed Chinese buns
Tom Yum Goong
We met up with fellow Senior Nomads, Matt and Brenna and will see them again in Danang, Vietnam.
Live music at the Troubador
Inside the Silver Temple. Only men are allowed inside. Outside photos below.
Robin getting a foot rub from Nong
The Wararot Market
Brown fried rice yellow curry with pineapple and cashews at Tikky Cafe.
Chopped hard boiled egg with tomato and fried egg on ham and topped with bacon, both on bread at C9 cafe.
At the Wararot Market
Silver Temple
We connected with Monica’s friend Stuart, who lives in Chiang Mai.
The interior walls of the Silver Temple
Sean flew for 24 hours and still managed to stop by to meet us before we left for Vietnam. He was a great resource and had lots of stories for us.
Chiang Mai Zoo
We spent one day at the Chiang Mai Zoo on the other side of the Old City. The zoo is very hilly with large gaps between several exhibits. We took the tram at several points. Some people rented a private golf cart, but the cost is more than the admission. The zoo was enjoyable, with most animals in decent habitats.
Scout troops walked through the zoo
Looks like he didn’t check Trivago
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
We did the morning half day tour and it was awesome. We were given education and safety instructions for interacting with the elephants. First we fed them watermelon. Then we watched as they ate grasses, sugarcane and bamboo I believe. We made a supplement ball to give the elephants to aid in digestion. Finally, the elephants got in the water where we threw water on them and after rubbed mud on them. When they were done, they walked off. Afterwards, we had a delightful lunch.
The baby was 1 year old
Sunrise tour with former monk to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
We were picked up at 4:50 am by our guide, Non. We then stopped and picked up Ken and Laura and headed up the mountain. It was still dark as we arrived at the temple.
Non was an excellent guide. He was a monk for 6 years and was a very kind soul. On our tour he brought food to pass out to the monks, food for the stray dogs, and even snacks for us.
Passing out food to the monks
Non gave us bells to put our names on
One of my favorite shots of us. Wandering the world together, always next to each other.
A unique sunrise where the sun came up, then vanished above in a reserve setting.
We stopped at Wat Pha Lat, a Buddhist retreat on the way back. It was very Zen ☺️.
Chiang Mai was very magical for us and we plan on returning some day. We loved our location in the Astra Condos. Next time we will get to Chiang Rai for a few days.
Randy and Robin's Roving Retirement 