And that Saturday evening in Chiangmai, following the map, what looks like a shortish walk turns into a very long and sweaty (me) walk to Chiangmai’s Saturday night walking street.

Join up with others carrying maps and en route. Stop for a strawberry milkshake — last thing I expect to have in Thailand but the strawberries are fresh and I am wilting and the little shop has air-con and what tastes like the best strawberry milkshake in the world does the trick and cools me right down.

Ready to continue. Wondering what I will find and when.

Then all of a sudden I come upon what my map and someone I ask tells me are the old city gates.

So much to try, far too little time or tummy space

And nearby, a fabulous street food market frequented by locals and tourists that stretches on and on and has irresistible “everything” from whole fish being grilled over the fire, coated in coarse salt, to fat prawns and squid and — you name it. Smells, visual temptations and fresh fruit stands.

So much to try, far too little time or space in the tummy.

It is on the other side of the street and the city gates to the walking market, which has more of those stalls of souvenirs and items to purchase. Great for those who are shopping. But very little food for those of us into instant gratification, consumables and good hearty nosh.

After fat grilled prawns and a helping of fish and ogling at the smorgasbord of options, I wander back.

And discover that the best thing about my river fronting lodge: The late night view from my window. Seems I am overlooking a pick-up spot. And if I walk across the Iron Gate Bridge, I get to the double decker Bus Bar. Which I do at about 11pm and drink a Thai wheat bear and listen to a good Thai band belt out mainly Western-style music till closing time.

© Wanda Hennig 2016, words and pictures.

And on to Thailand travel 13. Why solo is the way to go for singles and boomers.

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