【Hidden Treasure】Thailand - Xiao Man's 9-Day Chiang Mai & Phuket Itinerary: A Complete Guide to Café Hopping and Island Hotel Stays

Weibo: Yuan Xiaoman Who's About to Explode
Destination: Thailand
Travel Dates: March 18–26, 2018 (9 days)
Average Cost: Approximately ¥15,000 RMB per person
Travel Companions: Family trip

Origins: An Old TV Drama, A Dream

"When I stepped onto Bangkok, it was the rainy season." That line comes from the 2003 TV drama Bangkok Rainy Season. The performances of Liu Zi and Xu Yajun were so moving that they sparked my very first longing for Thailand. There was an instrumental piece in the show called Deep Love for the Land of Dala — I wanted to use it as background music for this travelogue, but I searched everywhere online and couldn't find it. Oh well. Some memories staying in your mind are beautiful enough on their own, aren't they?

I'm Xiao Man, a typical Taurus. I'll burst out laughing at a comedy movie and sob uncontrollably at a sad song. I believe in seizing the moment in life, wanting to spend all my useful time on the things I love and the faraway places I dream of.

This travelogue has been rewritten many times — written, deleted, written again. I've read many brilliant travelogues by前辈 (veteran travelers) on Mafengwo and felt humbled, but I didn't lose heart. Every journey is a process of getting to know and understand yourself — the scenery along the way, the people you meet — these are the most precious memories of these nine days. More than five months later, I opened a can of cola, sat down at my computer: so many moments, so many cafés, a peaceful little town, so many people, blue skies and green waters, nature's stunning scenery... Xiao Man is ready to reminisce.

This trip lasted nine days and eight nights, covering one city and one island — Chiang Mai plus Phuket. Four days in Chiang Mai, four days in Phuket, staying at three hotels in total (one in Chiang Mai, two in Phuket). The experiences were all fantastic, and I'll share them one by one below. I hope that you, reading this travelogue right now, can also feel a moment of tranquility and joy.

Pre-Trip Preparations: The Unreliable Blogger's Routine

It had been over a year since my last long-distance trip. True to form, I only exchanged local currency (Thai Baht) a week before the trip, only started packing (two suitcases) the day before, and stayed up all night the night before departure. Yep, I'm that unreliable blogger.

Xiao Man is based in Wuxi, Jiangsu. I booked budget flights in advance on Fliggy:

• March 18, 2018: Shanghai → Chiang Mai (Spring Airlines): ¥1,952 for two (Spring Airlines allows a combined 30kg free baggage for two)
• March 22, 2018: Chiang Mai → Phuket (Thai AirAsia): ¥1,205 for two
• March 26, 2018: Phuket → Shanghai (Spring Airlines): ¥2,982 for two

Airport pickups, drop-offs, and transfers between the two hotels in Phuket were all booked through Haiou.com (Haiou Map), at ¥43 per trip. The drivers were all locals, very efficient.

Recommended App: Haiou Map — offers offline Chinese-language maps with positioning and navigation, and allows you to book products directly on the map. Good value for money. The main local transportation in Chiang Mai is tuk-tuks and the Grab ride-hailing app (similar to China's Didi; register with a phone number, prices are system-generated so no worries about being overcharged, and the key feature is air conditioning).

Accommodation: From Budget-Friendly to Luxurious Indulgence

Chiang Mai: ISTY Hotel — An Unexpected Surprise

I originally wanted to save the accommodation budget for Phuket, so I just picked a hotel in Chiang Mai based on pictures without much thought. I was pleasantly surprised when I actually checked in. The hotel has four floors, a pool on the ground floor where you can have breakfast by the poolside — it was delicious. The top floor has a large terrace where you can lie down, gaze at the sky, sip some drinks, eat some grilled skewers — pure bliss.

Hotel Name: ISTY Hotel
Check-in Dates: March 18–22 (4 nights)
Total Cost: ¥1,209 (including breakfast)
Personal Feeling: That top-floor terrace — the first time I saw it, I felt like humming "Little Happiness."

Phuket: Two Hotels, Two Experiences

Prices in Phuket are significantly higher than in Chiang Mai. The main local transportation is taxis, with a starting fare of about 600 Thai Baht. So on the island, Xiao Man basically just hung out at the hotels, enjoying a relaxing four days. I stayed at two hotels, two nights each.

First Hotel: Pullman Phuket Arcadia Nai Thon Beach Resort
- Room Type: Sea View Room (including breakfast)
- Price: ¥3,364
- Check-in Dates: March 22–24

Second Hotel: Paresa Resort (My Favorite of the Trip)
- Room Type: Cliff Pool Villa (including breakfast)
- Price: ¥8,064 (my heart bled when I booked it, but the breathtaking views everywhere I looked were truly priceless)
- Check-in Dates: March 24–26
- Note: Paresa Resort is located on a hill, making it inconvenient to get around. The hotel charges 150 Baht per person one-way to Patong Beach; a taxi costs about 600 Baht.
- Highly Recommended: If you want to quietly enjoy the wonderful seaside time, don't miss this place. Blue skies, turquoise sea, a vast expanse of azure — breathtakingly beautiful.

DAY 1: First Night in Chiang Mai — The Bustling Night Market

The flight departed at 6:15 PM and arrived on time at Shanghai Pudong Terminal 2. Watching the crowds of people rushing by with their suitcases, I secretly rejoiced: That familiar feeling — vacation has begun, a brief escape.

After more than three hours of flying, I walked out of the airport, greeted by warm, humid breezes and the sound of "Sawadee ka" everywhere. I whispered to the night sky: Hello, Chiang Mai!

By then, I was starving. The pre-booked airport transfer driver arrived punctually at the airport exit, helpfully loaded our suitcases into the trunk, and drove us to the hotel. After checking in, I couldn't wait to head to the night market near the hotel for food. Chiang Mai is actually quite small; ISTY Hotel is in the old city area. After about a ten-minute walk, I came across a small night market with food stalls — selling rice noodles, fruit, grilled skewers, pancakes — bustling with energy.

Must-Try Recommendation: A spicy duck blood rice noodle soup (I forgot the name, but it's not far from the hotel). It was spicy but delicious — an addictive kind of spicy! The grilled skewers at the night market are also worth trying. The owners are a couple; even though we couldn't communicate verbally, there was a warm, human touch in our interactions.

DAY 2: Chiang Mai — A Small Town with Many Stories

I woke up naturally the next day. Before coming, I knew from my research: When you're in Chiang Mai, you absolutely cannot miss its diverse range of cafés. And indeed, over the next few days, Xiao Man completely immersed herself in the world of coffee. I loved every single shop — happiness was bubbling over!

Chiang Mai has a magical power; it seems to have its own rhythm, making you slow down involuntarily. Every household here has a Buddha statue at the entrance, used to express gratitude for the gods' blessings. There's a Thai phrase, "Jai Yen Yen" (ใจเย็น ๆ), which roughly means "take it easy" or "slow down." This seems to be the local way of life in Thailand — don't rush, life, take it slow, and everything will come.

Café Exploration ①: The Baristro (New Branch)

The first café I visited. Large expanses of white, minimalist yet elegant. My favorite spot was that corner — sitting on the sofa, lazily gazing out the window, just daydreaming was a pure pleasure.

Recommendations: Coconut Shaved Ice (a must-order!), Coconut Matcha Latte
Average Cost: About ¥20 RMB per person (Thai prices make you feel so happy)
Address: 62 Patan Road, T. Patan, Muang, Chiang Mai 50300
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Summary: Light and shadow are perfectly balanced here. You can sit quietly for an afternoon, listening to your own inner voice, watching the slow passage of time. The new branch is on the outskirts of the old city, not as convenient to explore as the one on Nimman Road, but it wins points for being less crowded, quieter, and full of intricate details.

Restaurant Recommendation: Somtum House by Yokkrok

A pure white little villa with a striking red logo and lush greenery — a very Thai-style restaurant. There's a small swing in the yard, but it was too hot, and as a swing lover, I was afraid of getting sunstroke, so I didn't sit on it.

Recommended Dishes: Grilled Pork Neck (dip in Thai sweet chili sauce), Spicy Crab Salad (very spicy, eat less if you have a sensitive stomach), Tom Yum Goong (personally, I found it a bit hard to get used to — sour and spicy)
Average Cost: About ¥50 RMB per person
Address: Nimmanhaemin Soi 11, Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Note: Cash only.

Café Exploration ②: Nine One Coffee

Walking down Nimman Road, you can't help but hum Teresa Teng's old song: "A small town has many stories, full of joy and happiness..." The streets of Chiang Mai are gentle and approachable. There aren't particularly grand or ornate buildings, but the vitality revealed in its ordinariness is so down-to-earth.

Recommendations: Pour-over and Cold Brew Coffee (I heard the owner bought an ancient tea tree mountain specifically for growing coffee before coffee became popular in Chiang Mai — all natural and organic)
Average Cost: About ¥20 RMB per person
Note: Cash only.

Dinner Recommendation: Crazy Noodle

Generous portions and delicious! Located in the Nimman Road / Chiang Mai University area. It's semi-outdoor seating, so remember to bring mosquito repellent if you go at night.

Recommendations: Tom Yum Seafood Noodles (mildly spicy — I didn't dare try the extra spicy), Clear Broth Seafood Noodles (extremely delicious), Iced Guava Juice (refreshing)
Average Cost: About ¥30 RMB per person (a huge bowl of seafood noodles)
Address: Soi Siri Mangkalajarn 13, Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Note: You need to choose the type of noodles yourself (very spicy, mildly spicy, or clear broth). The staff's English is basic; using a translation app is helpful.

DAY 3: Chiang Mai — The Madness of Five Cafés in One Day

Morning sunlight, delicious food, bright smiles — they all made the Chiang Mai part of the trip doubly radiant. But most importantly, it was the coffee of Chiang Mai.

Speaking of Chiang Mai's coffee history: Thailand embraced Western culture early on. As early as the late 19th century, King Rama V adopted Western models for reform. Chiang Mai is in northern Thailand. In the early days, the northern mountainous areas were known for opium cultivation. To change this situation, King Rama IX helped hill tribes switch to growing cash crops like coffee and oil tea instead of opium. So in Chiang Mai, coffee culture is as deeply ingrained as tea culture is in China. If you come to Chiang Mai and don't have a few cups of coffee, you'll regret it.

Café Exploration ③: Clay Studio Coffee in The Garden

Walking in, I immediately felt the influence of Shiva culture — dappled light and shadows, the flow of time. The main café area is in the glass house opposite. The courtyard is lush with greenery, and diners can also choose to sit outside.

Recommendations: Lychee Flavored Soda (refreshing), Shrimp Cakes (crispy, delicious with the dipping sauce)
Average Cost: About ¥40 RMB per person
Address: 36 Prasing Soi 2, Phrapokklao Rd., Muang, Chiang Mai 50100
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Summary: Converted from an old brick and stone carving factory, its style is very reminiscent of Angkor Wat, but the combination of greenery and the glass house gives it a fresh, youthful vibe. Since it was early morning, I avoided coffee to spare my stomach (I'll definitely try their signature latte and Thai coffee next time).

Café Exploration ④: Yellow Crafts Cafe

A creative breakfast spot with bright yellow and pure white colors — looking at it just makes you feel good. Despite the intense sun, I could still see girls snapping photos outside the shop — the decor is really very Instagram-worthy.

Recommendations: Signature Soy Milk (freshly ground, with a rich, authentic soybean flavor)
Average Cost: About ¥40 RMB per person
Address: Mu Ban Dao Dueng Soi 2, Mueang Chiang Mai District
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Summary: It might have become too popular as an "internet-famous" spot. It was quite crowded, and I didn't feel as comfortable sitting inside. The soy milk was okay, but the coffee was average. If you specifically want to go for the photos, it's worth a try.

Café Exploration ⑤: PAKUDA PHOTO ARTISANS and Cafe

The owner is a photographer, so every scene in the shop is perfectly set up for great photos — creative and exquisite.

Recommendations: Single-Origin Drip Coffee (very popular)
Average Cost: About ¥30 RMB per person
Address: 11/2 Soi 1, Inthawarorot Road, Sripoom, Mueang, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200
Note: Cash only.
Summary: The entire café has a very "forest-like" decor — white curtains, greenery as far as the eye can see, natural wood tables and chairs, bright yellow pendant lights — it livens up your afternoon mood.

Café Exploration ⑥: GRAPH (One Nimman Branch)

Officially opened in April, One Nimman is located at Soi 1, Nimmanhaemin Road. It's Chiang Mai's newest landmark arts center. Built in a European style, with refreshing orange cement brickwork, it's full of geometric romance.

Walking a short distance along the plaza corridor, I stumbled upon my absolute favorite café of the entire Chiang Mai trip — GRAPH. Its layout is dominated by minimalist industrial steel style, with warm yellow pendant lights creating a serene atmosphere.

Recommendations: No. 29 and Holiday (specialty coffee blends, absolutely fantastic)
Average Cost: About ¥30 RMB per person
Address: Nimmanhaemin Rd., T. Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Summary: A full five stars! "Graph" in English means a curve diagram. The inspiration supposedly comes from the winding, undulating scenery the owner saw out the car window when he first came to open a shop in northern Thailand in 2009. Each cup of coffee comes with a free postcard, served on a wooden tray with the logo, and the accompanying cookie was incredibly tasty. Even after returning home, I still can't forget the lingering aftertaste of No. 29.

Café Exploration ⑦: Nine One Coffee (One Nimman Branch)

The shop is tiny but has everything it needs. What attracted me most was the glass window facing the street — ordering a cup of coffee and watching the slow-paced pedestrians outside gives you a feeling of being "in a different world."

Average Cost: About ¥20 RMB per person
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Note: Cash only.
Summary: The quality is still consistent. The shop is small, but there's no sense of oppression. I like this kind of atmosphere — close enough but not intrusive, without feeling lonely.

DAY 4: Chiang Mai — Tha Phae Gate · Wat Mahawan · The Barn Night Market

There's a conversation in the movie Christopher Robin: Winnie the Pooh asks Robin, "Christopher Robin, what day is it?" Robin answers, "It's today. My favorite day."

Tha Phae Gate: A Morning Date with White Pigeons

At the early morning Tha Phae Gate, with pigeons on the square, everyone passing by can't help but stop for photos. However, a word of caution: Starting from October 2018, Chiang Mai enacted a law banning the feeding of pigeons to prevent the spread of diseases. Feeding them could result in up to 3 months in prison or a fine of 25,000 Baht. So if you're planning to feed the pigeons at Tha Phae Gate, please be aware.

To be honest, I'm a bit afraid of the moment when pigeons all fly into my hand to peck — it stings a bit. But the combination of the brick-red and bright red colors of Tha Phae Gate is very harmonious and striking. If you love taking photos, give it a try. Just walk casually along the red brick wall, let your gaze wander, and you can almost feel transported back to 1296 when the old city of Chiang Mai was first built. I love things with a sense of history — looking at them, touching them, it feels like I'm holding their story in my hands.

I left Tha Phae Gate around 11:30 AM. By then, a wave of tourist groups had arrived at the square, and the area suddenly became very crowded. I was glad I came early, enjoying two hours of peace amidst the bustle.

Echoes of Chiang Mai's History

Chiang Mai is located in a mountainous area, with wide valleys, fertile land, and abundant grain production. Historically, during the Lanna Kingdom era, it was at its peak, and Chiang Mai once became a political and economic center. Under King Mangrai, Chiang Mai gradually developed into a powerful northern Thai kingdom, building many temples, Buddha images, and constructing a moat for defense against Burmese invasions. However, in 1556, Chiang Mai was captured by the Burmese army, who occupied the city for a long period...

Epilogue: The Meaning of Travel

Nine days, eight nights. One city, one island. The aroma of coffee in Chiang Mai, the sea breeze in Phuket, the white pigeons at Tha Phae Gate, the warmth of the night market... Every single moment is etched into my memory.

What is travel? It's the process of getting to know and understand yourself. It's the scenery you see along the way, the people you meet, those moments that make your heart skip a beat. That Thai phrase, "Jai Yen Yen" — take it slow, everything will come. This phrase, I think, is the best gift Thailand gives to every traveler.

If you also want to go to Chiang Mai for a cup of coffee, or to Phuket to see the sea, I hope this travelogue gives you some inspiration. Travel can be as lavish or as frugal as you like — do what makes you comfortable. Most importantly, bring your curiosity and good mood, and just go.

Key Takeaways:

1. Chiang Mai Must-Do's: Café hopping (recommend The Baristro, GRAPH, Clay Studio Coffee), watching the white pigeons at Tha Phae Gate in the early morning, strolling around Nimman Road
2. Phuket Accommodation: For value, choose Pullman; for the ultimate experience, choose Paresa (Cliff Pool Villa)
3. Transportation Tips: Use Grab in Chiang Mai; taxis in Phuket start at 600 Baht
4. Cash Reminder: Many small shops in Chiang Mai are cash only, so exchange Thai Baht beforehand
5. Best Pace: Chiang Mai is for slowing down. Spend a day visiting 2-3 cafés and embrace the "Jai Yen Yen" philosophy of life