Chiag Mai - week 4 in Thailand -

Chiang Mai had long been on my bucket list. I’d often heard that it’s a cosy city and a popular place for Japanese retirees to settle, so I was curious to see whether that reputation was true.

It didn’t take long to fall under its spell. The city felt both charming and fascinating, with its rich diversity — countless temples, trendy shops, and stylish cafés and restaurants — drawing visitors of all ages. Even so, Chiang Mai was unmistakably more laid-back than Bangkok.

We explored the temples on a self-guided tour and spent time hopping between thrift shops, which turned out to be a surprisingly fun way to discover the city.

But the most memorable part was the people. We ended up making new friends and enjoying a night out filled with chatting and drinks until 2 a.m. I’ve always believed that genuine interactions leave a deeper impression than simply visiting places, and Chiang Mai proved that to be true.

There was a thrift shop Steet where looked like for locals offering unique design with affordable prices. We loved it!

Since last year, I’ve watched sunsets from many different places across Southeast Asia. Each one feels both familiar and unique — much like the phrase you often hear from shopkeepers in this region: “Same, same, but different. You never know if you don’t see it.”

The colours, the light, and the atmosphere may follow a similar rhythm, yet no two sunsets are ever quite the same. Each carries its own mood, shaped by the place, the moment, and the people around it.

This gathering felt truly international — with people from Canada, Scotland, Portugal, and us from Australia, and many of us originally from entirely different countries. In the end, though, I’d say we’re all the same: simply human.

See you somewhere, sometime.