Chiang Mai

Chang Mai is the 'head city' of northern Thailand. It's a way from Bangkok (about 12hrs by train), with a population of 1.4 million - apparently 1/4 western expats who do visa runs every 1-3 months. To us, it's similar to Christchurch, just nicer. It's got good markets, a nice mix of food (great pita and falafel, just don't bother with the 'delicious' Indian), the people are friendly and the 1o lane motor way isn't bad either. The hills behind the city are lush with forest and the views quite pretty - you look out onto hills just like at home. It's also a good place to base yourself when you decide what you want to do with your time up here.

5days post-coup, there are armed guards at every entry point, at government buildings, and at travel points (train station, airport etc. We even saw jeeps with bazooka launchers on the back. Town is much quieter, but still perfectly ok. Nice to get a break from streets full of loopies.