Thailand, Chiang Mai

AirAsia flys between Bangkok and Chiang Mai and is obviously much quicker but not much more than the train.

Take a Thai Cooking Class. We did a brilliant one at Smile Cookery School. They only do small classes (max 6) are fun and really knowledgeable about the ingredients and the food. Real chefs not just tourist cooking teachers. You can choose from 1 of 3 menus and get a colour recipe book with the recipes from all 3 courses. You get to take your uneaten food with you which is more than enough for dinner in. Brilliant.

Did an elephant safari day out which was also good. Rode elephant, did bamboo rafting, ox-cart riding, botterfly and orchid farm. Lunch was also great.

Go shopping mad at the Night Bazaar. On Sunday nights there's also bazaar within the sity walls.