After the gym and a buffet breakfast, we hired a driver (thanks, Udom!) for a few hours to take us to some sites around the outskirts of Chiang Mai. First, we drove up a huge hill to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – it is one of Northern Thailand’s most sacred temples. Legend has it that a Buddha relic was put on the back of a white elephant, and the temple would be built wherever the elephant designated. Thankfully, he picked a hilltop. The temple was very pretty, and had it been a little clearer, the view would have gone for miles. Then on to Wat Umong, a forest wat with interconnecting tunnels. Definitely a different style than we’ve seen before. By then we were ready for noodles. Udom took us to one of his favorite places – we had wonton and a spicy beef and rice dish. Then back to the hotel to relax before taking the evening shuttle to town. We tried The Riverside, on the eastern bank of the Mae Ping River. It’s a popular spot with live music down stairs and patio seating upstairs and down. The food was really great – and super spicy!