In Chiang Mai there is a red rock quarry that has been popularly dubbed “The Grand Canyon of Chiang Mai.” You can Google it. I’m not sure why it’s called the Grand Canyon because it’s neither grand NOR a canyon, but whatever. It’s still pretty great nonetheless and has earned itself a high spot on the “things to do in Chiang Mai” list over the years (although it is actually in Hang Dong, 17 kilometers away).
*Disclaimer: The photos below may be inappropriate for young audiences.
Kathoeys or “ladyboys” are transgendered women in Thailand. Unlike in the west, there is very little stigma attached to being transgendered in Thailand, and it is often viewed and accepted as a third gender. Several Thai models, actresses, and singers are kathoeys. They live their lives as females and typically work predominantly female jobs like in beauty parlors, shops, hair salons, and also in tourism as entertainers (but also, of course, in the sex industry, which is huge in Thailand). During my time in Thailand, I saw no less than 6 recognizable kathoeys just out and about. And there may have been many more that I just couldn’t tell the difference. The last time I saw that many transgendered individuals in one place was at the PRIDE festival in San Francisco.
Some of Chiang Mai’s numerous wats (temples) and night markets, in photos
Little girls hanging out on the steps of Doi Suthep temple
Continue reading “Chiang Mai, Part 1: Temples and Night Markets”
Okay, so it was actually TWO nights in Bangkok, but I just had to quote that song.
The World Is My Boyfriend 