Chiang Mai is a city that beats with two hearts. One heart is the Old City—the square moat filled with ancient temples, bustling markets, and the electric energy of the Sunday Walking Street. It is exciting, historic, and intense.
But there is another heart. A slower, quieter one.
It is the Mae Ping River.
Running like a silver vein through the eastern side of the city, the Ping River is the antidote to the chaos. It is where the locals go to escape. It is where the air feels slightly cooler, the light hits the water in shimmering waves, and time seems to slow down.
For the cannabis enthusiast, the river offers something unique: Flow State.
There is nothing quite like sitting on a grassy bank or the deck of a riverside café, watching the water drift by while enjoying a premium, uplifting smoke. It is the ultimate “Chill Day.” But to do it right, you need a plan. You need the right spot, the right food, and most importantly, the right strain.
The Hook
“We’ve designed 3 perfect ‘Stoner Itineraries’. Get them for free.”
Whether you are a solo traveler looking for spiritual peace, a foodie hunting for the best noodles, or a couple looking for a romantic sunset, we have mapped out your day. But before we hand over the maps, let’s introduce the two essential ingredients for your river adventure.
The Hero Strain: Lemon Grass Gas
The Vibe: Zesty, Refreshing, and Alert.
You cannot bring a heavy, couch-lock Indica to the river. If you smoke Banana Melt by the water, you will fall asleep on a bench and wake up sunburnt. You need something that matches the energy of the flowing water. You need Lemon Grass Gas.
This is one of the gems of the HazeBuds inventory.
The Flavor Profile: Close your eyes and imagine the smell of a Thai kitchen. Freshly crushed lemongrass stalks, a squeeze of lime, and a hint of spicy galangal. Now, add a heavy dose of diesel fuel. Lemon Grass Gas is a sensory explosion. It is sharp, acidic, and unmistakably Thai.
Terpenes: High in Limonene (Citrus/Mood Elevation) and Pinene (Focus/Alertness).
The Taste: On the inhale, it is sweet and herbal, almost like a sip of lemongrass tea. On the exhale, the “Gas” kicks in—a pungent, fuel-like kick that lets you know this is potent medicine.
Why it fits the River: The Ping River area is lush and green. This strain tastes green. It provides an uplifting, happy, and “giggly” high. It enhances the colors of the flowers and the reflection of the sun on the water. It makes you want to talk, observe, and eat. It is the ultimate daytime companion.
The Hero Location: Wat Fa Ham
The Vibe: Ancient Serenity and Famous Noodles.
While everyone crowds into the riverside bars near the Iron Bridge, we want to take you further north to a hidden gem: Wat Fa Ham.
Located on the east bank of the Ping, this is not just a temple; it is a sanctuary. The temple grounds extend right to the water’s edge, shaded by massive, ancient Bodhi trees. It is quiet. It is breezy. It is the kind of place where you can sit for an hour and just breathe.
Why Stoners Love It:
The Atmosphere: It is incredibly peaceful. The architecture is stunning Lanna style, with intricate gold details that look mesmerizing when you are elevated on Lemon Grass Gas.
The Food: Wat Fa Ham is arguably the birthplace of Chiang Mai’s most famous dish: Khao Soi. Right next to the temple are two legendary noodle shops: Khao Soi Lam Duan and Khao Soi Samer Jai.
Itinerary 1: The Spiritual Stoner (The “Zen” Route)
Best For: Solo travelers, introverts, and those seeking mental clarity.
This itinerary is about reconnecting with yourself.
10:00 AM: The Pickup Start at HazeBuds Old City. Pick up 1 gram of Lemon Grass Gas and a pack of rolling papers. Ask our budtenders for a lighter if you don’t have one.
11:00 AM: The Journey Take a Grab or a Red Truck (Songthaew) north to Wat Fa Ham.
11:30 AM: The Session Important: Do not smoke inside the temple walls. That is disrespectful. Instead, find a quiet spot along the riverbank path just outside the temple grounds. Light your joint. Take a few deep puffs of the Lemon Grass Gas. Feel the citrus terpenes wake up your brain. Feel the breeze coming off the water.
12:00 PM: The Meditation Walk into the temple grounds. You are now in a heightened state of awareness. Admire the stupa. Listen to the wind chimes. Find a bench under a Bodhi tree facing the river. Close your eyes. Meditate on the sound of the flowing water. The Sativa energy will keep your mind focused, preventing you from drifting into sleepiness.
1:00 PM: The Holy Meal Walk 50 meters to Khao Soi Lam Duan. Order the Chicken Khao Soi. The curry soup is rich, creamy, and spicy. The Lemon Grass Gas you smoked earlier will make the coconut milk taste sweeter and the chili paste more vibrant. It is a spiritual experience in a bowl.
Itinerary 2: The River Cruise (The “Trippy” Route)
Best For: Couples, photographers, and adventure seekers.
This itinerary changes your perspective by putting you on the water.
2:00 PM: The Pickup Start at HazeBuds Sridonchai (near the Night Bazaar). Grab a pre-roll of Lemon Grass Gas and maybe a CBD drink to stay hydrated.
2:30 PM: Wat Chai Mongkhon Head to Wat Chai Mongkhon (south of the Iron Bridge). This temple has a pier where the long-tail boats depart.
3:00 PM: The Scorpion Tail Boat Ride Book a river cruise. These traditional boats, with their curved tails, glide silently up the river.
The High: Being on a moving boat while high is fantastic. The breeze in your face, the shifting scenery—it feels cinematic. You will float past old teak houses, modern hotels, and fishermen casting nets.
Visuals: The Lemon Grass Gas will make the green river water look emerald. The lush vegetation on the banks will look like a jungle. You will feel like an explorer in a 19th-century novel.
4:30 PM: The Farmers House The boat usually stops at a “Farmer’s House” attraction where they grow herbs and fruits. Since you are smoking a Lemon Grass strain, seeing actual lemongrass growing in the soil is a cool “full circle” moment. Try the butterfly pea juice they serve there—it changes color when you add lime (a great visual trick for a stoned mind).
Itinerary 3: The Cafe Hopper (The “Aesthetic” Route)
Best For: Digital nomads, influencers, and coffee lovers.
Chiang Mai has a massive cafe culture, and the river is the epicenter.
1:00 PM: The Pickup Visit HazeBuds Chiang Mai Gate. Grab Lemon Grass Gas and perhaps a Hybrid like Orange Cream Pop for later in the day.
1:30 PM: The Flower Market (Ton Lamyai) Walk through the flower market next to the river. The smell of thousands of orchids, marigolds, and roses is overwhelming (in a good way). The sensory enhancement from the cannabis makes this a technicolor dream.
2:30 PM: Cafe Hopping Cross the pedestrian bridge to the east side. Walk along the river. Stop at a riverside cafe (like The Good View or smaller boutique spots). Order a dirty latte or a cold brew.
The Activity: Sit on the deck. Journal. Edit your photos. People watch. The Lemon Grass Gas contains Pinene, which aids focus. You will find yourself getting into a creative “flow state” as you watch the river drift by.
5:30 PM: The Sunset Walk to the Iron Bridge (Saphan Lek). This is the spot for sunset. The sky turns purple and orange, reflecting off the metal of the bridge and the water below. It is the most Instagrammable spot in town. Smoke the rest of your joint here as the city lights turn on.
The Science of “Green & Blue” Spaces
Why does this combination of Weed + River work so well?
Psychologists talk about “Blue Spaces” (water) and “Green Spaces” (nature) as being essential for mental health. They lower cortisol (stress). Cannabis mimics this effect chemically.
The River provides the “Blue Space.”
Wat Fa Ham provides the “Green Space.”
Lemon Grass Gas provides the “Head Space.”
When you combine all three, you achieve a level of relaxation that a massage or a nap simply cannot provide. It is active relaxation. Your brain is engaged by the beauty, but your stress centers are completely offline.
River Etiquette: How to Be a Good Stoner
Thailand is relaxed, but there are rules. To ensure we can all keep enjoying these spaces, please follow the “River Code”:
Respect the Temples: Never smoke inside the temple walls. Ever. It is highly offensive. Always step outside to the street or a secluded river path.
Don’t Be “That Guy”: The riverside is for families, joggers, and monks. Do not blow clouds of smoke into their faces. Find a quiet corner.
No Littering: The Ping River is beautiful. Keep it that way. If you finish a pre-roll, put the roach in your pocket or a bin. Do not flick it into the water.
Safety First: The river current can be stronger than it looks. We strongly advise against swimming in the Ping River, especially when high. Stay on the bank or on a boat.
Pair Your Day with Street Food
After a day by the river, the Lemon Grass Gas will give you serious munchies. The river area is a food goldmine.
If you are at Wat Fa Ham: You must eat Khao Soi. The creamy coconut curry is the perfect texture for a dry mouth, and the crispy noodles are satisfyingly crunchy.
If you are at the Flower Market: Try Kanom Krok (Coconut Rice Pancakes). They are sweet, warm, and melt in your mouth.
If you are near the Iron Bridge: There are often vendors selling Grilled Squid with spicy seafood sauce. The zest of the Lemon Grass Gas pairs perfectly with the lime in the seafood sauce.
Conclusion: Go With The Flow
Chiang Mai can be hectic. The traffic, the heat, and the noise can wear you down. But the remedy is always flowing right through the center of town.
You don’t need a fancy spa package to find peace. You just need to head to the water.
Come visit us at HazeBuds. Let us introduce you to the citrusy magic of Lemon Grass Gas. Take one of our itineraries—whether you choose the temple, the boat, or the cafe—and go find your flow.
The river is waiting. The grass is green. The vibes are high.
See you by the water.



