Thailand
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand —> Pai, Thailand
Experience: I visited Thailand with my niece, who happens to be born the same day as me. We went backpacking for 17 days. We had a couple connecting flights so the travel time was extensive getting there. When we arrived we stayed in a couple hostels. I honestly can’t remember how, but we ended up becoming friends with a couple of other folks, who became our travel companions, a gentleman from England, and a woman from Germany. We enjoyed dinner and drinks from a rooftop building our first night. Everything closes early around 12, so we called it an early night. The next day we rented a moped, and my niece had experience on motorcycles so she was our main driver. I attempted to handle it myself, but I totally ate it. The motorcycle threw me out from under it on a turn and I struggled to maintain control of it. Fortunately I was able to bring it back to the Hostel.
We spent the day exploring the local temples and the different day and night markets they had. Eating some of the local food, drinking some of the local drink, overall just making the most of our time, and really enjoying the atmosphere. The next morning we embarked to the “Grand Canyon” of Thailand. It was ginormous, almost like a man made lake with different swimming amenities. Slides, and Tbes, people floating on the water everywhere.
The next day we spent some time with Elephants at the Elephant Sanctuary, you were not allowed to ride them out of respect for the animals, but you had the opportunity to bathe them and even hug them. It was such magical and special experience. Elephants look at humans the way we look at puppies, and I don’t think I could ever get over the hug I shared with one of those majestic creatures.
The following day we took bus ride to Pai, it was a small town in the mountains, the road to get there was so curvy and a few of the passengers had motion sickness, the town is so cool and definitely worth the visit, but I would recommend taking some dramamine or something ahead of time, as the curvy road really was brutal and the driver’s are intense.
Pai was absolutely gorgeous. You’re surrounded by a lush landscape all around, and each night they have a night market with street vendors lining up on either side serving delicious food. One of my favorite things was getting a hot tea served in a bamboo cup. The next day we signed up for a tour that took us to some different waterfalls, each was amazing in it’s own right. On our way we decided to try eating some bugs, and although they weren’t bad, I would definitely pass on them next time.
We ended up making some acquaintances at our hostel, that took us to an exclusive shop, that only sold to people they trusted, it was very hush hush.
The following day we all went to visit some hot springs and relaxed in the water, and then I also ended up going to see quite a few temples. One of which had a few monks nearby, and getting the opportunity to interact with them was something special. The next day we took a trek to another temple at the top of this local mountain in Pai, it had a huge white statue at the top and was just remarkable.
Although we had a blast visiting Pai and our hostel had an incredible view, I decided to get some cash and go back to Chiang Mai a day early, I wanted to visit the tiger sanctuary before we left. By this point I was pretty good at riding the mopeds, Pai was a lot more calm than Chiang man so I had had the opportunity to practice and learn. Unfortunately I lost my debit card when I left Pai, having not realized I dropped it near the machine. So I was stuck with only the cash I had left.
The next day I arrived in Chiang Mai again and had reserved an excursion at the tiger Sanctuary. It is hard to describe the feeling you get being able to touch and pet those incredibly powerful creatures. I was taken aback by how massive and strong they are.
Overall it was a trip that I will remember for the rest of my life & I am so grateful to have shared that experience with my niece. It is something I will always look back on and smile, all the laughs, fun memories, and there experiences, it was the trip of a lifetime. (10/10)