The Weholts Take Thailand Part 2: Chiang Mai

Here are a few snaps on our fantastic time in Chiang Mai. I would say that this was our favorite place in Thailand... so much history, culture, and every corner you turn you find yourself enthralled. 

Here we are at the Chiang Mai train station. I wouldn't have wanted to travel to the North any other way. This sight (Jake) is too good to pass on ;D

After a 13-hour overnight train ride from Bangkok (my first time on a train ever!), we arrived around 7:00 AM. After arrival, we desperately needed breakfast, so we strolled out of the station (while being mobbed by taxi drivers, be forewarned, they hound you until you are out of sight) and came across a little outdoor breakfast buffet.  We chowed down, hopped in the back of a taxi and headed into town. This picture captures the essence of Chiang Mai outside of the Old City.

Here is Jake doing his tourist thing! This is the Tha Phae Gate (east entrance) to the Old City. If you're like us and get in early, be prepared just to wander and make a plan with your heavy packs in the heat many things weren't open until 10:00 AM.

Good god! We lucked out with our Airbnb. We had a mini kitchen, swimming pool, hammock, and fresh fruit trees within the gates of the compound. Beyond those walls, there was even more history outside of the Old City to be explored within the rural community. Paradise!

This was one of the most adventurous days for us while on our trip. I wanted to rent a motorbike to get out and explore on our own, but with Jake and his cautious nature, it didn't make it onto our list for Chiang Mai. BUT GUESS WHAT?!.... WE DID IT!! It was such a rush, weaving in and out of Thai traffic and not fully knowing where you were heading and seeing the sites. This picture captures an amazing experience ending our outing right around the corner from our Airbnb at this historic Wat. Being able to experience the ancient ruins, and the tiny town they were in was surreal.

Unfortunately, I don't know any information about this Wat. Our fabulous Airbnb host was super friendly and offered to take us into town since he was going that way, and took us on a little tour of historical sights. All the detailing and attention that went into building this makes you appreciate its beauty.

You guys, have you ever tried a traditional Thai massage?! If you haven't, my suggestion is GO NOW! Thai massage looks like a cross between acupressure, yoga, and Zen shiatsu and is inspired by Buddhist teachings. Lila's was the place for us in Chiang Mai; it was 200 Baht, which is only $6.00 U.S., for an hour full traditional Thai body massage. The story behind Lila’s is the coolest part, Lila’s was created by the former woman's corrections director, to help transition newly released inmates back into society. The woman’s corrections center has a training program which is endorsed by the Chiang Mai Public Health Department to ensure all standards are met. Sure I get it; it sounds weird but DAMN they are good at what they do. Since being home, I have found a place that does similar style massage because I am hooked!

I wanted everyone to see this strange natural beauty inside a tiny shop we found while wandering outside the walls of the Old City. This shop was a real hole in the wall wonder; between the tree growths and the merchandise that they were selling, it was a maze. From The Hands Of The Hills is a store that sells handmade merchandise from the hill tribe villages surrounding the area to collect income for the tribes.

Thailand has an insane number of markets.  It was an overwhelming but amazing experience! This photo is of the Sunday Night Market. Most markets are at night due to the extreme heat. Don't get me wrong,  it's still 90 degrees at night, but it’s better without the sun glaring down on you. The market took up over at least seven city blocks inside the Old City and was so much fun! On our train ride to the North, our sleeping compartment wall opened to the adjoining room where we met a couple from Switzerland, it was a fun experience getting to know our neighbors.We met up for dinner then set out shopping at the Sunday Night Market, I feel like we took full advantage of that new friendship to share some of these new adventures with. My advice to open up out of your comfort bubble and meet as many people as possible, it creates a different dynamic and great memories!

Here is Dash! A traditional Thai restaurant with some added flare. The food was incredible.  We ordered what we always order: chicken pad thai with a side of jasmine rice, a side of peanut sauce, and Thai iced tea (we are creatures of habit). Besides the atmosphere and food, the coolest part is that Dash himself grew up on Mercer Island here in Seattle!! We went around the world and met someone from our hood!

In the North of Thailand, it's all about the jungle, relaxation, exploration, and ELEPHANT SANCTUARY! We put a lot of research into which elephant sanctuary we wanted to experience.  There are so many to choose from and so many different ways to be misguided, like if you choose a camp where you can ride an elephant it is important to know for the elephants health, it must be bareback, or if they are chained around the feet, these are all signs point to poor treatment towards the animals.

So please be aware of where you are going and giving your money too. Went we to the Baan Chang Elephant Park that was just under and an hour north of Chiang Mai. I am so so happy that we went.

Included in the package we purchased was a shuttle to and from the park, training with the necessary commands to learn how to control your elephant, and they even feed you lunch.  In the middle of the day, there was also nice break to get to know other travelers in your group.  Then the fun begins! You start off by feeding the elephant's cane sugar and bananas to get comfortable with them; it's intimidating but amazing. Then you get to go on a nice paced trek around the park, the whole experience is documented by your guide, and at the end, you get to get in the water and bath the giants.  They are like gigantic puppies, it's just too cute, but beware they love to splash! Cost: 5,800 Baht = $167.00 USD

 

                                                                      &nbs…

                                                                            

                                    Thanks so much for the love, from Jake and I!