Chiang Mai Magic

Chiang Mai is by far my favourite place in Thailand, there's a laid back feel to it whilst also being full of culture with a modern twist. There is something for everyone there and I'm going to give you a little taste of what I experienced., from elephants, to coffee plantations, jungle treks and more!

After a 10 hour overnight coach journey, we arrived at an elephant sanctuary a couple of hours outside of Chiang Mai, when I say these creatures are mesmerising, you truly cannot fathom what I mean unless you have come face to face with one yourself. They are true gentle giants and so playful, definitely the welcome you want after an overnight journey. At this sanctuary, you bathe, feed and play with the elephants for the duration of your stay, and really get an understanding how intelligent they are.

Whilst caring for the elephants, we slept in very modest accommodation, which was the perfect setting for a few simple days to appreciate the true beauty of the Thai countryside.

Going to a coffee plantation just down the road from the sanctuary was brilliant, watching the sunset of many colours whilst reading a book and sipping an iced coffee was definitely a highlight, a night like this was perfect for the morning after.

Trekking through a jungle is tiring stuff, so it's a good job the view is great! Giant rocks with mini streams, waterfalls and little huts where people live are just a few of the sights I witnessed. Spending the night in a jungle hut was like no other experience, a family welcomed us with open arms into their home, where they cooked and cared for us for the night. We spent the night under the stars, drinking 'happy water' (home made rice wine) with our tour guides while we put the world to rights. Your appreciation of life grows stronger throughout your stay, the simple things become immense, looking back on this experience really heightens the senses. I remember eating scrambled egg and fruit for breakfast whilst looking down at the jungle below, when I think back now it was possibly the tastiest scrambled egg I've ever eaten.

When I arrived in Chiang Mai city the hustle and bustle felt like it hit me dead in the face. After soaking up the simple life of the country, I had almost forgotten was civilisation was like. Although Chiang Mai is a city, it has a town feel to it, and feels super safe when walking around because it's not that big. Trying my first Thai massage in a local salon, I have to say, was not my favourite experience. They put you in the strangest positions, stand on your back and tug every limb, I know lots enjoy that, but its really not my thing! My last experience of Chiang Mai was its night markets, they have so much going on. From the usual clothes stalls, from the pop up bars and food stalls to the live entertainment! Drinking sangria from a bucket with a chicken kebab whilst listening to a band play, I was in my happy place. The end to my trip in this magical place couldn't have been more perfect. With a relaxed mind set (and body, thanks to my massage) I was fully prepared to hop onto a 10 hour bus journey back to Bangkok.