We only had two days in Bangkok, so we decided to visit the Damnoem Floating Market, and of course all the temples. Etiquette in Thailand is when visiting a temple, you must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves to your elbows. Can you only imagine walking around in clothing like this when it is 107 degrees outside? Our clothes were soaking wet by the end of the day and boy did an ice cold local Chang beer taste so good! We tried to sit outside at the hotel roof bar in the evening to see Bangkok all lit up, but the temperatures were still so crazy hot we only lasted for one drink.
Next up was Chiang Mai, a short hour flight from Bangkok. The Elephant Sanctuary there was exceptional. The elephants, what can we say, so so much fun! They sure love interacting with people. First we fed them grass, then made medicine balls and fed them, then gave them a mud bath, and finally washed them in the pond. The little baby (4 years old) was so playful and loved rolling around in the water.
That evening we went to see an evening Cabaret show but only realized what we were going to see when we got there. OMG, an unforgettable experience. Lesson learned. Next time read full description of tour before booking. What happens in Thailand, stays in Thailand! The next day, forgetting about our traumatic experience the night before, we went on an ATV countryside adventure. For three hours we rode around the countryside, up and down paths. Lots of fun, but too hot wearing all the protective gear in the 107 degree temperatures. When we returned, that ice cold Chang beer did the trick again.
Chiang Rai was a 3 hour ride north of Chiang Mai but so worth the trip! Our favorite temple was the Wat Rong Khun temple, otherwise known as the “white” temple. It is made from plaster and mirrored glass. The intricate designs are very unique and amazing. Leaving there we stopped at the “Baan Dam Museum, otherwise known as the “black” temple. But really it is like an art museum and studio. On our return to Chiang Mai, we stopped at Lalitta gardens, a very pretty place with beautiful flowers and waterfalls.
Our last destination was Phuket, just under 2 hour plane ride from Chiang Mai. We thought we were entering a cool zone as the temperatures were in the low 90s, but the humidity made it feel 500 hells hotter than Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Our hotel was a block off the beach, within a little resort town of restaurants, bars, massage parlors, and street food vendors. Definitely, our kind of place! The full day catamaran trip to the Phi Phi Islands was the highlight of our trip. The scenery on the islands and the water in the beaches and coves were the most beautiful green and blue colors. The sun was setting as we were heading back to Phuket, a beautiful view to end a perfect day!
Visiting Thailand was the trip of a lifetime. It was totally worth all the travel to get there. But…it’s a once and done.
