We left Bangkok and flew to Chiang Mai, known as the Rose of the North.
It was a wonderful trip!
Chiang Mai: The Rose of the North
Located in the northern part of Thailand, Chiang Mai is known as the "Rose of the North" for its beauty and charm. It is celebrated for its rich history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes.
Chiang Mai is famous for its beautiful women, and I noticed that many women there have fair skin and striking beauty.
Trekking Tour
Early in the morning, our group gathered in the van that came to pick us up at the hotel. The van ride to the Karen village took about 2 hours. The Karen people are a mountain tribe that primarily resides in the border regions between Myanmar and Thailand.
Upon arrival, we had lunch and then enjoyed a bamboo raft ride down the river. Afterward, we embarked on a three-hour trek through the jungle. To be honest, I regretted participating in this tour at first because I don't usually exercise much, and the trekking was tough. There were moments when I wanted to turn back, but somehow I made it to our destination.
The Best Night in the Jungle
After traversing the jungle, we arrived at a waterfall and a nearby shack. There was no electricity, water, or gas, and at night, the only light came from candles and a bonfire. After dinner, while everyone was drinking, I sneaked out to cool off by the waterfall. The stars were breathtakingly beautiful. The sound of insects, the waterfall, and the starry sky—nothing more was needed. It was truly a magical moment.
Later, I became friends with our Thai tour guide and spent the night in his hut instead of the assigned bedroom, which was a small hut with beds lined up. We enjoyed Thai food and homemade brews, spending the night on a wooden floor under a banana leaf roof.
Elephant Camp
The next day, we descended the mountain for two hours and met the Karen people who had just finished harvesting rice using traditional methods without machines. My grandmother once told me about planting rice as a child, and it was fascinating to see the same practices here. A Karen girl nearby was dressed similarly to how my grandmother dressed for the fields.
We then rode in the back of a truck for about 30 minutes to the elephant camp. Here, we rode on the backs of elephants through the jungle. It was my first time riding an elephant, and its back felt enormous. The elephant easily crossed rivers and steep rocks. Alex, a Colombian I met on the tour, remarked, "It's like I'm in a dream." We had an amazing time in the sun-drenched jungle, rocking on the backs of these majestic creatures, which are said to be messengers of God.
I'm truly grateful for everything that allowed me to come here.
It was the best experience.
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TRAVEL