The afternoon started with an hour trek through the luscious jungle, located southwest of Chiang Mai (eat of Doi Inthanon). Our guide was teaching us about the flora and fauna of the jungle, and built us bamboo utensils for our lunch.
After the hour trek, we arrived at a beautiful Karen Hill Tribe Village built near a waterfall. We enjoyed a delicious Pad Thai lunch and spent some time cooling off in the waterfall.
Our trek back took a different route (highly recommend) that went through a huge rice field, and along the river. Our guide continued teaching us about the flora and fauna, and how it has been used in the past by the hill tribes.
Overall, the entire day at Chai Lai Orchis was well spent. It wasn’t solely about the elephants and included so much cultural learning about the hill tribes. I cannot recommended experiencing something like this enough.
After an exhausting 4 days in Chiang Mai, we ultimately decided to take the night off. We simply went to a market, grabbed dinner, and relaxed at the hotel.
12 Comments
myperfectitinerary
When I traveled to Thailand I only went to Bangkok & Phi Phi Islands! I would love to go back and explore the northern areas. All of your pictures are beautiful!!
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
Bangkok was crazy busy. I didn’t spend too much time on Phi Phi but I heard it’s pretty fun! I hope you’ll get to get back to Northern THAILAND one day!!
Lauriane
Thank you for this post. I have never been in Chiang Mai but my boyfriend spent 4 months there and talked to me so often of this city ;)! It seems that the street market is great, what food did you try? The photo from Wat Chiang Mun are impressive. My favourite activity will be to visit the elephant rescue center.
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
I bet your boyfriend can’t wait to take you back there. Chiang Mai is really a cool city! The street market’s food is some of the best. I miss Thai food so much. I ate anything I could get my hands on lol (except spiders).
Lauriane
I have never been in Thailand but my boyfriend spend 4 months there. He always mentioned the street food market ! What food did you try there ? My favourite activity would be to spend one day in an elephant rescue center :).
Jay Artale
You brought such happy memories of my first solo trip to Thailand. I traveled up to Chang Mai before heading back down to the islands .. and the most memorable event was a 3 night hike in the mountains, and playing with the elephants in the river, and a river raft ride back to base. Looks like you have collected some fabulous memories.
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
Oh. I’m so jealous. I never got to do a major trekking adventure like you but always wanted too. I’ll have to add that to my list next time I visit. I bet it was amazing
Keri | Bon Voyage With Kids
I have always wanted to visit Chang Mai. I have been to Bangkok and Phuket, but never Chang Mai. It looks incredible. I love Thailand. Great post!
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
Thank you! Chiang Mai is so different from Bangkok and Phuket. I love Thailand too!
Lyne
I would love to take a trip like this with my parents too! Chiang Mai looks amazing to explore, love your photos!
Nicole | Mapless Adventures
It’s such a different experience in travel when you’re with your parents. I’m normally a budget backpacker and super social, so it was nice to pull pack during their travels! Have you thought about where you might want to go with your parents
Finnoy Travel
Great Post ! I have read your post which are really informative for any traveler. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful informative information on the blog.