Pai

After a 3 hour bus journey we made it to Pai around 6pm Wednesday night. We checked into our hostel and headed out for some food and drinks which ended up being a late one. We only had 2 nights booked in Pai so we knew we needed to make the most of the day on Thursday. So we got up pretty early and went for breakfast before renting a bike for the day so we could go exploring. We went to a waterfall first called Pam Bok which you could swim in and chill and then to the Grand Canyon which had amazing views of Pai. We drove around for a bit trying to find another waterfall but luckily a local told us that it was a 3 hour trek from parking so we decided to abort that idea and head back to the first waterfall to cool down. We then headed to the Buddha on the hill to watch the sunset but unfortunately was rather unsuccessful as a cloud decided to interrupt. We were all pretty knackered after all this so we grabbed some food and headed back to our hostel to pack and get an early night ready for our bus ride back to Chiang Mai at 1pm. 

 

 

 

 

 

Sticky waterfall dream

On Tuesday we decided to get up early and go to the sticky waterfall in Chiang Mai called Bua Thong. We got there about 10:45am and that was the best time to go because we basically had it to ourselves for the rest of the morning before it started getting busy around 12ish. The rocks don't go slippy when the water runs down so you can climb up the waterfall and back down again really easily. It was so much fun, definitely go there if you ever go to Chiang Mai. We then went for dinner at a restaurant called Lemongrass recommend to us by a friend and it was delicious! The best meal I've had so far. I had a Massaman curry and tried some of my friends Yellow Thai curry and all of it was delicious. We then ended the night at a Jazz bar where we arranged to meet some other travellers who we met on our train journey up from Bangkok which was a great night with great company. Now onto Pai! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elephant Nature Park

Today we went to Elephant Nature Park to see the elephants. Before arriving we had been reccomended this particular one by friends and researched to make sure it was ethical to the elephants. 

The park is home to 71 elephants, majority female with only 7 males. We first went to visit 2 very friendly females where you could get up close with them, touch and take photos. Elephants skin is quite hard and harsh to touch. Afterwards we explored the park further heading over to a family and a new addition. The baby elephant was adorable, the way it skipped across the fields. After this it was lunchtime where the park provided an amazing buffet of vegatarian food. 

After lunch we headed down to the lake where we got to bath the elephants and get bathed ourselves in the muddy water! That was really fun and the elephants seemed to really enjoy it. The oldest elephant in the park is 90 years old and has to be given a special diet as she no longer has her teeth. So we got to go and feed her sticky rice and mango balls. 

Elephants eat around 18 hours a day so there was always lots of food around for them. 

Was an amazing day which we all enjoyed and would definitely recommend to anyone interested. 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello Chiang Mai

We finally made it after our 14 hour train ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. During our train ride we got talking to this lovely American guy called Chris who is currently exploring by himself for a couple of weeks before returning to his family. We ended up playing card games for a few hours and gave Chris some suggestions of things/places to go in London when he stops off in a weeks time. Then it was time for bed. I had a top bunk which was comfortable and I did sleep however I wouldn't suggest going up top if you have a cold (like I do currently) as the air con vents are right beside you.

 

 

 

The train was late arriving by about an hour and a half but this actually worked out well for us because it meant we didn't have to wait long before we could get in to our room at the hostel we are staying in. 

After a quick wonder around the local streets we decided to go to the main temple here in Chiang Mai called Doi Suthep (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep). It had what felt like 1000 steps to climb before reaching the top. The temple itself was pretty small but because it is situated on the montain you can see the whole of Chiang Mai which was incredible. 

We are going to head out to the Sunday market here later and hopefully grab some nice street food.

 

 

 

 

 

Goodbye Bangkok

On our last day in Bangkok we decided to go to the floating market an hours drive outside of the city. It was packed full of people at one point and interesting to see however most of the stalls sold the same thing so did get a bit repetitive towards the end. 

Now it is time to leave Bangkok and head north to Chiang Mai. We have an overnight 12 hour train booked.

Things I've learnt in Bangkok:

Can't use your card in many places 

Places won't accept 1000BHT bills

Tuks Tuks are cheap

Street food is cheap and good

Wifi in all the bars

Khao San road is the place to be at night

Need to cover up at the temples 

You will get bitten! 

 

 

 

Tuk Tuks around the city

Today we got a Tuk Tuk ride to go sightseeing at The Golden Mount and Grand Palace. To say the Grand Palace is 'Grand' would be an understatement. One word to describe the Palace would be indulgent. Every temple was incased with jewels and intricate designs that were stunning to view. The weather was hot and humid so walking around proved difficult at times as you have to cover up or you cannot enter.

 Last night we got amazing street food for 70BHT which is around £1.60 before getting drench from the heavy showers that started around half 10 (well it is rain season here)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The eagle has landed

So after leaving the house at 4:45am Monday morning we arrived at the station to find out our train had been cancelled and had to wait half an hour before the next one went. If that wasn't stressful enough, when we got to the airport we were told at check in that we needed to have proof that we were leaving Thailand before our 30 day free visa expires (which we hadn't) which we managed to sort out at the airport. 

After a changeover in Dubai we have finally arrived safe and sound in Bangkok where our adventure begins! 

 

 

The start of my Journey

I can't believe tomorrow is the day I start my adventure travelling South East Asia with my two best friends. 

I've always said I wanted to travel the world and so far I have been lucky enough to visit some amazing places on holidays with friends and family but I have never ventured as far as South East Asia, so this is all new and exciting to me. 

One difference between myself travelling against someone else is that I have type 1 diabetes, insulin dependent and injecting 5 times a day. This hasn't been an easy task to organise and I am sure there will be some bumps along the way but I am up for the challenge. 

So come and enjoy the adventure with me!!