Chiang Mai: Elephants, Markets, and First Adventures

Chiang Mai: The "Rose of the North"

Nicknamed the "Rose of the North," Chiang Mai offers a completely different atmosphere from Bangkok. This human-sized city, nestled at the foot of the mountains, blends tradition, energy, and lush nature. But before we could enjoy all of that, we first had to get there…

A Last Stop at Lumphini Park

Before leaving Bangkok, we made a final stop at Lumphini Park, the city's green lung. This peaceful oasis is the perfect place for a walk or a pedal boat ride on the lake.

The kids were thrilled—until a huge monitor lizard decided to follow us.

These reptiles are quite common in Lumphini's ponds, adding a wild touch to the scenery. They are fascinating to watch… from a safe distance. Let's just say the girls weren’t too thrilled about this close encounter! 

The Night Bus Experience: A Rough Ride to Chiang Mai

After our Lumphini Park escape, we headed to the bus station to board our overnight bus to Chiang Mai. Advertised as comfortable, with reclining seats, it promised us a restful night’s sleep.

The Reality? Not Quite…

What we actually got was:

• Chaotic driving

• Constant jolts and bumps

• Bonus: mosquitoes as travel companions

Anaïs, seated near the drivers, had a front-row view of their "sporty" driving style. Meanwhile, the kids slept peacefully, oblivious to the fact that we were being tossed around like in an extended turbulence zone.

By 6 AM, we finally arrived in Chiang Mai—the kids were fresh and full of energy, while we… not so much.

Thankfully, a good breakfast at a local restaurant helped us refuel and recover before diving into our next adventures.

First Impressions of Chiang Mai

Any lingering fatigue from the night bus quickly faded as soon as we started exploring Chiang Mai. This city, far calmer and more serene than Bangkok, has an undeniable charm. With its majestic temples, small artisan-lined streets, and lively evening atmosphere, it’s a completely different side of Thailand.

Pop Market: A Mix of Art, Music, and Local Vibes

We spent our first days wandering through the famous Pop Market, a festival celebrating craftsmanship and music.

• Stalls filled with handmade treasures—from jewelry to unique artisan pieces.

• Live performances by local artists, adding a modern twist to the traditional market atmosphere.

• A surprising mix of music styles, including Indian influences, making for an unforgettable experience.

A Special Celebration: Martin Turns 4!

This was also a special moment for us—Martin’s 4th birthday!

We kept things simple but meaningful, finding a small local bakery for a birthday cake. Martin was thrilled, but he did mention that he missed his friends to help him blow out his candles.

A reminder that, even in the excitement of travel, some things—like celebrating with friends—are irreplaceable

Beyond the City: Into the Jungle of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai isn’t just about the city—an hour’s drive away, the jungle awaits, home to some of Thailand’s most famous elephant sanctuaries.

We chose to visit PON Sanctuary, known for its ethical treatment of elephants. But before we even arrived, we got our first challenge…

As soon as we boarded the van, they handed out vomit bags—a sign of what was to come. Sure enough, the final winding roads were brutal. Martin was the first to put his vomit bag to the test, officially burning through his "clean clothes" joker for the day.

Thankfully, when we arrived, a few small bananas offered by the staff helped everyone recover.

Meeting the Giants

Before seeing the elephants, we had a quick crash course on:

• The differences between Asian and African elephants

• Their massive appetite (they eat 200 to 400 kg per day!)

• Their role in Thai culture

Then, we set off on a walk through breathtaking landscapes—dense jungle, rolling hills, and the misty mountains of the Golden Triangle.

The first elephant we met was an adult female, peacefully munching on leaves.

Standing so close to such a massive animal was awe-inspiring. The kids, being naturally cautious, kept their distance at first, but their fascination was undeniable.

A Family of Giants

Further along the trail, we met an entire elephant family—a 73-year-old grandmother, her 17 and 40-year-old offspring, and the youngest member, a 10-month-old baby.

This little one was curious and playful, quickly becoming the star of the day for Marion and Martin, who got the chance to feed and interact with her.

A bit further, we spotted a 2-month-old baby elephant, closely protected by its mother. Here, there’s no human contact—the mother is extremely protective and lets out impressive warning calls if anyone gets too close.

This moment was a powerful reminder of the deep respect and trust required between elephants and their caretakers.

The Unforgettable Elephant Bath

The highlight of the day? Bathing with the elephants.

Watching them splash, play, and spray water everywhere was magical, and the kids loved feeding them fruit while standing in the water.

After a well-deserved break by a waterfall, our adventure ended with a bamboo rafting trip down the Ping River.

Drifting through the jungle on a traditional bamboo raft was both peaceful and fun—a perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable day.

Back in Chiang Mai: Exploring the Markets

Back in Chiang Mai, we set out to explore two of the city’s most iconic markets.

The Night Market: A Feast for the Senses

This huge, colorful market is packed with everything—local crafts, souvenirs, and, of course, an incredible variety of street food. The kids were drawn to the lively atmosphere, while we couldn’t resist sampling new flavors at every turn.

Kad Luang (Warorot Market): A Dive into Local Life

For a more authentic experience, we ventured into Kad Luang, also known as Warorot Market.

• A maze of stalls selling spices, tropical fruits, fabrics, and everyday essentials.

• A vibrant, local atmosphere, far removed from the usual tourist circuits.

• A chance to see Chiang Mai’s daily life up close, with vendors chatting, bargaining, and preparing fresh ingredients.

Two very different markets, but both offering a glimpse into the heart of Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Has Won Us Over

Chiang Mai has already stolen our hearts, and we still have a few days left to explore more temples and hidden gems in the region.

After that, we’ll be heading south, probably toward the western islands. Nothing is set in stone yet, but the contrast between mountains and tropical beaches promises to be fascinating.

Thank You for Following Along!

It means so much to see so many of you joining us on this journey! Your feedback keeps us motivated to share even more.

See you soon for the next adventure!