• Age: 36
• Year: 2025
• Time of year: February
• Length of trip: 7 days
• Travel style: Solo, adventure, party

The recap:
Bathed with elephants
Learned muay thai
TukTuk’ed through Bangkok

Day 1

Flew from Vancouver to Bangkok (connected through Hong Kong). Met up with my friend from San Francisco at the airport and took a Grab (Uber equivalent) to our hotel – Mango Lagoon Place.

Day 2

Time to explore Bangkok – took our first TukTuk ride to The Golden Mount temple on the hill (don’t forget to wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders). Then took another TukTuk to the Nang Loeng Market where we had delicious crepes. Followed by a river boat (cheapest way to get around) to explore the ‘New Town’ of Bangkok – did some shopping at Bobae Tower.

Then it was time for a Thai massage at Bann Thai Spa. Found a live music spot with pad thai on Khao San Road (the main lively street full of bars). Met up with a few friends from Vancouver and raced TukTuk’s to Nai Ek Roll Noodle for the best guay jub soup, and then Soi Cowboy Street and Nana Plaza to check out the go-go bars.

Day 3

Started the day with a muay thai boxing class at Muay Thai Street gym. Then went for a swim at the Mango Lagoon Place pool, followed by lunch at Frog Pond. For the evening, we got tickets to the Knock Out Muay Thai event at the Rajadamnern Stadium, the world’s first muay thai stadium. And wrapped up the night at the Adhere the 13th Blues Bar.

Day 4

Last day in Bangkok called for a visit to the Grand Palace.

Then it was time for my flight to Chiang Mai. Checked into the Oldtown Chiangmai Boutique, and explored the old town including Wat Chiang Man before a delicious dinner at Michelin recommended restaurant Baan Landai.

Day 5

Early morning wake-up for my elephant experience day! It was about a 2-hour drive to the Chai Lai Orchid elephant sanctuary. The experience included a meet & greet with the elephants, a feeding experience, and the best part – bathing with the elephants in the river.

Through Chai Lai Orchid’s Daughters Rising program, I found this amazing overnight farm experience with host Nukul at her Zen Mountain Farmstay, about a 45min drive from the elephant sanctuary. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Nukul’s lovely family and dogs and settled into my own private cabin on the property. The evening including a delicious home-cooked dinner, along with a beautiful musical performance by her dad.

Day 6

Nukul showed me around her family’s farm as well as the neighbouring farms, where we picked fresh strawberries and flowers, and met the farm animals.

We stopped to hike up the Big Buddha before heading back to Chai Lai Orchid for lunch, and then I travelled back to Chiang Mai for my last night in Thailand. Of course had to sneak in one more thai massage at Sense Massage, and then spent the evening at the Night Bazaar.

Day 7

Checked out of Oldtown Chiangmai Boutique and took a Grab car to the airport – next stop: Vietnam (blog here).