Looping around Chiang Mai

The next day after the torrential 24 h rain, we decided to explore the surroundings of Chiang Mai. We rented a small scooter to get us around and build up some confidence on riding on the left side of the road. We went up to the Doi Suthep temple a short drive out of Chiang Mai. Dragons guarding the steps towards Doi Suthep temple.

The textile colors that natives use compliment how rich and beautiful the surrounding nature is.

This little cute girl dressed in a native costume was fun to watch, although tourists had to pay 20 Baht to take pictures with her.

 Lost in translation Buddhist teaching.

A short scooter ride from Chiang Mai is an old temple Doi Suthep. It's famous for its breathtaking views of the city...which we didn't see due to the fog.


In the temple we were called by this monk to kneel down. He gave us his blessing while spraying us with holy water and chanting in his language followed by the English "happy, happy, happy! long life!"

 These Buddhas represent one's qualities depending on your birthday. For ex, the 4th on the right is Anna's Wednesday birth Buddha. It means prosperity and luck with money.

Coins embedded into the wall at the temple as offerings.

These symbolic bells were hanging along the perimeter of the temple roof. We were told that they protect from evil spirits.

Among the good old gold Buddhas, there was an emerald one as well.

 The richness of the elaborate structures were fascinating.

The elephant has a special place in Buddhist culture.

Phra Mae Thorani - an earth goddes of the Buddhist mythology of the region. She is often depicted to aid Buddha by drowning the demon Mara with the water flowing from her hair. The posture is called "calling the earth to witness".

The temple was surrounded by colorful flower trees.

 We have never seen as many “fun” hats. The tourist markets are filled with them, where it seems to be the norm. The bigger, the brighter, the funnier - the better.

trying to blend in...

On the way out of the temple you have to walk through the tourist oriented market... which was quiet fun. Where you could get you own personal Buddha of whatever shape and size you fancy.

The first dog we saw dressed in someone's old t-shirt, this seems to be a trend because a lot more followed.

We followed the loud music into the local market to find free soup and an organized game for kids. They were fishing little surprise eggs out of in inflatable pool of water.

 

In that same market we also came across what seemed to look like fighter roosters. The most aggressive ones were caged.

the thai boys love Anna :)

Anna's favorite coconut milk and red curry vegetable soup.

 other snacks

fried locusts … we're still contemplating on trying them.

but decided to stick with simpler options - banana waffle on a stick

 Along the winding way from Doi Suthep, getting used to local scooter riding.

Next we did a loop around Chiang Mai through the mountains to the little town of Samoeng. This is known to be the best 100 km loop that you can do in Chiang Mai, it takes you up and down the mountain range, through forests and amazing vistas with a rest stop in the small quiet town of Samoeng.  The massive mountains in the background is where we were heading.

A little plantation along the way with its own flowing river.

The road was just amazing, sweeping curves through the countryside with ridiculous panoramas emerging from almost every turn.

 A viewpoint along the way to Samoeng.

 self explanatory :)

In Samoeng we stumbled upon this old lady who made us the best bananna, egg, condensed milk pastry we've had so far in Thailand.

As we were zooming along, the sun was setting into the clouds.

 The next morning we embarked on a “must do” adventure in Thailand – elephant riding.

 

 Slava making friends


 They call this elephant training, and to be fair they do teach you some vocal command that the elephant should listen to, such as forward, left, right... The idea being that you familiarize first with the elephant and then they take you for a ride in the jungle. First you feed the elephant with bananas and sugar canes, which was quiet fun given that you put your hand into their mouths, and they they give you kisses with their trunks. It feels amazing to sit high up while riding the elephant and see the jungle from their perspective, however the whole training portion seemed useless. The elephants were walking their usual morning path and half of the time were pulled by little trainer men by a rope tied to their leg. They didn't really obey our commands, nor were the trainers using the commands, mostly yelling out loud growls.

 After the stroll through the jungle we got to bathe our elephant. We were suspicious whether they liked it or not since the elephants hesitated to go into the cold water.

However one of them was fully enjoying it, rolling from side to side and letting us scrub his back. We also got sprayed with water from his trunk.

The elephant training camp as we depart, we waved our good byes.

The elephant camp was set quite a ways up the mountain on this unpaved dirt road, where the lavish Thai landscape fully showcased its beauty. This added to how special the trip really felt.