My Adventure
I just arrived home from a month-long adventure in the enchanting northern areas of Thailand.
A great recommendation for Chiang Mai is a charming place called Seven Suns where each room has a fun theme. I stayed in the "Asian Hats" room while my friends was in the "Hello Kitty" room. The staff was great & you can't miss the Night Bazaar!
Chiang Dao was the highlight of my trip. Here there is an amazing place called The Nest. They offer both American and Thai dining by some of the most excellent chefs in the country. I stayed in one of their nicely furnished, comfortable bungalows. The last day there was my favorite: a buffet-style dinner was served where every visitor gathered to meet and talk while dining on everything from chicken to mussels to buffalo. There was Thai beer, wines, and my favourite, Baileys. My group hung out with the owner and her husband - they were fabulous! I highly recommend you do not miss this place if travelling through the area. They also arrange tours of any kind, and I went on an elephant ride - I even had the opportunity to ride bareback on the beast's neck!
The final destination was Fang, in the most northern area of the country possible, where I stayed at an orphanage for children whose parents were killed from AIDS due to opium / heroine use trafficked in through Burma. These kids were so cheerful & loving - they really stole my heart. I visited their home villages - the Karen, Akah, Lahu & Palaung hill tribes (not in the touristy, exploitative fashion as is often done).
While southern Thailand is breathtaking in its own right, I strongly encourage you to see this area of the country first. Read about current issues going on in the Golden Triangle, hill tribe struggles with Burma & human / drug trafficking that goes on. Visit FreeBurmaRangers.org. It opened my eyes to a world I had never seen before & was a life-changing experience. I will go back.
