Thailand Naturally (page 3 of 13)

At the top of a mountain, you can visit royal gardens. Even though the best time is January-February, this kind of visit is always worth the trip, as long as you can handle a few changes in elevation. The setting is stunning, provided the view is clear. That’s not always guaranteed at high altitudes.



After a terraced flowerbed, you come across an artificial pond where ducks and swans are just hanging out. Right next to it is the entrance to the "Tree Top Walk and Zipline," a 300-meter walkway 30 meters high that ends with a zipline descent.



The rest of the park is a symphony of colors around a structure housing a stunning collection of orchids.

















Before heading back down to the plains, we barely escape a storm. When the threatening clouds are just thirty meters above their heads, even the adventurers aren’t so bold anymore...







We really enjoyed our evening visit to the abandoned airport in Chiang Rai last year. Before going back, we made a little detour to the park right next door, where families gather, along with groups of teenagers. The happiest are the little ones, running and playing their hearts out.

Gorgeous orchids really showcased thanks to the photographer's talent!

Thailand’s tamed jungle

If you hadn’t followed the episodes from previous years (though I think it’s more about memory 😝), I get why you’d ask. Let’s see... there’s a clue in every photo.

Thailand’s tamed jungle

Hey, what can you say about Isan province with all its booming cities like Khon Kaen, Korat, and Udon? Who’d believe Isan is some forgotten countryside with all these highways now?

That’s not at all what I meant. It’s seeing these gorgeous orchids that makes me think about it. How do the Thai people on this naturally rich land shape it? I’m thinking of my late father-in-law, whose hands could make anything grow—and with love at that 😊

You’re very welcome, and I think you won’t regret it...

I think I remember it’s the wife who takes the photos 🙂 But the cameras can switch hands, and after so many photos, my husband and I can’t always tell who took which ones anymore 🙂

Cool, a new travel journal!!!

Can you remind me of the name of the royal and floral park I also visited a few years ago?

Yeah, the vibe is always super chill early in the evening at the old airport spot. Don’t hesitate to hang around there to meet Thais... au naturel!

https://youtu.be/_Ct-J9rxlEU

Hahahaaaa, well look who's back! Hello you two! Off on your travels again, I see! I haven’t checked VoyageForum much these past few months, but I got a little hint (a little hello) that made me take a closer look... and what do I see? A new travel journal! Yessss! I’ll definitely be following it and traveling along with you both!

Joël’s wonderful writing will enchant me again, and your gorgeous photos, Françoise 😊

I recognize some spots in the Chiang Rai area, which we’re starting to know well (after 7 stays already), but the waterfall... is it the one near (uh, about 30 minutes by scooter) Wat Rong Khun, or the one further north toward Doi Tung that I see in your photos, Françoise? A little touch of Switzerland... not very exotic for us, but still a lovely place for a walk.

Chiang Rai beach is really close to the Homestay Chiangrai where we stay every time (our next trip is planned for March 2020 😜). Did you visit the little cave across from it?

Looking forward to the rest of your journal... Big hugs to you both!

You're just too sweet! You'll see, there are things you'll love...

Hope you’re patient... Mine’s been stuck to my wrist since... 2015...😏 Meanwhile, my husband’s fell off after a week!

Clearly, you got the deluxe model—I’ve never seen that before. Anyway, with such a pretty wrist, no wonder Benj asked for your hand! 😛

You're just too sweet! You'll see, there are things you'll love...

Oh, I don’t doubt that for a second! 😎

I absolutely love both paintings!

Hi Chantal,

The first one is typical of Nan Province, further east compared to Chiang Rai.

The second one reminds me of Moïse BB...🙂

True, how could we not think of that?

Many of these paintings, whose meaning eluded us at first, end up revealing themselves through readings and explanations we come across. Others remain impenetrable, sometimes due to the unique personality of their creator.

Even so, it's tough to choose—there are so many we'd love to show, but we're afraid it might come across as excessive and tiring.

Can you remind me of the name of the royal and floral park I also visited a few years ago?

Hi Didier,

I think it’s Doi Tung Royal Villa, the residence of the current King Rama X’s grandmother.

A great spot for seniors—those over 60 😎, regardless of nationality; it was half-price. Well, that’s how it was in 2012 and 2015, but a lot of water has passed under the bridges of Chiang Rai since then… and it might be more expensive now.

2012



2015

Hey Who told you that Isan was meant to stay isolated forever? Cities grow just like all cities around the world. Does the word "demographics" ring a bell? Like everywhere else, the appeal of big cities draws in younger generations who easily leave their villages hoping for a better standard of living than their parents had. Again, you’re writing without knowing—Isan *is* rural and it’s the poorest region in Thailand. The military junta is investing in road infrastructure so it can develop!! And to answer your question: everyone who knows this region, except for some pseudo-guide who deleted their fake job after showing their lack of knowledge on the subject

CHIANG MAI REGION

We don’t regret ditching our planned itinerary to head deep into the hills: the city fades away, giving way to villages and then increasingly scattered homes.

Little by little, the plots of land cultivated by humans compete with stretches of forest that are more like jungle. Majestic bamboo groves add their grace to the scene.

The roads get bumpier and suddenly turn into dirt paths, washed out by recent water runoff. So, those rain-bearing clouds did show up—just monopolized by the hills and mountains, it seems.

Here and there, you spot traditional clothing worn by ethnic minorities. In the end, you’re never really that far from the edge of the world.







We take the chance to stock up: a bunch of bananas for 15 baht and five kilos of mangoes for 100 baht. You might get sick of them after 15 days, but they’re so good...

After a long and pleasant journey, the first stop lets us tackle a path climbing into the forest. It follows a river with the sound of rushing water.

At the end, it’s enchanting all over again. We catch ourselves standing there, mouths open, in front of this roaring three-tiered waterfall. We’re total suckers for these kinds of natural spots.

Luckily, we get to see it under a brief shower before rediscovering it under bright sunshine. A privileged moment—hardly anyone around.



NO! This photo isn’t in black and white...





One last glance as we leave...



During the day, we discover a place that, thanks to tourism, has gone from a natural curiosity to a popular attraction—almost like an amusement park.

The "sticky waterfall" (or "adherent waterfall"), as the Thais call it, is an extremely calcareous waterfall flowing over bright white rocks. The limestone is so thick you can climb the waterfall barefoot without any trouble or slipping.

Thais and quite a few tourists, dressed much more lightly, give it a try with delight. For some, it’s clearly their one and only "sporting activity" of the year...

The most surprising thing, though, is this Thai couple climbing the waterfall with their little one. Fate spared us the chance to witness an accident, but you can bet the first-aid station isn’t there by accident—just like the emergency kit.

Since the site is large and well-developed, many families have picnics in this lush setting.

It’s worth noting that a path leads up from near the top of the waterfall. The effort of climbing all those steps is rewarded with access to a sanctuary and a sacred spring.





In the evening, it’s a nighttime marathon in the historic square after sampling all the street food vendors’ treats.





Note that when you enter through Chiang Mai Gate, about 300 meters to your left in a tiny shop, a young man sells delicious artisanal ice cream (the coconut ones would make you come back every day). Actually, we *did* come back every day.

Thanks Aurélie for reaching out too. 🙂