Chiang Mai, Thailand

Wow, Chiang Mai was busy! We were only there for two days but we packed a lot into our time in Northern Thailand. Our hotel, Anatara Resort & Spa, was located right on the Mae Ping River in Chiang Mai and was absolutely gorgeous. When we arrived, the rooms weren't quite ready so we grabbed lunch at the on-site restaurant which was actually the former British consulate in the early 1900s. In the evening, we headed to the city's main market, Anusarn. There we explored all the vendor booths, had a Thai beer and snacks, and the girls got some ice cream. We learned that there was a Muay Thai fight going on later that evening. Allison didn't want to go but Abigail was all for it. So Allison headed back to the hotel with Tasha and Isla while the rest of us headed over to the stadium. The headline fight was a US fighter named Mike. We stayed for all the fights and had a blast! Really, words can't say what a cool experience it was watching Muay Thai fights in Thailand. 

The following day was our visit to the Elephant Rescue Park right outside of Chiang Mai. The park was founded in 2016 to adopt and care for abused and neglected Asian elephants. The park was inspired by Jeab, an elephant who suffered from severely infected wounds on her feet. The founder rescued her and paid for her medical treatments. Although she ultimately died from her wounds the park continues rescuing elephants in need. First we made some snacks for the elephants and then we carried a basket of bananas down to the valley. There we met Kham Soi, a 55 year old female, who was previously a logging elephant up until the practice was outlawed. Her previous owner then used her in the tourism industry until he could no longer care for her and the park bought her from him. She was extremely gentle and the girls loved feeding her. They even fed her straight to the mouth! After our time with Kham Soi we headed up the hill and met 8 year old Nam Choke and 25 year old Moji, we gave them the special treats we made for them earlier and fed them a few bananas. Then we got to meet the newest addition, a 6 month old baby elephant! His mother was rescued from the circus so she was very vocal and trumpeted whenever she wanted more food! After visiting the baby elephant we headed down to the watering hole and helped bathe Moji. This wrapped up our time with the elephants, it was truly an emotional experience being so close to these gentle giants and definitely has been a highlight for our girls.

We headed back to the hotel afterwards to get ready for dinner at The House by Ginger. This was recommended to us by Tuk Ta, our guide. She said it was the only Michelin restaurant in Chiang Mai. We were quite hungry after our elephant tour that day so we ordered lots of different things. Some of it was very spicy but all of it was good. The girls really liked the mocktails offered. Our favorite was the appetizer sampler that had prawn spring rolls, fried morning glories, crispy mini rice dumplings, deep fried prawns, curried fern leaves, and a Thai snack. We rode back to the hotel in a tuk tuk and our driver raced the Ghan's driver. This was our last day in Chiang Mai and it really was an amazing visit. Next up, Phuket and Abigail's 14th birthday!

Much Love,

Moises & Jennifer