Jenny Sky Is The Limit

Embarking on my Chiang Mai adventure, trekking topped my list of must-do activities. Although I initially booked a 3-day 2-night expedition, unforeseen circumstances led me to embrace a 2-day 1-night  with the local agency, Panda Tour. While my experience with them was acceptable, I’d tread cautiously before giving a full recommendation.

Day 1:

As the day unfolded, I discovered the beauty of spontaneity. Despite being informed that no one else had booked the tour a week prior, the surprise of meeting a group of vibrant and fun fellow travellers during the 9 am hotel pick-up was a pleasant twist of fate. Our journey kicked off with a 1.30-hour drive to a bustling market for essential water and snacks. The scorching 38°C day had me practically melting, but my spirits remained high.

Progressing towards Amphoe Mae district, we reached Baan Tunglaron Village around midday, where a basic yet satisfying noodle lunch awaited. Post-lunch, the group diverged, with some heading to the Elephant camp, my chosen path, which took me through natural landscapes and diverse vegetation, and eventually led us to the Elephant camp.

Elephant Camp Adventure: Upon our arrival, a warm welcome awaited us from the dedicated volunteers, eager to share insights into the camp. Learning that these majestic creatures had previously endured hardships in the wood industry heightened the significance of our visit. Rescued and now residing in what can only be described as their retirement haven, the camp proudly upheld a strict “no riding” policy, an essential factor that drew me to this particular activity.

Dilemma at the Elephant Camp: I encountered a spectrum of opinions on elephant riding. Firm in my stance against it, I chose this Elephant camp with the hope that it would offer a haven for the retired giants. However, reality unfolded with nuances that stirred my convictions. As we explored the camp, I noticed a few instances of elephants being ridden, sans seats, but ridden nonetheless. The mahouts, tasked with guiding them from feeding to bathing areas, occasionally allowed travellers to hop on for a brief ride. While my fellow trekkers revelled in the opportunity to bathe these gentle giants, I hesitated, observing from a distance as the pond’s murky waters gave me pause.

This experience left me with mixed feelings and raised questions about the true definition of ethical elephant tourism. Would I embark on such visits in the future, knowing the complexities that lie beneath the surface? The jury is still out, but perhaps the answer is no.

Journey Beyond the Camp: Our trek continued, leading us through the enchanting landscapes of Chiang Mai. Along the way, we made a  stop at a bat cave, a unique detour that added an unexpected thrill to our adventure.

Trekking Under the Chiang Mai Sun: The next leg of our journey presented an unexpected challenge for me,  the scorching heat of Chiang Mai!!!!!!!!. While the terrain itself posed no significant obstacles, the oppressive heat made every step a test of endurance. My body and head felt as though they were under relentless heat, and I found myself drenched in sweat.

Our pause at the bat cave offered a temporary respite from the heat. The cave itself held a certain fascination, despite the overpowering odor, likely a result of accumulated bat excrement. At times, I found myself holding my breath, navigating the pungent air to glean the intriguing sights within.

Diverse Terrain, Nature’s Beauty: Our journey pressed on for approximately three more hours, leading us through a kaleidoscope of terrains,  from lush jungles to beautiful natural views. Despite the relentless heat, the diverse landscapes provided moments of respite and awe.

The trail, though challenging, became a canvas for nature’s wonders, with vibrant butterflies gracefully “dancing” alongside us, offering a delightful distraction from the demanding trek. Around 6 pm, our tired but satisfied group reached a diminutive village, our haven for the night. When I inquired about its name, our guide oddly hesitated before offering “Pradeang” as the identifier. A quick check on Google Maps revealed its proximity to Lahu Village, adding a touch of mystery to our temporary abode.

Our arrival at the village coincided with an unexpected twist in the weather,  a downpour that seemed endless. As if on cue, the heavens opened up, drenching our exhausted but exhilarated group.

A Night in Pradeang: Dinner and Insect Serenade: Following a well-deserved snooze, our group reconvened for dinner at the trekking lodge. The exhaustion from the day’s adventures was instantly replaced by the anticipation of a satisfying meal.

To our delight, the spread was not only delicious but also abundant, a perfect reward for our trekking endeavours. Despite the persistent attempts of numerous insects to share our feast, we managed to savour every bite. The immersive sounds of nature, complemented by the rhythmic drumming of rain on the lodge’s roof, created an unforgettable ambience for our evening repast.

Day 2:

The following day kicked off with an energising breakfast, setting the tone for another day of exploration. We embarked on a two-hour trek, immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of nature that surrounded us. The trail unfolded through diverse vegetation, with vibrant butterflies gracefully fluttering our way and the occasional sighting of a slithering snake, adding an element of caution to our journey.

We had a break to enjoy swimming and refreshing at a peaceful and quiet waterfall nearby, (which again the guide did not know the name). We then continue until we arrive for lunch at a nearby village. Again, this lunch was plentiful and delicious.

Waterfalls and Village Feasts: Amidst our trek, a much-needed break presented itself in the form of a serene hidden waterfall, its name eluding even our knowledgeable guide. Here, we revelled in the opportunity to swim and refresh ourselves in the cool, tranquil waters.

Continuing our journey, we eventually reached a nearby village for a hearty and flavoursome lunch, marking the culmination of our trekking adventure.

However, the day’s escapades were far from over. Post-lunch, we were driven to the departure point dock, where an enchanting bamboo rafting experience awaited us. Gliding along the river for over an hour, the bamboo raft offered a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape and local villages. As the current gently carried us, glimpses of people engaged in zip-lining activities added an extra layer of excitement to our leisurely descent.

Return to Chiang Mai and Farewell:  Eager to extend the camaraderie forged during our trek, I managed to persuade my fellow travellers to gather for a mini post-trekking celebration. With drinks in hand, we bid each other farewell, savouring the shared memories and laughter of the past days. It was a delightful conclusion to our Chiang Mai escapade, a moment of camaraderie and celebration before each of us embarked on our respective journeys to new destinations.

Guide’s Charm Amidst Limited Knowledge: While our tour guide was undeniably friendly, humorous, and amiable, I couldn’t help but notice a significant gap in his knowledge about the region. Inquiries about village names, local flora and fauna left him seemingly stumped, revealing a noticeable lack of information. It’s worth noting that this isn’t a complaint but rather an observation. Despite this, the journey was saved by the company of fellow adventurers, and kindred spirits from Scotland, China, Germany, and the UK. Their company transformed potential frustrations into shared laughter, turning what could have been a challenging situation into a testament to the unifying power of travel.

Happy travels everyone and thank you for reading!

Love from Jenny 😊