Chiang Mai (day 11)

Today we had to get up real early, because between 6:30 and 7:00 AM we would be picked up to go to the elephant sanctuary. On our way we stopped a few times to pick up other people  at other guest houses. After driving for a short while we stopped at a gas station for coffee and tea. After that we continued our way for 1.5 hours to the sanctuary.

Upon arrival, we were first welcomed, and we got a briefing about the elephants. And everyone had to introduce themselves (there were about 20 people in total). Next we had to wash our hands before we could feed the elephants with bananas, this happened in the 'stable'. After that the elephants were brought outside where they were fed with elephant grass. This was the moment where you could pet the elephants and take a photo with them. Now it was time to take a break for some coffee / tea / water. After the break it was time to pull out the swimming- and bathing suits, because now we would give the elephants a mud bath. Next the elephant walked towards the (fast flowing) river to wash the mud off. Naturally we joined them, and we could fill buckets with water and throw it on top of the elephants to wash the mud off. When the elephants walked out of the water it was time to wash ourselves under the shower, and then we could enjoy a well deserved buffet lunch. After the lunch it was time to say goodbye to the elephants and guides and drive 1.5 hours back to the guest house again (on our way back we stopped at the other guest houses to drop the other people of). Once inside we put on some clean clothes and washed the dirty cloths and after that we booked the flight tickets to the south. Because tomorrow we will be flying to Surat Thani! While my parents were arranging the flight tickets at a travel agency I stayed behind in my room to take a nap. Because after a short night where I didn't sleep really well I was quite tired. When my parents came back (they also had a Thai foot massage) I woke up again, and we hit the road again. We walked to a taxi stand, where a special taxi brought us to the top of the (high) mountain. On this mountain you will find the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. This is about 45 minutes driving. Except this beautiful temple, decorated with a lot of gold you can also get there for the panoramic view high above the giant city (Chiang Mai is the second biggest city of Thailand, after Bangkok) and with this amazing view you can also enjoy the sunset. Unfortunately we weren't that lucky because of the weather conditions (it was too cloudy), so there wasn't that much to enjoy but the view... After the sunset we drove back down (in the dark) and about halfway we stopped at a platform where you can enjoy the panoramic view, Chiang Mai by night looked amazing! After that we continued our way down until we were at the place where we got in. From here (at the night market) we walked a bit along the market to get something to eat for dinner. We bought some street food, finally some real Thai food! After that we walked back to the room. Like I said yesterday we will be flying to Surat Thani, from where we will go to the islands! More about that tomorrow!

Day 10

Days 12, 13 & 14