CHIANG MAI 10TH-14TH APRIL

CHIANG MAI 10TH-14TH APRIL

Thai Airways never cease to amaze me our flight from Vietnam to Bangkok was just over an hour and in that time we were given a hot meal, warm chocolate cake, water, juice and coffee, Virgin flight 1 hour plastic tumbler of water!!

Spent most of our day travelling as we had 2 flights first Vietnam to Bangkok then few hours later second flight to Chiang Mai.  Finally arrived at our hotel duangtawanhotelchiangmai.com  at about 5, it's so big it has escalators another free upgrade so can't be bad. Head out for something to eat at about 7 and pass dozens of massage parlours some of which look like they are offering more than a massage!! Finally find a restaurant but not the best food we have had.

Up early 7.30  for walk Jim still trying to get his bearings as we have been here before but nothing looking familiar, the heat is relentless and Jim finally gives in with his quest and we return to hotel for breakfast.

Manage to get a sun bed under the shaded area so that's us for a few hours. Few dips in the pool and a mango smoothie life is good. 

Find night market and  have spicy soup and satay £5 for both of us and it's really good.

Up early for trip to elephant sanctuary this is definitely a challenge for me as it is hands on.  After changing into our uniforms we meet the elephants and feed them, and I manage to do this- even surprised myself!! We also go for a walk with the elephants and then the highlight of the trip everyone goes into the water to scrub them. What an experience being next to these huge animals it was a lovely morning and nice to know that these animals who had been mistreated can now lead a happy life.

Spend afternoon at the pool, the celebrations have  started for Songkran which is the New Year, this consists of mainly people throwing water. It is such fun to watch and nobody is spared-from the safety of our pool we watch Tuk tuks amd taxis full of people drenched. Manage to dodge the water and go to the night market again, food is really good here and you can watch it being cooked we both have spring rolls and pad Thai for £4 and then I have some retail therapy whilst Jim has a beer.