Locals enjoying the large and beautiful Lumphini Park in Bangkok.
After just over 3 weeks in Phuket, we flew to Bangkok to take in some of the famed city life there. We were staying in the Embassy area – our hotel was between the USA and Netherlands embassies. It is a beautiful, quiet area (well quiet for Bangkok) filled with tree lined streets and mega shopping experiences along with the regular doses of massage parlours and eateries of every sort.
We enjoyed morning walks through the park that was very close to us.This kind soul was feeding all the strays in the park each day.This shrine was outside our temple. These are everywhere so that people can visit and pray.Typical vendor on the streets.This vendor was selling an assortment of deep fried insects including grasshoppers. Ken wouldn’t try them!If you are ever having a bad day at work, you could trade places with these workers who go into the sludge in the sewer drain offs and clean all day.Peaceful walkways in the park.Huge statue in domestic area of BKK airport in Bangkok.
After 3 days exploring Bangkok, we flew to Chaing Mai. We are back in Bangkok in April and will have more time to explore it then. We both noticed the smog as we were flying in to Bangkok but we were not seriously affected by it – we were out every day walking in the park and on the streets.
We had hoped Chaing Mai would offer cleaner air in the mountains of the North but sadly there was a huge bank of dirty air that we flew into as we were landing.
Ken in the entrance area of our hotel in Chaing Mai.
We stayed in an old hotel near the Old City within walking distance of the gates. There was also a shuttle that we could take. Often we would take the shuttle in the morning and walk back in the evening. Just like everywhere we have been, we soon discovered our favourite restaurants.
Chaing Mai is a city of temples and they were everywhere.Lively action at food stands every night at the night markets.Enjoyed a foot wash before massages.
One of the highlights of our travels and a major reason for going to Chaing Mai, was our visit to The Elephant Nature Park which is renowned around the world for it’s ethical care of elephants in need.
There are over 113 elephants at the park, more than 200 water buffalo, over 400 dogs (of which more than 40 were handicapped and using wheelcarts to get around when on a walk). There was also a large cat rescue area with more than 50 cats.
This beautiful senior is 90 years old and living her best life at the Sanctuary.Water buffalo roamed around freely – this one was right behind us. They go along with the elephants very well.This beautiful elephant was 70 years old and had a very gentle personalityThe elephants loved these treats.We loved this beautiful elephant. Her owner used her in logging operations. Her baby fell down a ravine and she was mourning and refused to work. The owner then blinded her with a slingshot so that she would obey him.
Many of the elephants are rescued from unimaginable cruelty. Even those who were used for riding had terrible lives as they were always saddled and could never roll or bathe.
This elephant stepped on a landline. She gets around just fine and receives regular vet care.The mahouts (elephant handlers) are mostly young boys who are wonderful with the animals. Each elephant has it’s own mahout to provide it’s daily care.It was sheer joy being with these majestic animals in a natural, respectful environment.Great entertainment as the handlers give the elephants some showers and they enjoy the mud bath. Other elephants went down to the river to bathe.These 2 babies (1 and 2 years old) put on quite a show at the water tank near us.Huge bunches of bananas along with bamboo and other large piles of food for the elephants.
Covid created a major issue for this an many other animal sanctuaries as suddenly there were no visitors or means of revenue. Mahouts were retrained and fortunately major sponsors from across the world stepped in to ensure the animals were fed and well cared for. Yes Tik Tok was one of them.
Another cutie roaming freely around the sanctuary.Feeding time for some of the dogs. The ones that roamed among the visitors all had very placid natures.This beautiful Bengal cat was one of the many friendly felines.Our visit here was magical in every way. We plan to come back again maybe for one of the 2 day or week volunteering stays.Such beauty. ❤️
We flew to Hanoi, Vietnam on March 5th and are now ready to enjoy our tour of Vietnam over the next 3.5 weeks. We will update as usual!
My goodness, what an amazing experience roaming around with elephants, water buffalo, stray cats and dogs. Sounds like Ken has recovered from his foot problem. Looking forward to your next adventure in Vietnam.
We have been to many night markets but not the one I think you mean in Bangkok. Will go next time and also see the reclining Buddha then too. Can’t wait to see you 💕
Wowser! Now I would love this as well! So many experiences! How I would love to join you! It’s a dream at this point! One day I’ll just make it happen❤️
Beautiful pictures. So nice to know that these gentle giants are well cared for in this sanctuary. Being a horsewoman, I can’t imagine the manure cleanup with these big guys and gals😳😆
My goodness, what an amazing experience roaming around with elephants, water buffalo, stray cats and dogs. Sounds like Ken has recovered from his foot problem. Looking forward to your next adventure in Vietnam.
Did you go to the giant gold Buddha or the night market?
We have been to many night markets but not the one I think you mean in Bangkok. Will go next time and also see the reclining Buddha then too. Can’t wait to see you 💕
What an amazing experience, and I don’t blame Ken for not trying the bugs.🤮
Wowser! Now I would love this as well! So many experiences! How I would love to join you! It’s a dream at this point! One day I’ll just make it happen❤️
Beautiful pictures. So nice to know that these gentle giants are well cared for in this sanctuary. Being a horsewoman, I can’t imagine the manure cleanup with these big guys and gals😳😆