Ban Mae Yao-Elephant Camp

Ban Mae Yao.My favourite destination in Chiang Rai.This is the rural countryside of Chiang Rai,about 16km outside of the city heading north.It is  very easy and accessable to get to with many signs inclinating the direction to the elephant camp.This is the area with what is called "tribe" and "mountain people".The first thing the traveller will notice when heading into this region,is the green landcsapes with hills,rivers and rice fields that seem to run off into the sunset forever ..you cannot get a more picture-esque setting than this in Chiang Rai.This is a backpackers ideal getaway.Away from the congestion and noise of citylife,the traveller can take in breath taking beauty and serenity and apreciate the untouched natural beauty of this world.I would highely recommend taking a bicycle ride as not to miss an inch of this unscathed paradise.This is a diverse region funny enough,with makeshift cabins and mini-stalls selling goods and snacks to locals and passers by along the road,and in the distant horizon beautiful red faced mansions can be seen afoot the hills.It is hard to imagine a community thriving so far out into the countryside yet its a way of life where its peoples are humbled and content.The main attraction is "the elephant camp" and it is one of the most humbling experiences in my life.To witness these huge "mammoths" so close up,and to see how gentle,humbled,and loving these mammals are was a big shock to me.One can see the affection in their eyes as their trunks gracefully reach out for food or the warm touch of a human.A half hour ride cost 150bhat($5) per person.Incredibly low price to ride atop an elephant through the beautiful paths snaking in and out of this region.Food packets consisting of bamboo and bananas can be purchased at 20bhat (75cents) to feed the elephants as you journey along on their backs.The ride may be a little bumpy,but ones' heart racing and taking in the surrounding beauty whilst elevated on a moving animal is a rare life experience.After saying goodbye to our ride, Kunmo(33 year old male elephant) I truly felt humbled and sorely missed my newfound friends and am planning my next trip back when I have time again.

Introduction to Chiang Rai

Greetings everyone.This Blog serves to be an informative article to anyone who has an interest in travelling to the exciting,adventurous and beautiful country of Thailand.I am currently living in Chiang Rai,a northern province of Thailand.I will be providing first hand account experiences and traveller tips that can help and assist those seeking to explore this region.First a little F.Y.I. about Chiang Rai.Chaing Rai is a more conservative and traditional region than its counterparts.The greeting customs are taken more seriously here,(Sa-wa-dee-krab, if you are male..Sa-wa-dee-ka,if you are female) and greeting a Thai with said phrases,followed by a "praying,head bowing gesture"( know as the "wai") is welcomed by all Thai's and a win-win situation for any tourist looking to gain a friendly smile or apreciation of bridging this cultural gap.This region even has its own dialect,known as "native dialect" or "northern thai dialect" which is more formal and title adressing than the middle and southern parts of Thailand. Chiang Rai,like most parts of Thailand,is a self-made land with small businesses on almost every street corner,ranging from coffee shops to boutiques,and the ever present mini food stalls and stands that serve staples such as noodles,rice,and assorted chicken,fish,pork and vegetable dishes.There are no big,global franchises to be seen here,with the exception of 7-11 convenience stores, which preserves the character of Chiang Rai.The culture is a very self-explorative culture,with fashion,coffee shop hopping and technological trends picked up by western influences,but not governed by them like the first world.There are many coffee shops trending in Chiang Rai with each shop putting its own unique spin on the global trend,with all the usual favourites,mocha's,cappuccino's,latte's either hot,iced or frappe style and all exceptionally great tasting and at a third of the price that one would pay in First world countries.The coffees range from 45bhat to 90bhat which is $1.5 to $3 in American currency.Great deal for the budget coffee enthusiast.Chiang Rai is a much more quiter,less frenetic experience than either Bangkok,or Chiang Mai.It has a much larger natural,untouched landscape for those seeking to explore the countryside and squeeze in some backpacking or to take a break from city life and just sit and enjoy the tranquil lifestyle of Chiang Rai.And for the occasional tourist who misses their favourite food,there is a top notch Italian restaurant serving some of the finest european beers and best tasting pizza available.Another restaurant can provide those looking for wings,pasta's,burgers etc..at a more expensive price than traditional thai cuisine orientated restaurants,but not so much to hurt the traveller's pocket..no more than what one would pay in their home country.Accomodation is another less stressful concern when in travelling Chiang Rai.If like most tourists,you have a two month stay issued on your international passport.Hotels are cheap,but can be costly in the long run.I am staying in a room which has great working air conditioning,free fast speed internet,a mini bar fridge,a flat screen tv with dvd player,a king size bed, decor hinting on contemporary feng shui,a hot shower,running electricity,tiled flooring and a well mantained contemporary exterior of the building.One can rent a room for 300bhat a day($10) or 4,500 bhat a month($146) For one who does not spend much time in my room and dont like to be pampered with room service etc,this is perfect for me as a geteway.This is a backpackers sanctuary!!!Well that was the grouding basics,I will now proceed further into the traveller destinations of the Majestic Chiang Rai.