🍃 A slower pace and a deeper calm

Chiang Mai was our favorite stop in Thailand — hands down.
After the noise and color of Bangkok, arriving here felt like exhaling.
The air was cooler, the streets quieter, and everything somehow felt both ancient and new.

We spent three nights here, but if we could redo it, we’d stay longer.

🏨 Where we stayed

Thee Vijit Lanna

We stayed at Thee Vijit Lanna, a cozy boutique hotel right in the heart of Old Chiang Mai — close to everything, but quiet enough to feel tucked away.

The room was warm and beautiful — the kind of place that makes you say “I want my house to look like this.”
They even gave us a free upgrade, which was such a nice surprise after a travel day.

There was a real coffee machine in the room (not instant — the only one we had the entire trip!), and a big soaking tub, which came in clutch after long adventure days.
The pool was gorgeous, calm, and sparkling clean — perfect for a morning dip or an afternoon cooldown.

It was under $100/night and honestly one of those rare stays that feels way more special than what you paid for.

🐘 Chai Lai Orchid elephant experience

We did a full-day tour with Chai Lai Orchid, a sanctuary we chose after a lot of research.
Finding an ethical elephant experience in Thailand can be tricky, but this one felt right from the moment we arrived.

You can stay overnight there if you’re more adventurous — it’s rural, with few amenities — but even as a day trip, it was amazing.
They slowly introduce you to the elephants, and there’s no riding.
You spend the day feeding them, walking with them, and swimming alongside them in the river.

The baby elephant absolutely stole the show — playful, curious, and beyond adorable.

Tips:

  • Bring bug spray. You’ll need it.
  • Dress to get wet — it’s a hands-on experience.
  • The hike is longer than you might expect, but worth every step.

Everyone has different opinions on sanctuaries, and that’s fair — but as someone who’s sensitive to animal welfare, I genuinely felt the elephants here were healthy, happy, and well cared for.

If I could redo it, I’d stay a few extra hours for what they call “Elephant Happy Hour.”
It’s truly one of those experiences that stays with you.

🐅 Tiger Kingdom

We also stopped by Tiger Kingdom, which was… complicated.
It’s hard to know for sure how ethical it is — they say the tigers are calm because they’re raised there from birth and sleep a lot like domestic cats.
But, I’ll be honest, part of me still wondered.

That said, it was still an incredible experience to be that close to such beautiful animals.
If you go, I’d pay the premium to see the newborn tigers — they had a baby white one that was unbelievably cute.
Just know: you have to see the newborns first, before touching the adult tigers, or they won’t let you interact (apparently for health reasons).

The trainers stayed nearby and the tigers didn’t seem distressed, but still — go in with an open mind and your own comfort level.

🛍️ Coconut Market

This was my favorite market in all of Thailand.
The Coconut Market (also known as Baan Kang Wat) felt like walking through an art village — palm trees, handmade crafts, local designers, and the prettiest atmosphere.

I wish I’d bought more.
It’s full of unique, aesthetic pieces — woven bags, pottery, jewelry — all for a few dollars.
Perfect spot for souvenirs that actually feel special.

✈️ Getting around

Chiang Mai is easy.
The airport is only 5–10 minutes from the old town, so arriving and leaving is stress-free.
Traffic is minimal compared to Bangkok, and we used Grab for everything — again, quick and cheap.

💬 Final thoughts

Chiang Mai was everything we hoped it would be — calm, cultural, and deeply inspiring.
It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, notice details, and just feel good.

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, this is where the magic really happens.

Next in our Thailand series:
Khao Sok — floating bungalows, jungle lakes, and a reality check on what “off-grid” really means.