Good picked us up from our hotel early in the morning on Feb. 2. We were a group of nine (my family - 6 + my dad, who was travelling with us over TET holiday (the Lunar New Year celebration in Vietnam - celebrated at the same time as the Chinese New Year, and the reason for our two week holiday :-) !!!) We would be trekking with two other girls Jinny and Ruth from the UK, and at first I wasn't sure how this would work, because I knew that trekking with kids could be much slower paced than girls in their 20's, but we ended up bonding really well and we really enjoyed their company - especially the kids, and I hope that their experience was just as positive as ours.
Our first stop was Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Thai: วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ). This temple is a Theravada wat in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The temple is often referred to as "Doi Suthep" although this is actually the name of the mountain where it's located. It is a sacred site to many Thai people. The temple is 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the city of Chiang Mai. From the temple, impressive views of Chiang Mai can be seen. The original founding of the temple remains a legend and there are a few varied versions. The temple is said to have been founded in 1383 when the first stupa was built. Over time, the temple has expanded, and been made to look more extravagant with many more holy shrines added.
Incredible, detailed, wood carved pillars.
The ususual...random people wanting to take pictures with the kids...the funny thing is that when we were leaving Chiang Mai, these people were on the same flight as us, and we had a good laugh when they recognized us again, and showed us their pictures...maybe not as funny when I recount it, but it was pretty funny at the time. A "you had to be there" moment.
The temple complex is STUNNING.
Walking down 309 steps from the pagodas to the parking lot. It is also possible to take a tram (in both directions).
After the temple visit and a short drive and stop at a local market for provisions, we transferred to the back of a pick up truck for a ride up the mountain. I think Good does the trek up the mountain with some groups, but because we were a group including children, he decided to alter the plan and give us a bit of a break on the first day. Riding up the mountain in the pick up was a wild ride...the kids loved it! It was NOT a paved road, and we were holding on for dear life in some sections. We have some crazy GO PRO footage from the drive...the kids had a blast standing right behind the cab for a greater thrill and view!
Mother with new baby in the village. We stayed in a village of one of the Lahu hill tribes, and got to see and experience how they live. I was surprised at how remote it actually was, but the peace and serenity was magical. It really is a whole different world.
The Lahu originated in China and Tibet before eventually migrating to Thailand . Linguistically they are Sino-Tibetan. Their language has spread far and wide among the hill tribes of Thailand due to their propensity to outsource work to members of other hill tribes. There are several subgroups of the Lahu but only six are present in Thailand .
The Lahu are one of the large hill tribes in Thailand , with a reported population of around 80,000. The majority of the Lahu live around the Burmese border in areas like Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Kampeg Phet, Chiang Mai, and Tak.
The view from the bamboo house in which we stayed the night. It was awesome.
The flooring of the hut were made of bamboo...they were kind of springy and actually see-through in some places. Considering we were pretty high up, this was a little freaky, but we were reassured that it is very strong and safe.
Relaxing with Good.
The house we stayed in.
Setting out on an afternoon hike to the waterfall.
Cooling off under the waterfall.
We stayed in the left part of this house.
A new house being built...it's very interesting to see the construction in progress.
Going for a short walk around the village.
Breathtaking sunset over the hilltops of northern Thailand.
Taking in the view and the sunset.
Huge termite mound, just behind where we were sitting.
In the morning, those who were awake returned at sunrise.
We loved watching the clouds rolling in.
Sunrise view from our house.
Inside the hut were six double mattresses (on the ground) and each mattress had its own mosquito net. It was simple, functional and comfortable enough.
Eva slept in...good thing. Lots of energy would be needed for the wicked trek down the hills.
Probably the most stunning breakfast view we have ever experienced.
Eggs, toast, fruit, coffee, tea...a delicious western breakfast.
Looking at the beautiful crafts and fabrics some of the women are selling. I bought a small purse similar to the ones which the Lahu women were wearing.
Hike through the tall grass...yes, really tall, taller than it looks on this photo.
The views as we hiked down through the hills were incredible. And so was the serenity. Being present in nature, in the quiet and stillness of these remote villages was a meditative and spiritual experience.
Despite the far from ideal terrain, the villagers farm and grow many crops.
Rest stop. Time to refuel. We actually ran in to another group of hikers here, but other than this, it was just us the entire time (until the very end of the trek at the last waterfall and the final stretch of the hike back, where the trail was more frequented).
My dad...unbelievable fitness level at 73 years of age...this was NOT an easy trek, and to this day I do not know how he (the oldest in our group) and Eva (the youngest in our group) managed to finish. Many times, when the trail got rough and demanding I prayed that we would finish in one piece...but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and we all finished smiling and upright...even Eva, a few days shy of 6 years, didn't whine or complain once...the beautiful views, incredible jungle scenery and group fun and conversations kept her going.
Another rest stop...this time for lunch.
The only plastic here is a small spoon. Good and Willow made our plates on location...large bamboo stalks that they split in half...the meal was delish!
Picnic time.
Walking through the bamboo forest.
Tricky part of the trail...walking up these steps in the hillside...but Eva did it!
Stop at the last waterfall.
Combination of white water and calm water rafting that we did as the last part of our tour. Just cruising and enjoying the quiet on this section of the river.
Group photo after we finished rafting down the river. It was such a fun way to end our trek. The river was quite dry - because were here in February, but that was actually better for us. White water rafting can get pretty crazy, so it was better to have just a few sections of rapids, and the rest just calm waters. We even got stuck on the rocks a few times and it was pretty fun bouncing up and down in the raft, trying to get free. This is our group, with our guides Good and Willow.
Shooting the slingshots that Good and Willow made as we trekked down from the hilltops. It was incredible, and the kids loved it, because they would always stop for a bit, pick up some sticks or bamboo, and create these toys and trinkets for the little, and not so little kids. They made sling shots, out of the wood and little cups out of bamboo. So creative and resourceful. It was great getting to know them and listening to their stories. It is an unforgettable experience that we will carry in our hearts forever. If you every find yourself in Northern Thailand, trek with Good, it's an experience of a lifetime.
Map of the area in which we were trekking.
Wow wow wow all the best Helen.😂😂
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