Everything you've heard about it is true. Thailand, that is. Beautiful, friendly..... simply life-changing. And what better way to spend my 40th than sleeping top bunk on an overnight train ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
We just so happened to visit the Grand Palace while the country was mourning the loss of their beloved king. How loved he truly was and great he must have been!
DON'T RIDE THE ELEPHANTS! Instead, visit a preserve and feed, bathe, and walk with them instead. They will love you for it, and so will I.
I hope you get to see lanterns dotting the sky like stars. The temples and their ceremonies are indescribably peaceful and beautiful.
Stay in a hostel. You, too, may go from doubting the thought to avidly seeking the opportunity.
Play in the water. Often. Lose your sunglasses playing in that water and buy a red pair to replace them.
Get a bamboo tattoo!
Explore the islands, hike to the waterfalls, and chase the sunset around the island on scooters.
My biggest piece of advice.......
Go with the ones you love. A place (even Thailand!) is only as great as the people in it. My second Thailand experience will include my other favorite (because I have two!), my daughter. ❤️