Thailand Will Steal Your Heart
by Bernadette Dieter
I love a good cruise—don’t get me wrong, those all-inclusive buffets and ocean views are heaven! But it was truly Thailand that stole my heart. I arrived fresh from a trip to China—another must-see—and perhaps my expectations were skewed, but the country’s sheer wonder caught me completely off guard. What followed wasn’t just a trip; it became a highlight, cementing itself as one of my most memorable travel experiences ever. If you’re ready for something truly special, and you’ve decided to chart a course outside the typical cruise ship route, Thailand deserves the very top spot on your bucket list.
My trip took me to Chiang Mai, where my biggest accomplishment was surviving the mistake of repeatedly looking the wrong way before stepping into oncoming traffic! Navigating the opposite side of the road was certainly a challenge, but I made it. And trust me, Chiang Mai has a spectacular amount to offer that’s worth the near-misses. My Northern Thai adventure kicked off with bamboo rafting on the gentle currents of the Mae Wang River. It was wonderfully immersive, and the guide even let me take the steering pole for a bit – fun memories! The trip is serene, allows for views of the jungle, and lasts about 45 minutes. It is safe and appropriate for families. Afterward, the journey continued to an ethical elephant sanctuary. The most striking thing to me here, was the care provided by the Thai keepers. I highly suggest a bamboo river trip and a visit to an elephant sanctuary. Quick Tips: Northern Thailand has a cool/dry season, a hot season, and a rainy season. Check the season for your planned travel dates so you can pack accordingly for comfort. If you think the bamboo river experience is for you, definitely wear quick drying clothes just in case. This works well for the elephant sanctuary as well, where you likely will be asked to wear traditional keeper outfits over your clothes. Additional Note: When booking tours that involve wildlife, my top priority is ensuring they are 100% ethical and sustainable. I do my best to vet every partner to guarantee they uphold the highest standards of animal welfare. This means I filter out exploitative ventures and only suggest tours that actively state animal welfare is the top priority. Here is a great article if you want to read more about travel and wildlife. https://www.vaxvacationaccess.com/the-compass/posts/how-to-sell-responsible-wildlife-tourism/