J+L in Transit

Getting Out of Chiang Mai

Since Chiang Mai was filled with visitors for the Loy Krathong festival, we couldn’t find any accommodation in the city after our first hotel reservation expired. Plan B was heading one hour up into the nearby mountains to the town of Mae Rim. We stayed at the Mae Sa Valley Resort, and we were so glad we did! Mae Sa Valley is even higher up in the hills above Mae Rim town. There is a great stream with many waterfalls flowing down the valley, and the scenery is so lush and green.

The Mae Sa Valley Resort

Gazebo at Mae Sa Valley Resort

This River Runs Down the Valley, Right Through the Hotel Grounds

Green Thai Curry

Hanging Around the Hotel

Yellow Thai Curry

Curry on Rice

Pad Thai

Craft Village at the Hotel

Elephants

The biggest attraction in the Mae Sa valley is the Mae Sa Elephant Camp. The elephants there have many talents and skills that seem impossible, but are perhaps most famous for their artistic abilities. They paint amazing artwork using their trunk to hold a paintbrush! Elephant kisses are very slobbery, and they are super strong.

Entrance to the Elephant Camp

A Big Elephant Hug

Elephant

"Elephant is My Heart"

Slobbery Elephant Kiss

Texting While Driving

Double Elephant Hug

Side Profile

Lin Gets a Hug from a Baby Elephant!

So Does James!

Altar to Ganesha, Hindu Elephant God

Welcome to the Elephant Show

Hula-Hooping Elephant

Elephants Playing Soccer

Watch the Elephants Playing Soccer!

Yes, This Elephant is Painting a Picture

Elephant Artwork

An Elephant Masterpiece

Elephants Thanking the Audience After the Show

This Woman Was a Bit Scared to Tip the Elephant Trainers

Tigers

After such a fun visit with the elephants, we decided to make a slightly more dangerous visit to the Tiger Kingdom. We got very close to some Bengal Tigers of all different sizes, as you can see.

Just Like a Giant Kitten!

James Pretending His Name is Sigfried (or Roy)

Nice Kitty, Please Don't Eat Us...

Another Sleepy Tiger

This Cat Was Just Relaxing Over in the Corner

Sleepy Tiger!

Lin with Another Big Tiger...

...and a Baby!

Closeup of the Baby Tiger

Another Baby, Taking a Nap

Medium Sized Tiger (Maybe a Teenager?)

One More...

Heading South

Our next adventures in Thailand would take place in the South, known for its many marvelous islands and pristine beaches. We left Mae Rim and Chiang Mai to go to the Krabi area. More on those stories next time…

Leaving Town with the Whole Fam