The group spent a day hiking in the region around Chiang Mai to explore a nearby waterfall and a small hill tribe village of the Karen people. Our terrain changed as we climbed in elevation, both due to the landscape and the weather, and the group faced the elements as a team!
We began the day hiking through small farms of corn and banana groves, passing trellises of passion fruit and the occasional water buffalo, and emerged in the afternoon at a beautiful waterfall. A picnic lunch of tropical fruit and a dip in the cool water was a much needed respite from the heat, and gave us the energy to continue up the steep mountainside to the village at the top. While a challenging endeavor, during our hike we gained perspective on what it might be like to live in such a rural landscape, and gained an appreciation for our local guides and their knowledge of the flora and fauna.
We hiked along small ridges separating terraced rice paddies as we made our way to the waterfall.
Bamboo overhangs covered our path at different points throughout the trek.
Trellises of passion fruit were in bloom at various stops along the way.
This beautiful waterfall was a perfect pit stop for a swim and a picnic of pineapple, watermelon, and fried rice wrapped in dried banana leaves.
The real adventure began as we made our descent. The heavens opened, and we experienced our first real monsoon-like conditions in Thailand. With about an hour of hiking left to go, our group showed incredible character as we forged down the mountain. Albeit muddy, soaked, and craving pad see ewe, with the help of our local guides we emerged from the jungle unscathed and with a great story to tell back home. The rain lasted a total of around 40 minutes, and as the rain shadow passed into the next valley a mist emerged that covered the fruit groves and small farms we had hiked through on our journey up the mountain. We were left with breathtaking views to complete the day, and ordered pizza and ice cream to our guesthouse as a late night treat.
The group emerged from the hike with wet, muddy clothes and a few good stories to tell back home.
After a night of rest, our same guides took us out the following morning for a river rafting trip in the same region as our trek. We boarded traditional bamboo rafts and sat cross-legged as our guides navigated the shallow, yet rocky river bed with their punting poles.
Our guides used thin bamboo rods as punting poles to navigate each raft downstream.
Rafting!
That afternoon, we visited one of the most famous temples in Chiang Mai, known not only for its historical significance, but also for its “Monk Chat” opportunities. The temple provides space and takes reservations and walk-ins for visitors and Thais alike to visit and speak with monks on any range of topics imaginable. The program allows visitors to learn more about Theravada Buddhism through the lens of Thai culture and customs, while also allowing these monks to practice their English with native speakers.
Students engage in an inspiring chat with local monks to ask questions about the role of Buddhism in Thailand and their daily lives.
Students took full advantage of the opportunity and sat in small groups for over two hours, engaged in lively conversation with monks of all ages. The students asked questions regarding many topics ranging from enlightenment and gaining merit in Thai society, to the ever-changing role of women in Thai Buddhism. In turn, the monks then showed us their curiosity about American culture, asking about all things ranging from the U.S. school system to the definition of “squad” for some of the younger monks. Everyone learned a lot!
The monks were kind enough to take a group picture with us after the chat!
It’s been a blast so far and, as our understanding of the Thai way of life continues to grow and evolve, we will make sure to keep you posted!
Kap kun kaa,
Ryan and Anna