They say that failing to plan is planning to fail and while that holds true mostly, it’s not always the case. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow and do things spontaneously. Luckily, in our recent Chiang Mai road trip, we did a bit of both.
At first we thought, we’ll do a breakdown of our itinerary and share information about the destination but you know what, there are tons of resources out there. We love stories and we’re sure so do you. So here are 5 memorable adventures (and misadventures) that really stuck out from our trip.
No money, no caving
Location: Chiang Dao Cave
The sign read:
Foreigner 40 baht, Thai 20 baht (but in Thai). For electricity 40 baht
The latter was referring to if you want to go in the caves that have no light and therefore must use a guide. The guides were local volunteers who take you deep inside the dark tunnels of the caves. There was an additional 100 baht to hire the guides.
Stupid us. We didn’t withdraw money from the ATM before coming. We had an exact change of 300 baht, which we had used for the entrance fee, water and religious offerings for the temple.
I dug deep into my pockets and backpack to look for some spare cash or coins. Alas we were a 100 Baht short! Exploring the dark caves was something I really wanted to do.
Disappointed, we returned back to our car. Kanika could see the bleak expressions on my face and suggested that we go to an ATM and draw some cash. I asked a local vendor lady where the nearest ATM machine was and she said about 5 kms.
At this point I had lost my interest and decided that we’ll just drive off to our next destination. Kanika then insisted that we stay and figure this thing out. She rummaged through every corner of her bag and looked in all the compartments of the car. Surprisingly, she managed to take out EXACTLY 100 Baht.
I quickly ran back to the cave and shamelessly drew out all the coins in change to give to the guide. OK, no, I was a bit embarrassed and apologized to the guide that I didn’t have proper notes to give her. She just smiled and said ‘mai pen rai kha’ (no problem). So on we went.
The guide explained the significance of different limestone formations that resembled flora and fauna. This was all good and great but what I really enjoyed was going through narrow tunnels and twisting pathways that satisfied my sense of adventure..
I am so glad that Kanika was able to come up with the money because it was simpy an amazing experience.
Chasing waterfalls
Location: multiple
There’s something about waterfalls that is so calming. It’s as if they have a life of their own. Cascading sounds, mystical air, fresh air all create a stimulus that sends the senses into overdrive. Being in the presence of a beautiful waterfalls can be such a heart-warming, mind-bending, soul-fulfilling and adventurous experience.
It is a well known fact that Chiang Mai is home to some of the most stunning and unique waterfalls. There’s no wonder then why we spent so much time chasing them during our time there.
Even to the day we had to leave Chiang Mai to come back to Bangkok, we were spending the morning chasing a waterfall we came across on Instagram called Bua Thong (sticky waterfall). In doing so, what was suppose to be a 9-10 hour drive home, became 13 hours. It was all worth it!
Cliffdiving. RIP GoPro
Location: Grand Canyon, Chiang Mai
I approached the edge, calculating the drop from the cliff to the gorgeous aqua color quarry water below. It was a strange feeling as everything around me slowed down except my heartbeat. I felt my knees buckle for a second and my heart was beating like a drum just as I was about to jump. I held back.
I began talking into my GoPro and hearing Kanika say ‘jump far’ jolted me back in control and I quickly took the opportunity to take the leap before my body decided again not to cooperate.
In a split second and half a shout later, I felt myself crash into the water.
CRACK. I heard.
‘What was that’, I wondered while still reeling from the impact and water pressure above my head.
Then it quickly hit me, the GoPro!
Without a second thought, I whisked my hand around to see if I could catch it before it was lost to the abyss.
A valiant effort but to no avail. The weight of the camera was too much that it must have sank to the bottom by now. I came up gasping for air, swallowing some water that left me coughing for a few seconds.
I was upset now but I don’t know if I was more angry that I had lost the GoPro or that I wasn’t in the moment…that my mind was somewhere else and that I had possibly ruined my trip up here, one that I was looking forward for months.
Fortunately, after 30 minutes of sulking, I was able to snap out of it and decided to enjoy the day and go for another jump. This time, I was totally committed to being in the moment. I went back up the cliff, waited for some Thai guys to jump in unison, as one timidly stayed back. I spoke to him and suggested he took a deep breath and just jump.
He replied saying, let’s do it together. I liked the idea and we took a step back…counted 3, 2, 1…we ran and before we knew it, we took a big leap forward.
Screaming and kicking, we hit the water surface with a big splash. We reveled by high fiving each other before exchanging names and going our merry way.
A photo posted by Shayan N. (@shayan85) on
Mountain views and On-the-edge driving
Location: multiple
One of our favorite things about the road trip in Chiang Mai was driving up and down the mountain ranges. It was the steep and curving roads matched with picturesque landscape views and small towns along the way that made it all such an unforgettable experience.
Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep were part of our plan and both were equally amazing in terms of the drive, view and nature hikes, but it was our spontaneous trip to Doi Ang Khang that really tipped the scale.
The trip definitely tested my driving skills and the occasional fog made it even a bigger challenge. Imagine going up a steep mountain and then coming across a sharp u-turn like road as it continues to climb. Having a automatic car didn’t help but we powered our way up whilst being wary of buses, motorbikes and other cars coming from the opposite direction. Oh and did we mention the scary blindspots?
A New Year Eve to remember…or not
Location: Nimmanhemin Rd, soi 6, Chiang Mai
One would think from all the adventures, traveling and exploring, we would be exhausted and wanting to do something low key for New Years eve. Ummm, have you met me? Low key is not in my vocabulary.
Before I got into travel, I was a big party animal and still am to some extent. So I couldn’t miss on the opportunity to go to a festival called Double Shot that was happening just a 5 minute walk from our place. The event was set to host some renowned local and international EDM DJs and had a very good VIP ticket deal – 900 Baht, unlimited drinks and a VIP stage. Hard to pass up as most restaurants and bars tend to charge over 2,500 per person. We decided to eat at a decent, but not overpriced restaurant beforehand.
Although the concert started out very slow, with hardly anyone there, it turned out to be a great night at the end. There were some amazing sets played by really talented artists alongside a very cheerful and appreciative crowd. Despite being an outdoor event, since the weather was really pleasant, it was a nice change from our outings in Bangkok.
We met some amazing people from all over – locals from Chiang Mai, fellow Bangkokians and even tourists from Europe. We cheered, danced and attempted to make conversations.
We probably had way too much fun because I couldn’t remember the last 2 hours when I woke up. Whoooops.
To recap, here’s a highlight video from our road trip around Chiang Mai for you guys to enjoy. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube for some fun-filled travel videos and weekly vlogs.
Accommodation options
If you’re planning to visit Chiang Mai and need a place to stay, we definitely recommend using HotelsCombined since they aggregate all the hotel booking platforms prices into one giving the best options. Check out Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: Nimman or Old City by HotelsCombined.
I’m so happy you found 100 bahts to get into the temple! The waterfall you were at around 2 min. made me remember I’ve been there too! Thanks for bringing back great memories.
LOL I would actually welcome a cave where you pay to do it yourself. I’ve been to a few cave tours and have always had to wait for people or wait for them to shut up. It’d be fun to turn on the electricity yourself and explore at your own pace. But anyway… good thing you guys found the money required.
Luckily I was the only one with the guide. So I got to go at my own pace.
Wow! you have had your share of adventures in Chiang Mai, good you did not lose the opportunity of exploring the caves, must have been quite an experience. The Gopro has gone but probably the entire cliff jumping exercise was worth it.
I’m sorry about your GoPro. I saw a guy lose his at the bottom of a wadi in Oman and it was really sad. Next time get the wrist strap 😉 Chiang Mai looks like a dream for adventurers and outdoorsy people, so I think I’d love it. I’ve been to Thailand twice, but never up north. Next time, for sure!
I had a wrist strap, the stick was still strapped to me but the GoPro snapped off at the connection point.
And yes, CM is a definitely a must-visit for adventures, culture and eco stuff. You should totally go next time. I’m currently exploring other unseen or not-so-visited places in Thailand.
Amazing adventure 🙂 Chiang Mai seems like a very exotic but also interesting place 🙂 PS I loved your picture of the road in the forest 😀
Loved the video. Looks like you had an amazing road trip despite a few bumps in the road. I have a polaroid cube. It isn’t as nice as a go pro, but it is a lot cheaper. Might make a good replacement.
Those bumps are good in a way. Develops you and you learn from it. I just bought a SJCam, another action camera that is like 1/4 the price. Haven’t really given it a try yet but looks good.
I have never been to Thailand but when we do, Chang Mai will certainly be on our list. I am also a big fan of waterfalls and love the idea of doing a road trip to try to get to as many as we can.
You must visit Thailand. Definitely do Chiang Mai, yes and there are so many other not-so-seen places here that we are exploring and discovering.
I think that you guys are pretty brave for taking a road trip in Chang Mai :). We saw some pretty crazy driving in Thailand and Cambodia and I would not want to drive in that, Happy to hear you made it inside the caves. Cheers
Yea driving in Thailand can be a bit nerve-wrecking but we come from India and Pakistan. If you can drive there or sit in a car with a straight face, then you can do so anywhere in the world.
A blessing that shows you and the caves were meant to be. Great tip for us travellers to bring extra emergency cash (but not too much) just for these situations!
It sounds like a heck of an adventure! I’m so sorry that you lost your GoPro though. I know that horrible, frustrating feeling, but I’m very glad you were able to get past it. I know the feeling of having too much fun at Songkran – I think it’s just part of the experience! haha Cheers!
Some not so fun moments – but all around sounds amazing! I love cliff diving – that place looks really interesting. I’d love to road trip Chiang Mai.
The not so fun moments is what brings out the stories sometimes, isn’t it? 🙂 The cliff diving was amazing and you should give it a try. Road trips are the best but can a bit exhausting. We just completed another road trip in Thailand and it took a toll on us. Next time, we plan on taking the plane or train.