When I turned 40 in 2019 and my dream was to go to Thailand specifically Chiang Mai and Ao Nang. I really wanted to participate in Yi Peng, also known as the lantern festival. I did this adventure on my own once again…. this time my anxiety got the best of me. If you want to learn more about how I deal with it click here. After a couple days of not knowing if I was going to stay I met four ladies who would change it all for me. I spent 13 days in Thailand ,5 days in Chiang Mai and 7 days in Ao Nang.
What to Expect in Thailand
Currency: Thai Baht- 32 Baht to 1 USDThailand
Plug: No need to bring an adapter if you are Canadian or American. has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin
Safety: This for me is up in the air. I did not feel afraid walking around, however. If you are going during the full moon to any of the parties please be cautious. Also know the laws there. You do not want to end up in prison.
Doing an Elephant tour was on my bucket list of things I wanted to do in this world. Picking the right, humane and caring tour was the hard part. After months of research reading reviews I finally found the perfect place.
Check out why this place sells out and has the best ratings in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai
This was the beginning of finding out so many things about myself. This city is spectacular. The history, the buildings and the people. They say Thailand is the land of smiles. To be honest, I did not find that. With that said I will say they are not rude just not the super happy I was expecting. In 5 days I met 4 amazing women who would change this vacation in such incredible ways. I would go visit an elephant sanctuary, participate in the lantern festival and I would find out I did not know all the rules of Thailand.
Read: My Chiang Mai Experience
Ao Nang
Beach time! Time to explore the underwater world and see a shark. This part of my adventure would bring 2 amazing men that made me laugh till I cried. I was also able to meet up with one of the ladies from the North. White sand beaches, an amazing massage and 2 days of bliss.
Read : Adventures in Ao Nang
Where to Stay
Chiang Mai
Depending on when you go and what you are planning on doing I would suggest staying in the old city. The place I stayed at was Lai-Thai Guesthouse. It was a perfect location and the staff were amazing. The only complaint I have and it is a big one for me is the bed. It was very hard. Now if you like that this is a great place to stay. If not I would suggest maybe something in that area but read the reviews. Thailand is known for hard beds.
Ao Nang, Krabi
I will say that Ao Nang Cliff View Resort is amazing. Don’t get in confused with Cliff Beach, the price difference is the key. This resort is beautifully set in a jungle feel but yet close to the beach. The beds are like sleeping in a cloud. I would stay here again also because the price was great.
