Chiang Mai 2 - Week 6 in Thailand -

It’s almost unbelievable that we stayed in Thailand for over a month. As slow travellers, we truly appreciate having the time to explore places deeply and connect with people along the way—and that’s exactly what we managed to do here. I genuinely cherish those precious experiences.

We returned to Chiang Mai by bus from Pai, a journey of about three hours, and checked back into the same hotel where we had stayed during our first visit. The staff welcomed us warmly and showed genuine care for our injuries, often asking how we were feeling. Their kindness made me feel completely at home. We kept the day cruisy, giving ourselves time to rest and prepare for our next move.

There were no big activities that day, but in a way, that was the beauty of it. We lived like locals—waking up, eating, walking, and sleeping at a gentle pace. That simplicity gave me plenty of time to reflect on our journey and the episodes we’d experienced, and I realised how much I’d learned along the way.

To me, Thais truly embody the phrase “the Land of Smiles.” They are generous, warm, and always smiling. Even the sound of the Thai language feels soft and friendly—phrases like “khop khun kha,” spoken with palms pressed together, left a strong impression on me. I’m especially fascinated by words that end with an “a” sound—it sounds so kind and warm. Perhaps it’s the mouth shapes or the tones. As someone who loves language learning, I found it endlessly intriguing. That said, I was also reminded that a simple smile and body language alone can create heart-to-heart communication.

My favourite places in Thailand this time were Khao Lak, Scohthai and Chiang Mai. Hopefully, we’ll return one day to explore even more corners of this beautiful country.

We celebrated our last night over a lovely meal. The khao soi at this restaurant was the best I’ve ever had, and the herbal teas were beautifully presented. The cups were made of leaves!