In July 2023, I experienced my first time visit to Northern Thailand with GIVE Volunteers. It was my first time in Asia, excluding a layover in Qatar and the Taipei airport.
There was a significant culture shock, just as my group had been warned, but it turned out to be an enriching and positive experience!
We started in Chiang Mai and then traveled to our volunteer location up north in the jungle region of Mueang Khong. We also visited hill tribe villages in Hoi Ngu, Ban Khao Lam, and Pong Ngen. Then, our final days were spent back in Chiang Mai.
I also did the elephant excursion add-on trip. We traveled from Chiang Mai to Maetang, BEES elephant sanctuary, Huay Pakoot Coffee Farm, Mae Chaem, and back to Chiang Mai.
Although I explored just Northern Thailand, I embraced a wealth of cultural insights and social norms which I wholeheartedly respect.
Throughout the journey, we were encouraged to embrace the customs of Thailand, immersing ourselves in its rich heritage. Here’s a glimpse into the lessons I gathered from my adventures in the Land of Smiles!
ALWAYS Remove your shoes before going inside, unless otherwise instructed. Know this BEFORE your first time visit to Northern Thailand
This is a normal Southeast Asia tradition, and honestly, I didn’t mind since the floors were much cleaner this way!
I’m used to it since my mom never allowed me to wear shoes in the house. In Asia, wearing them on the carpet is taboo, especially in Buddhist Temples.
My education group at the local school! Notice how we’re not wearing shoes?
The Buddhist Temples are truly authentic and sacred. You MUST visit at least one during your first time visit to Northern Thailand
Extending the talk about the Buddhist temples, my group and I toured one in Chiang Mai and it was magnificent. The architecture was amazing, with gold and stone creatively surrounding the temples and pure gold inside as well.
There were also giant Buddha statues everywhere, as well as wax figures of monks (these looked freakishly real!) We also listened to a monk do a holy chant in Thai, and were shown how to pay respect to a monk.
Before then, I had only stepped foot in a pathetic excuse for a Buddhist temple in Michigan. Let me tell you, the one in Thailand was a revelation—like comparing a bland cracker to a sumptuous feast.
The Michigan temple was poorly designed, the monk was just some white guy, and the whole experience felt utterly lackluster. If you’re seeking authentic Buddhism, ditch the mediocrity and head straight to Thailand—it’s the only place worth your time!
The Buddha Temple area in Chiang Mai
Bowing is the appropriate greeting and also a non-verbal way to say “thank you”
I noticed this immediately and took advantage of it since I did not know how to speak Thai upon arrival. If you want to say hi or thank you to someone, just bow! They’ll more than likely bow back.
Some Thai vocabulary I learned! Sa wad dee ka is hello, and krab koon ka is thank you! Some words and phrases to save before your first time visit to Northern Thailand!
This is all of Thailand, but throw your toilet paper away rather than flushing it!
During my trip, I quickly recognized the uniqueness of Thailand’s plumbing system, which is not designed to handle excessive toilet paper.
Adapting to this was straightforward, and the clear bathroom signs reinforced my memory effortlessly! All they instructed was to THROW AWAY toilet paper in the trash instead.
Couldn’t find a pic of a toilet so here’s my group at a mountainous coffee shop!
Limestone caving is common in Thailand, but during the rainy season, there may be flooding inside
In such circumstances, it is prudent to refrain from proceeding. Limestone caving was scheduled in our itinerary; however, the severe rainfall canceled it due to the risk of flooding. So if you’ve scheduled limestone caving for your first time visit to Northern Thailand, make sure to have a back-up plan.
Though it started as a disappointment, we confidently turned it into an adventure. We took a short trip to Hoi Ngu village.
Here is where we embraced the art of simple living while swimming with the kids in the river! That night, we shared captivating ghost stories and enjoyed our guide’s impressive guitar skills, making the most of every moment!
The village bonfire we told ghost stories around!
The Chiang Mai Night Market has just about everything! Make this a priority during your first time visit to Northern Thailand
I explored the night market three times during my trip, and it stands out as one of the most impressive markets I’ve ever encountered.
They offer a fantastic range of products celebrating the majestic elephant. This includes vibrant clothing, traditional Thai attire, and enchanting decorations like unique glasses and stunning metal art pieces.
There were also parts that sold various types of luggage, boxing gear, jewelry, shoes, swimwear, portraits, etc…
Additionally, there was a food market selling global cuisine and a massage chair area for massages!
One of the many elephant decoration displays!
Everything is cheap… except flights to Thailand!
Clothes at the night market are exceptionally affordable, typically ranging from just 100-200 Thai Baht (approximately $3-$6 USD). Meanwhile, food and massages seldom go beyond 100 Baht.
Hotels, including five-star options, typically cost less than 100 USD a night. In the northern villages, food and clothes are even cheaper, allowing me to relax about budgeting.
While flights to Thailand are pricey, once you’re there, you can fully enjoy the experience without worrying about expenses!
This dress only cost me 100 baht! Or $2.84 USD! Feel free to buy new clothes during your first time visit to Northern Thailand!
Best Places to Stay in Chiang Mai!
Drag shows are big in Thailand as well
I had not even been to a drag show in America so once GIVE surprised us by telling us we had an opportunity to visit a drag show, I was so excited!
In Thailand, it costs only about 400 baht ($11.38 USD), whereas in America, they often come with a hefty price tag! How could I possibly say no?!
I loved the show; the choreography was amazing, the costumes outstanding, and the stage graphics well depicted.
Caught some of the performers before the show!
Rice is the main staple of the Thai diet, and pork is a common source of protein
Going into food items you must eat during your first visit to Thailand; Every meal my group and I had consisted of chicken and rice.
Most street markets confidently offered pork on a stick, and we enjoyed an incredible cook-your-own BBQ dinner festival one memorable night!
The taste of rice became unbearable after we indulged in it every single day! But then, there was the pork in Thailand, an absolute revelation! Each bite was bursting with flavor, a delightful symphony on my palate that never failed to mesmerize me.
Our final dinner in Mueang Khong! Pork, mango, fried chicken, sticky rice, and an egg dish!
The Pad Thai is a little bit different in Thailand
In my observation of Pad Thai consumption in America, it appears that a peanut butter sauce is the predominant choice. Personally, I never enjoyed that.
However, in Thailand, the experience is undeniably superior, highlighted by a delicious non-spicy red sauce that inspired me to give it a try! One evening, we crafted our own Pad Thai, and it was absolutely incredible and far more authentic!
Me making my Pad Thai!
Tea and Coffee are also popular
I may not be a huge fan of tea, but my co-volunteers unanimously agree that the tea in Thailand is the best they’ve ever experienced!
We enjoyed coffee almost every day since coffee shops are virtually everywhere. I stick with my go-to order: an iced mocha. However, the ones I had in Thailand boasted a distinct flavor I’ve never encountered elsewhere! This is precisely why we adored the Huay Pakoot Coffee Farm so much!
The menu at the Huay Pakoot coffee farm!
Thai children are very self-sufficient and happy
If anything, they are the exact opposite of American children! The eager students I taught in Thailand would come to school daily with enthusiasm and respect for their volunteers!
American children often approach school with indifference, unlike the appreciation shown by Thai kids, emphasizing the contrast.
These Thai children may not have all the luxuries that Americans often overlook, but they face their circumstances with remarkable grace! Their simple lifestyle nurtures a strong sense of self-sufficiency and cultivates a profound work ethic from an early age.
I remember when my group and I engaged in permaculture tasks. The nearby school kids flocked over to help fill rice bags with corn, all without being asked!
I wish she was looking at the camera, but here is one of the kids from the school!
It is very humid and this means that the mosquitos are AWFUL!
I got eaten alive and ended up with some pretty gnarly scabs on my arms and legs. Bugspray does not usually work for me so I did not use it the whole trip, and that’s why the situation got much worse.
I had a viral infection from bites at the end of my trip and went to the hospital to get tested for dengue. Thankfully, it was not dengue, and I received antibiotics!
Point is, at least TRY to use bug spray while in Thailand!
Ban Khao Lam, a beautiful village but one of the worst spots for mosquitos!
There is a village in Northern Thailand only accessible by raft or foot, called Pong Ngen!
Reaching this village was an adventure in itself, as there are no direct roads available. My group and I gracefully made our way there on a bamboo raft.
There is an impressive third method of transport via helicopter, utilized only in rare emergencies. The raft ride proved to be exceptionally tranquil, granting us an enhanced perspective of the vibrant jungle surroundings. We also got to watch our guides fish at certain points!
In addition, we were absolutely delighted to see tourists from the Netherlands hiking through and exploring the village. It’s wonderful to realize that this hidden gem is more popular than we ever imagined!
My raft group and me! That wooden tripod is holding up our bags!
Thailand Takes Great Care of Its Elephants
The number of elephants is rising, thanks to dedicated mahouts preserving their lives in the wild and at sanctuaries.
They traverse deep into the jungles with these magnificent creatures, providing daily nourishment of fresh fruit and proper baths.
Elephants hold a sacred status in Buddhism, and their care reflects a philosophy of respect rather than captivity. Without a doubt, they were the highlight of my trip!
You can see these creatures at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, BEES elephant sanctuary in Chang Keung, and other locations in Thailand.
Want to learn more about advice for traveling to Northern Thailand and/or GIVE Volunteers in general? Feel free to contact me!
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