Tucked away in the lush mountains outside Chiang Mai lies Elephant Ecovalley, a truly unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of our time in Thailand. From hearing the elephants’ stories to interacting with them in their natural environment, it was one of those rare travel moments that will stay with us forever.

Chiang Rai is nestled in the mountains of Northern Thailand. This destination is rich in culture, history and breathtaking scenery. From its incredible temples and intricate architecture to the traditions and way of life of the local hill tribes, it offered us a fascinating glimpse into a more authentic and spiritual side of Thailand.

This country has only been named Thailand since 1939. Over hundreds of years of its history it has been different kingdoms under different names. Fortunately for us, relics of important historical sites still exist today. Over a few days we were transported back in time to get up close to ancient palaces, one-of-a-kind statues, and iconic stupas, whilst our guide shared interesting stories of years gone by.  

To truly experience a new country, it's important to understand all of its history.  Learning what the people are most proud of, as well as the dark stories of events that need to be told so they are never repeated. On the first leg of our bus tour, we learned the tragic story of Thailand during WWII involving ANZAC prisoners of war & visited sites along the infamous "Death Railway".