This is part II of my original post.

…We left Ko Tao and started our next Journey at Ko Samui, the hotel we picked was Promtsuk Buri, the beach was literally steps away from our room, we totally enjoyed the nice walk at night on the beach and of course the hammock.

The next day we headed for some adrenaline at the Angthong Marine National Park, we picked the Samui Island Tour for this adventure (Here see my review in Tripadvisor). We were taken from the big boat into a tailboat and then to the Wua Talap Island, where we climbed steep stairs to the Emerald lagoon, then we went kayaking and decided to hike up the mountain, Chris and I are pretty used to hiking mountains but this was the worst we have ever experienced, the mountain was extremely steep and the marble-like rocks on the way were beautiful but slippery, they certainly made the hike harder, thankfully there were ropes we could use for climbing, the hot weather of course did not help, we were incredible thirsty, but once we got to the top, we were impressed with the view.

TOTALLY AMAZING.

It was time to say goodbye to the islands and head back to Bangkok from there we had to catch the train to Chiang Mai, a whole day travel. As we were leaving the bus to Surat Thani Railway Station, in the middle of nowhere, we met again with Bryce and Miriam, the same couple that watched the Germany vs Brasil WC game in Koh Tao (Part I). That is what I call coincidence! we all took the same night train, so we shared some Chang beers while having a nice conversation on board. They were kind enough to offer us to stay in their amazing apartment in Bangkok, and we did.

We arrived to Chiang Mai, we loved this this city from the get go, the people were friendlier compare to Bangkok and the islands, it was also quieter and the hotel we picked was the best stay out of all the other hotels we stayed in Thailand, Sri Pat Guest House , the receptionists were very helpful and patient when booking for different tourist attractions, an older lady (probably the owner) was so nice and sweet to us, showing us pictures of her travels. The guest house was also walking distance to the old temples in Chiang Mai.

We had a couple of Thai massages while in Thailand but the best so far is the one given at the Chiang Mai Women Correctional Institution, the prison’s job-training rehabilitation program helps female inmates get back on their feet by teaching vocational skills. The masseuses are very respectful, kind and the massages are spectacular.

That night we had booked for the Night Safari Tour, I did enjoy it, would I go back again? no, reason being, that even though I saw many animals outside with plenty of space, I did see other animals in small cages. I did find unusual to see ladyboys on stage in presence of children, Thai culture is pretty conservative but when it comes to ladyboys they are well accepted.

As a b-day present Chris took me to a day ride with the elephants, we did it through Thai Elephant Home, which is known for being eco-friendly, we rode the elephants bare back through Mae Taeng Mountains. I must say, this was one of the best experiences of my life, I truly felt the bond with Bonchu, my elephant, we fed our elephants bananas through the whole trip and they ate the leaves along the way as well. We got to massage them with mud and took a bath with them in the river. They were extremely playful, Chris elephant was a bit grumpy though, haha. I did feel a bit apprehensive that the mahouts use pointy bull hooks to control the elephants but they explained that they only use it if the elephant acts naughty, they ‘usually’ yell and use the back of the bull hook to control them.