The Rose of the North

On a whim, I bought a ‘rapid’ (16 hour journey) one-way train ticket from Hua Lamphong station (central Bangkok, in Chinatown/Yaowarot) to Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand. Chiang Mai was renowned for having the biggest Songkran water festival. Just one problem. I could speak very basic Thai and this would be my first solo trip. Ever. Was I doing the right thing? How was I going to make any friends? Before I knew it, April rolled around and the day before Songkran started, I was feeling anxious but I took the rapid train to Chiang Mai. 20 hours later, after a hot and very sweaty journey, watching the Thai countryside roll past me, I finally arrived in the “Rose of the North”. I was able to rent a bike and cycle around the Old City. I met many travellers, some travelling solo. I WAS NOT ALONE! I thought travelling solo meant being lonely but I was proved wrong. With these international friends, I had an absolute blast, using my water gun to drench anybody. Everyone, Thai and “farang” (meaning foreigner in Thai) alike were fair game. I met a lovely Thai girl, who invited me to experience the traditional Songkran in her village in Lamphang. Abandoned were the plans for the sights and attractions to see. I am absolutely happy that I did change my plans; I can truly say, that this insight is what made the trip for me; eating home cooked meals, drinking homemade rice wine, watching Thai period dramas, trying to converse in my limited Thai. We were collected from the bus station in a pick up truck, where almost every relative was seated around a bright red barrel. This barrel had water and buckets to splash people with, as we drove around the town centre. Everyone is fair game. I had the shock of icy cold water being thrown at me by a passing car as I first climbed inside. The visits to the temples early in the morning, dressed in traditional “Lanna” style clothing and hairstyle, making sand castles with her family, paying respect to the elders in the village by using the “wai”, singing karaoke (Frozen’s “Let it go”) and taking part in the village parade to the Buddhist temple (Baan Chompoo). I am thankful for this warm welcome; I was truly made to feel like a member of the family. This trip made me really grateful and happy to know that I will be fine travelling by myself and travelling is not about the sights you see but the people you meet and the memories you create. This is my favourite memory of Thailand. Simple but happy. Sabai sabai. The Thai way of life