DCIM100GOPRO
DCIM100GOPRO
When we started to think about planning our honeymoon we wanted to choose a place rich with culture that would take us across the world (literally to the other side of the earth), and where we could dive into the food, nature, and of course, textiles. There was no question that this place was Thailand.
So we packed our bags, flew over the North Pole, and 24 hours later landed in Bangkok. After two days in the bustling city, we were ready to head north into the highest mountains of Thailand to the city of Chiang Mai where I truly fell in love with the Thai people and their traditions. The city, dating back to the 1200s, still has the bones of an ancient kingdom. Surrounded by a moat and dappled with gilded temples, you can feel the history of the people as you walk through its winding streets. Each temple is filled with garlands of marigolds, colorful wish flags, and statues speckled with flakes of gold, paying homage to great Buddhists and the Gods of the religion.
The Thailand region is not only a place of worship but it is also a region of celebration and they do it well. We were fortunate enough to be there for New Years so after dinner we followed the masses out to the streets surrounding the ancient city and parked ourselves along the moat. We watched as thousands set their wish lanterns to float off into the sky as fireworks exploded around them. It was probably one of the most remarkable things I have ever witnessed.
After a solid count down and some sleep, we woke up in the morning to start the New Year traveling through the mountains atop the world’s most gentle giants. The Asian elephant, indigenous to the area, is highly regarded and even worshiped in the Thai culture. They have a long history as being caretakers of the forests by eating brush, knocking down trees and nourishing its grounds to allow new growth. But, as I also found out, they love a good mud bath, scratch, and wet kisses.
We then ended our trip on the beaches of Thailand, spending most of our time in Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan, where we soaked up the sun, drank from freshly cracked coconuts, and ate pad thai on our towels. We did manage to peel ourselves from the sand for one day when we took a boat out to the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park. Along the way, we snorkeled in the coves just off of one of the 42 islands that makes up the park and hiked to the top of another where an emerald lake at the center of the island is protected by the cliffs and the wild encasing it.
When I look back now, I can still hear the chimes of the temples, feel the rough hide of an elephant, and see my wish lantern disappear into the black sky. If I had one word to describe it, it would be “awesome.”
Shop the Bridal Destination Necklace (custom) and Travel + Change Ring pictured here.
Bevin Kenny
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- THAILAND: THE LAND OF SMILES - December 8, 2014
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