River Of Dreams

While backpacking through Thailand in 2006 Lindsay and I spent some time in the beautiful city of Chiang Mai. This city is in the northern mountains of Thailand and is surrounded by mountains, lush forests, and amazing villages. One day we were taken to an area called "Chiang Dao", this is the northern most area of Chiang Mai and is famous for beautiful mountains, valleys and streams. On the way back we were offered a "river ride" from a small Thai boy. The "ride" consisted of a raft which was made from large bamboo sticks and twine. The young Thai boy (about 11) simply guided us along this river using a large stick that he would occasionally stick into the river bottom to guide the raft. This raft ride ended up being one of the most surreal and special travel moments we have ever had. We knew it was going to be a good ride when I stood up to help steer the raft and fell through two bamboo sticks and had to be helped out by the young boy. Joking aside, we drifted down this beautiful river in the mountains of Thailand and watched the afternoon turn into late evening. Occasionally we would drift by farmers working in the field, old women casting their nets into the stream and young Thai children who would swim up to our raft with huge smiles! This glimpse of Thai life was priceless, it was so real, so far away from the highways, cities and other travel destinations. We will never forget drifting along that beautiful river watching evening settle and catching a glimpse of what life in Chiang Mai, Thailand is all about.