Anniversary bucket list: Northern Thailand

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Hard to believe I found a partner that puts up with my tendencies to burn the candle at both ends, break sunglasses and sing lullabies to the dog. But then again, he hoards receipts (even for, like, a pint of milk at the corner market) and stays up into the wee hours watching European football. We all have our quirks. 

Thankfully, we've made a life together, eccentricities and all. And on July 31, we'll celebrate our second anniversary :)

One characteristic that we share is our penchant for travel. We have a bucket list that includes Japan, Northern Africa and Australia, but also... going back to northern Thailand. 


Does a bucket list item count if you've already been there? I think so in this case. It's significant to us because we got married betwixt rice paddies near Chiang Mai, all by ourselves. And then we came home and threw a big ol' party.

Chiang Mai is easy to love. Visually, it's charmingly ramshackle, with ancient structures next to 7-elevens and emerald coconut palms next to grubby scooter repair shops. Culturally, it's a gem; the people are affable and kind, and an aura of peace surrounds this place much like the moats around the Old City. We visited wats, took a cooking class, got massages, shopped the night markets and so much more.











And around Chiang Mai, you can find...

Doi Suthep National Park

Hot Springs where you can boil fresh eggs for lunch

Hill tribe villages, like the Hmong

The Elephant Nature Park, which rescues elephants from trekking, begging, circuses and other nefarious activities

And splendid spots to get married ;) I truly hope someday we'll go back. A wedding photo for the road:


This post is part of the Travel Tuesday linkup, created by Bonnie Rose and co-sponsored by these gals.
Travel Tuesday



19 comments

  1. Of course it counts if it's such a special place for you! And wow, you actually got married there?! What a beautiful place for a wedding and beautiful gowns!

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  2. What an amazing memory that you got married there! Your dress is amazing by the way!
    And I think it does count even if you've been before! I've added an item to my list where I've been multiple times :)

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  3. Thanks, Camila! Just read your bucket list and it's absolutely fantastic. Never been to Chile but you sell it well :)

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  4. Cheers, Van! We weren't up for going into debt for a big, white wedding so we ran away and it was beyond great. Thanks so much for hosting the linkup and for inviting me to take part; it's been so fun!

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  5. I love that you got married in Thailand! What an awesome, awesome memory. I loved northern Thailand the best of all in that country, I think. Happy anniversary a few days early. I am so happy to have found your blog as I prepare to move to Prague...maybe we can meet up! I'm already going through your archives and exploring your Czech adventures! :)

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  6. Wow! Your wedding looked so beautiful, Em. Happy anniversary to you two. Can I ask what inspired the idea to get married there vs. in the US? I have heard really so much about Northern Thailand and Chiang Mai... it seems to be such a beloved place to so many travelers.

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  7. It was a pleasure! Hope to still see you around on Tuesdays! Bonnie will present the new co-hosts next week and I'll definitely continue linking up ;)

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  8. Your wedding photo is amazing - what a great place to get married at! We traveled to Chiang Mai a few years ago and loved it. Great place!

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  9. WOW. Your wedding photo is gorgeous. This is how I would love to get married if I ever did... I love the idea of 'eloping' and then having a big party when we got home!

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  10. What a wonderful place to get married! The photos are stunning. My sister went to Thailand, she left just day before the tsunami fortunately. It looks like you had a marvellous time!

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  11. It was spectacular, and we only had one day of hard rain the whole 3 weeks we were there. Yikes - glad she got back safe!

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  12. Cheers! It helped that our family friends weren't put out by not being there. I'm sure some thought it was a touch weird but it felt right to us :)

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  13. Yay to Chiang Mai! Can't recommend it enough. Any other places you've been that are similar?

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  14. Thanks! For starters, we weren't comfortable with the big fluffy white production; we were both working/commuting long hours and I was in grad school and the thought of planning it was overwhelming. Nonetheless, we spent a little time researching wedding venues in Minnesota (and photographers/food/etc.) and everything was just so freaking expensive and time-intensive. We discovered we could spend a lot less by marrying abroad AND get an unforgettable trip out of it AND afford a party back home. Thailand just happened to be on both of our travel bucket lists. We threw a party in an art gallery when we got back with a huge Thai buffet and an open bar - and it was perfect!

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  15. Thanks, Amy! Yes, please do drop a line when you arrive! Prague is stellar and I bet you'll love it :) Let me know if you have any questions about settling in.

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  16. Healthy globetrottingJuly 31, 2014 at 2:49 AM

    Wow what a great place to get married! off to chaing mai on saturday, would love a few tips?! jen@www.healthyglobetrotting.com

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  17. So sorry for the late reply, Jen! Was on vacation visiting the fam and not checking the blog. Are you still there?

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  18. Amazing photos. Stunning colours!

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Thanks for taking the time to comment!

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