While sitting outside a weed shop covered in graffiti and waiting for my Thai Tea (this weed shop also served delicious artisanally prepared beverages, I was not there for weed), I spoke to some locals.
We exchanged the usual, “Where are you from? And how are you enjoying your visit?” type questions. I mentioned we visited the Doi Inthanon National Park, which is located up the mountain just 1.5 hours outside of Chiang Mai and saw the waterfalls. The local guys I spoke to who looked to be in their mid-20s said they lived here their entire lives and have never been up that mountain. I was shocked, because the park is stunning.
The issue wasn’t distance, cost or time. It was just something that they will do one day, it will always be there waiting.
I then realized I was also very much guilty of this, living in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Calgary, Alberta. I never explored the trails of Banff National Park, the mountains were always just there an ordinary view in my everyday life. When I see photos of the turquoise lakes with the majestic mountain backdrops now, I regret not making time for the short trip up the mountain to appreciate the beauty of it with my own eyes. Life happened, and it eventually led me to the East Coast of Canada.
Now living in New Brunswick, I don’t want to make the same mistake of not taking the time to experience and appreciate the incredible natural beauty that exists right in our own backyard.
Video and Photos from our trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand (January 2026):
You must be logged in to post a comment.