Day 7:

We woke up to the sound of heavy rain drumming on the windows—finally, the monsoon made its grand entrance! But with nothing scheduled this morning, we pulled the covers back up and thanked the rain gods for their excellent timing. So far, we hadn’t had to open our umbrellas once—an impressive feat for monsoon season!

After a whirlwind of sightseeing days, today was a much-needed breather. I treated myself to a blissful facial that left me glowing like a dewy mango under a Thai sunrise.

Our one big plan for the day? A Thai cooking class on a lush little farm. Picture rows of vibrant herbs and veggies looking like they just stepped out of a health magazine. We were greeted not only by fresh basil and lemongrass but also by the farm’s unlikely mascots: Josh and Sara, two very chill snapping turtles. No, they’re not ingredients—just green-onion-loving reptiles who stole the show!

Here’s where I pat myself on the back: I splurged a few extra bucks to cook in the air-conditioned kitchen. Best. Decision. Ever. While others were sweating it out over sizzling woks in the tropical steam, we had a breezy, private cooking class. Luxury meets culinary school!

We each picked three dishes to whip up from a generous menu. Everything was beautifully prepped in little dishes like a Thai version of “Chopped.” We ground our own curry paste with heavy mortar and pestles—feeling like real chefs—and made Thai iced tea that could cure any trace of jet lag. And the best part? No clean-up duties!

To our absolute delight, we stumbled upon the Chiang Mai Pride Parade—and what a dazzling surprise it was! A joyful explosion of color, love, and celebration right in the heart of the city. At the entrance, a stage lit up with the graceful beauty of traditional Thai dance, mesmerizing the crowd.

But the true showstoppers? The fabulous Drag Queens draped in stunning Thai costumes—elegant, radiant, and serving pure royal energy! It was glam meets culture in the most fabulous way possible.

And just when we thought it couldn’t get more heartwarming, we witnessed something unforgettable: two Thai men getting married in front of the cheering crowd. The love, the joy, the sparkle—it was impossible not to get swept up in it. Love was absolutely in the air, and Chiang Mai was glowing with pride.Okumaya devam et