- Tim Notier

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our North American friends and family!

​Marisa and I have been exploring Thailand for our latest motorcycle tour offering in Nov/Dec of 2026. Marisa came to Chiang Mai twenty years ago, and the stories she has shared with me made me eager to experience this place for myself. I now understand why. This city feels like a blend of history and wonder, filled with Nagas, wats, monks, and old Tuk Tuks weaving through the heart of the old city.
​ But just outside the walls of the old city, past the marijuana shops and Thai massage parlors are hidden gems that are off the tourist track. We spent the last two days exploring the area on the back of a 125cc Scoopy scooter instead of a motorcycle, and it has been wonderful.

Grand staircases that lead to mountaintop temples are guarded by two Nagas that welcome you. Rows of sharp teeth and serpentine tongues taste the air, detecting if your spirit is pure enough to enter the monasteries where monks practice their faith. Mantras fill the empty silence that vibrate your soul and the smiles of friendly monks dressed in crimson robes warm your heart. This area is filled with both Buddhist and Hindu architecture. From Brahma, Ganesh, to the Buddha himself, we are surrounded by an ancient belief that has survived the centuries to be displayed within a mile from a modern-day Mac Store. There may not be any Thanksgiving cornucopias or turkey dinners, but at its core, Thanksgiving is a holiday centered on gratitude. It is a time for people to reflect on and appreciate the blessings of the past year with family, friends, health, food, and other opportunities often taken for granted. And Thailand has proven to be an excellent source for all of the above on a daily basis.
​ Instead of our home country's Thanksgiving celebrations, we were lucky enough to catch the end of “The Festival of Lights”. Loy Krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon in November. At dusk, the night sky is filled with thousands of lanterns that drift slowly towards the heavens like jellyfish bobbing in the open ocean. We missed the main attraction, and the massive crowds that are drawn to this event, but we did catch the aftermath of lingering hanging lanterns that line the walkways and courtyards of the surrounding Wats.

The mass tourism has settled back down to the standard hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai, and we are loving our time here. There seems to be a million little Wats that are tucked into the corners of the city, and the faint sounds of chiming bells direct us to each one like an audible treasure hunt to these hidden gems.
​ Tomorrow, we leave to scout out our “​Tail of the Naga” Thailand motorcycle tour that circles around the famous Mae Hong Son loop. This part of the world is filled with some of the best motorcycle riding we have ever encountered and we can't wait to share our adventures with you either behind the screen, or in person behind the handlebars.
​ We are so thankful to have such an incredible network of friends and family from all over the world. Our adventure wouldn't be nearly as fulfilling without the generosity, kindness, and friendships we have encountered along the way. It has been an honor to meet some of you in person, and to have lead a few of our followers on our tours throughout some of the most incredible places we have ridden.

Whatever culture, faith, country, or region of the world you are in, we hope you know that your conversations, laughter, and presence have created connections that we are truly thankful for on this, and every day, of our travels.

The tour we are putting together begins here in Chiang Mai, and ends with luxury while relaxing and getting messages on the island of Koh Lanta in southern Thailand where spires of limestone crags emerge out of Phang Nga Bay. We will slowly be releasing tour dates, info, routes, and finishing the website as we lock in the incredible places we will visit.

I will end this blog with a valuable insight we have learned in our short time here in Chiang Mai: How to properly stay connected via social media in Thailand.

To Tweet out your daily adventures, follow these 4 simple steps:

1 - Hire an official carrier pigeon (Cheap, but reliable) ​​2 - Confirm the text is legible and clearly understood (Use a large font) ​​3 - Send your 'tweet' to the recipient (A gentle push helps send it on its way) ​4 - Your message has been sent! (But as with all social media, there will be people who don't agree with your post) 🚨🚨‼️ Blog Subscription Update!!
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