2. Stay in Chiang Mai and drive to Bangkok

The next day, we took the bus back to Chiang Mai. The journey was uneventful and we arrived there by noon. We met up with some friends and spent the rest of the day and the next day with them.

On Monday, March 16, 2020, after breakfast, we rented a scooter and drove to the water park, which was 20 km away. The 16-hectare Arenal is an artificial park with water depths of up to 40 meters. It is divided into 3 parts, one for swimming only, one known for its high cliffs, and the other is the water park. We visited the latter and I was as excited as a little child. This was ultimately the reason why we went back to Chiang Mai. It opened in August 2016 and besides a huge inflatable obstacle course with numerous slides and climbing opportunities, it also offers a diving tower, a ziplining track, and canoe rides.

After locking our belongings in a locker, we headed to the obstacle course - of course, wearing life jackets, which is mandatory. From the platform, you can go either right or left, and we initially chose the left side. To reach the individual elements, you have to climb, crawl, or sometimes even jump. For all of us, it was the first time, so we quickly ended up in the water due to lack of balance and technique. It was also unwise to apply sunscreen just before, as both our hands and the rest of our bodies became extremely slippery. We all got exhausted faster than expected and had to take breaks in between. Even though we were in the water from time to time, we should not underestimate the outside temperature of 35 degrees and the blistering sun.

The most difficult part was getting back onto the elements from the water. The lack of ladders or torn handles, combined with moving elements, made everything more challenging than expected. Luckily, there were numerous Thai people on the premises who were responsible for the safety of all visitors. Since we were there in the morning, there were more Thais than visitors, so almost each of us had a personal Thai helper - at least the girls did. They pulled us out of the water and showed us the best way to overcome the obstacles. It looked very easy for them (after all, they do it every day and get paid for it), and of course, we still failed, but we all had the time of our lives.

After completing the left side, we took a break, sat in the shade, and drank a lot of water. When we realized that only an hour had passed and we could already feel our muscles, we had a little laugh ;)

Of course, after the break, we dared to try the right side and then completed both sides a second time. With various abrasions, bruises, already sore muscles, and slightly sunburned but extremely satisfied like a child being picked up from an amusement park, we showered there and then drove back to the hostel.

On the same evening, the English girl and I were picked up, as we had a long journey ahead of us. At 8:00 PM, we were on a bus that took us to the capital of Thailand overnight: Bangkok. My last sleeping bus was in Cambodia and it was extremely comfortable and relaxing, which I can't say about this bus unfortunately. Although the backrests could be reclined very far back and there was something for the feet, I couldn't really sleep. We arrived at 6:30 AM.