From December 18 to 21, the Association of Nigerian Scholars in Chulalongkorn University (ANSCU) embarked on a four-day cultural and educational trip to Chiang Mai, one of Thailand’s most historically rich and naturally beautiful cities. The trip was mainly planned as a refreshing break from academic routines, while also offering opportunities to learn, explore new places, and experience a different side of Thailand.
The journey began on Thursday evening, as members gathered and departed by 8:00 PM for an overnight road trip to Chiang Mai. The journey took approximately 13 hours, stretching through the night. Although long, the trip was mostly relaxed, with members chatting, listening to music, resting, and enjoying the excitement of traveling together. For many, it was simply a chance to unwind, sleep, and mentally prepare for the days ahead.
We arrived in Chiang Mai at about 8:45 AM the following morning, welcomed by cooler weather and a calm environment that immediately felt different from Bangkok. After freshening up and settling in, the first official stop of the trip was Chiang Mai University, one of Thailand’s most prestigious universities. Touring the campus gave members the opportunity to see its academic setting, spacious layout, and natural surroundings. The visit provided insight into another academic environment and allowed members to briefly compare learning spaces, facilities, and campus life with their own experiences at Chulalongkorn University.
After the university visit, the group moved on to explore some of Chiang Mai’s popular attractions. A major highlight was the visit to the Chiang Mai Zoo, which offered a fun and educational experience. Members saw a wide range of animals, including elephants, tigers, lions, deer, monkeys, birds, and various reptiles. The zoo’s location near the mountains and its open layout made the visit enjoyable, as members could walk around, take photos, and learn about different animal species in a relaxed setting. For many, this was one of the most entertaining parts of the trip.
Another important visit was Doi Suthep Temple, one of Chiang Mai’s most famous and revered landmarks. Located high on the mountain, the temple provided a peaceful environment and stunning views of the city below. Members admired the temple’s detailed architecture, golden structures, and cultural significance. The calm atmosphere offered a brief moment to slow down, reflect, and appreciate Thai culture and history, while also enjoying the cool mountain air and scenic surroundings.
The trip continued with visits to the Hidden Village, Monkey Center, and Tiger Kingdom, each offering a different kind of experience. At the Hidden Village, members explored themed areas, took pictures, and enjoyed the creative setting. At the Monkey Center, members interacted with the monkeys, took pictures, and enjoyed the lively atmosphere, which brought laughter and excitement to the group. At Tiger Kingdom, members took pictures around the scenic environment and enjoyed the surroundings. These visits added a strong sense of fun and adventure to the trip.
The final major activity of the excursion was a visit to a waterfall, which provided a refreshing and relaxing conclusion to the journey. Surrounded by nature, members took time to rest, enjoy the scenery, take photos, and cool off after several days of movement and activities. The waterfall visit allowed everyone to slow down and simply enjoy the natural beauty of Chiang Mai before preparing for the return journey.
In conclusion, the Chiang Mai trip served its purpose as a refreshing and enjoyable getaway, while also offering opportunities to learn, explore new environments, and experience Thai culture and wildlife. It was a well-balanced mix of fun, relaxation, and light educational exposure, making it a memorable experience for ANSCU members.
