Rose of the North

Paradise TEFL’s "Rose of the North’s" tiny Hamlet (Ban Pong a real Gem)

For many of those who have visited Northern Thailand (or those who maybe considering a visit someday) no doubt the city of Chiang Mai is high on most tourists wish lists for visiting. Famous for its alluring Buddhist Temples, Lanna Style music and dancing, Elephant Shows, traditional Thai massage and burgeoning international food scene, this is perhaps one of the best places to spend some time exploring and possibly even retire.

The “Rose of the North” stands as one of the best places in all of South East Asian to experience a vast smattering of all that Thailand has to offer, including incredible and thriving arts and crafts scene put on display weekly at the Sunday Night Walking Street Market as well as the Saturday walking street in the old silver district on the south side of the ancient city. It’s close proximity to the Golden Triangle, well distinguished Hill Tribe cultures and nearby connection with nature and adventure activities make Chiang Mai Province a place that has something for everyone whether it is a round of golf, a restorative retreat, or a Mecca of shopping opportunities, without the same gigantic traffic and flooding issues of Bangkok.

The ancient city, which was once walled and defended for generations by Siamese soldiers this incredible river side town, still remains an iconic travel destination, encircled by a once strategic now  park like moat, adding a unique ambience which permeates the place. At the same time Chiang Mai maintains a reasonable sense of elegance and affordability, despite it’s the relentless droves from the world over who come to the land of smiles on holiday or for longer stints, many of whom return on an annual basis.  With nearly a dozen or so academic campuses in and around the greater metropolitan area of about one million, Chiang Mai retains its youthful feel, despite the high level of senior citizens who migrate here to take advantage of the high quality of life and their shrinking buy power in the West.

Just on the outskirts behind the looming Doi Suthep mountain is the Mae Sai Valley, accessible by the Samoeng Loop Road #1269 which runs roughly north and south from Hang Dong all the way to Mae Rim. Here, the sounds of insects and birds mingle with the cooler breezes which rustle through the forest and rice fields in a mish mash of tropical and Himalayan foothill vegetation.

About 5 miles off the irrigation canal road that runs into the city is the tourist area of Ban Pong filled with waterfalls, butterflies, and orchid farms. This is where Paradise TEFL has chosen to develop its TEFL Buddhist Exchange program, allowing foreign speakers of English the opportunity to obtain Basic TEFL/TESOL and Advanced certifications while at the same time studying the noble truths of Buddhism with local monks and helping to provide English conversational skills to the villagers so that they can have increased economic opportunities. (For a closer look at this and other certification opportunities go to TEFLChiangmai.com and take review the possibilities of working and living abroad).

The temple in this place is truly a hidden gem, complete with a babbling stream, two sparking temples and a courtyard area complete with a new school for the community situated next door. On top of the small peak above the complex, a new towering temple is being built. Accessed by a 999 step walkway to the top, the views are beautiful and awe inspiring.

Ban Pong is where the Paradise TEFL Buddhist Exchange is situated because it not only provides an authentic rural Northern Thailand experience within a stone’s throw of cosmopolitan Chiang Mai, but because it allows perspective teachers the chance to live, study, and gain work opportunities while filling their minds and hearts with the wisdom and enlightenment of the Buddhist perspective. Why wait, when you could be here for half the price of what most other accredited certification programs charge? Contact us today!