1980s Chiang Mai: Dirt Bikes, Beer Bars & Lost Travelers Checks
Karl's Thailand
68,282 views
I show my old pictures of Chiang Mai, Thailand in the 1980's and tell the stories behind them.
Step back into 1987 and experience a raw, unfiltered Chiang Mai long before the era of smartphones, digital cameras, and internet bookings. Join me as I dust off my original 35mm film photographs and share wild stories from my first backpacking trips to Northern Thailand, from breaking down on overnight trains to accidentally stumbling into a royal motorcade.
Video Chapters
0:00 Backpacking into Thailand & the 1987 Train Ride
3:21 Arriving at Tha Pae Gate & Love Birds Bar
4:46 POP Motorcycle Rental & First Time on a Dirt Bike
6:23 The Royal Convoy: Seeing the King at Doi Suthep
9:00 Staying at Daret’s House & The Ice Water Lesson
10:59 The 1988 Return Trip & The Blue Fox Bar maiden
14:04 Reconnecting with Noi & Returning to Doi Suthep
16:36 Missing Traveler's Checks & The Lamphun Police Station
Nostalgic Highlights
The Journey North: Surviving a 5-hour delay in the dead of night on a second-class train from Bangkok, followed by a stunning daylight ride through the northern mountains.
Shoestring Logistics: Arriving at the station with no internet, relying entirely on pickup truck drivers hustling to take backpackers to off-the-grid guest houses.
Royal Encounters: Getting pulled over by soldiers on the winding roads of Doi Suthep to watch the King's motorcade head toward Bhubing Palace.
Classic Nightlife: Throwback photos and stories from long-gone spots around the city, including Love Birds Bar, Big Bar Beer, and The Haven.
The Realities of 80s Travel: Sweating through fan-only rooms, suffering through severe gastroenteritis after ignoring warnings about the local ice, and the sheer panic of losing $200 in American Express traveller's checks.
If you enjoy these old-school travel stories and want to see more vintage photos from Thailand's past, please consider supporting the channel.
☕ Fuel my creativity, Buy Me a Coffee and and help keep the ideas brewing!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/76srydp5bd8
#ChiangMai #BackpackingThailand #ThailandTravel #ThailandHistory #1980sTravel
20 Comments
Great memories, you’ve lived life well mate 👍
Proper times...no superficial attitudes being surrounded by tech.
Great account.
, I love Chaing mai one of my favourite cities,
Thanks again for taking the time to make the video 👍.
All the best
1980s Chiang Mai: Dirt Bikes, Beer Bars & Lost Travelers Checks
Karl's Thailand
68,282 views
I show my old pictures of Chiang Mai, Thailand in the 1980's and tell the stories behind them.
Step back into 1987 and experience a raw, unfiltered Chiang Mai long before the era of smartphones, digital cameras, and internet bookings. Join me as I dust off my original 35mm film photographs and share wild stories from my first backpacking trips to Northern Thailand, from breaking down on overnight trains to accidentally stumbling into a royal motorcade.
Video Chapters
0:00 Backpacking into Thailand & the 1987 Train Ride
3:21 Arriving at Tha Pae Gate & Love Birds Bar
4:46 POP Motorcycle Rental & First Time on a Dirt Bike
6:23 The Royal Convoy: Seeing the King at Doi Suthep
9:00 Staying at Daret’s House & The Ice Water Lesson
10:59 The 1988 Return Trip & The Blue Fox Bar maiden
14:04 Reconnecting with Noi & Returning to Doi Suthep
16:36 Missing Traveler's Checks & The Lamphun Police Station
Nostalgic Highlights
The Journey North: Surviving a 5-hour delay in the dead of night on a second-class train from Bangkok, followed by a stunning daylight ride through the northern mountains.
Shoestring Logistics: Arriving at the station with no internet, relying entirely on pickup truck drivers hustling to take backpackers to off-the-grid guest houses.
Royal Encounters: Getting pulled over by soldiers on the winding roads of Doi Suthep to watch the King's motorcade head toward Bhubing Palace.
Classic Nightlife: Throwback photos and stories from long-gone spots around the city, including Love Birds Bar, Big Bar Beer, and The Haven.
The Realities of 80s Travel: Sweating through fan-only rooms, suffering through severe gastroenteritis after ignoring warnings about the local ice, and the sheer panic of losing $200 in American Express traveller's checks.
If you enjoy these old-school travel stories and want to see more vintage photos from Thailand's past, please consider supporting the channel.
☕ Fuel my creativity, Buy Me a Coffee and and help keep the ideas brewing!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/76srydp5bd8
#ChiangMai #BackpackingThailand #ThailandTravel #ThailandHistory #1980sTravel