This gallery contains 12 photos.
We arrived in Ayutthaya in the early morning (around 05:00); while the others went to bed, I stayed up and watched the sunrise – to walk over to a morning market across the street. Later that morning – after breakfast … Continue reading
Today we had a full day of excursions around the Golden Triangle, the border region between Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos.
We had the opportunity to get about the border town to Myanmar and even have a quick jump over the border at Thailand’s northernmost point.
We also made it to a viewpoint at Mekong to get a glimpse of the two neighboring countris, before heading for the Opium Museum – followed by a speedboat tour on the Mekong.
The speedboat trip included a stop in Laos – with the shopping opportunity in a fairly unethical market. They had everything on stock (and for free sale) from snake whisky (including a snake of course), to liquor with pieces of tiger penises or ivory statues.
Today was the last day of the trek; we made it back into town and then on to the Golden Triangle.
The walking distance today (i.e. day 2 of the trek) was just 7km, so we had time in the morning to visit the village school to teach some English and play with the children.
The destination of our 7km hike walk was the Akha village of Baan Mai Pattana.
We again had a walk through the village after our arrival. After our return we prepared egg to give it to the children of the village. Background is that the food in this village bases on what is produced around, this means the children get plenty of vegetables – but hardly meat or egg, thus producing a lack in their nutrition.
We left the village this morning; a first a rough hour by E-Tan, then by foot. The first day of the trek was sold as the most strenuous day, the use of porters was recommended – however on the paper the distance was just 14 km, with an elevation gain of around 600 meters – so nothing to bad (at least compared to other treks I did so far); so I decided to carry my pack by myself (which turned out to be no problem at all…).
We had lunch next to a waterfall, before we continued on to Baan Huay San Lisaw, a village of the Lisu people – and our destination for the day.
After arrival in the Lisu village we (once more) had a guided walk around, followed by dinner and some local dance and music.
Today we made it into the hills / mountains surrounding Chiang Mai. A homestay in Baan Huay San Plab Pla was the kick-off for three days away from the tourist track – and away from hot water.
After our arrival in the village we had a short walk around the village, followed by dinner and an introduction to traditional music and instruments.
This evening we went to visit the hilltop temple of Doi Suthep; first we had to climb the 304 steps to get up there. In the temple grounds Yo did give us a quick introduction into the Buddhism, as well as the the rituals observed at this temple.
Today one of the options was a Thai cooking course in one of the cooking schools around town – all joined in for this filling and delicious experience
The first lesson was around how to cut decorations e.g. flowers, leafs and butterflies from carrots and tomatoes. This was followed by a clear soup with meat balls and a red curry with duck and fruit – all super-delicious.
By night train we made it up to Chang Mai.
Here another included attraction was waiting for us – a ride on an elephant in an elephant sanctuary. Afterward we had the option for a trip on a bamboo raft.
After a busy day we met up again in the evening for dinner in the local night market.
Today part two of this South East Asia trip was about to start. After a hotel change and many good-byes to the people, I had traveled with for two weeks, I now was back to zero – new group, new tour leader, new tour company – and once more a pre-departure meeting, followed by a first group dinner.
The next day we enjoyed an included long tail boat trip along Chao Phraya River and one of the khlongs (channels) around. After our return from the khlong tour, we went over to Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha – and home of the traditional Thai massage.
