THAILAND - OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2003
( There are over 40 pictures on this one page ( load time ) - but I have cut down on the number of Wats shown )
Because of heavy flooding in the South again this year, travel was mainly in the North.
After a few days relaxing near Chiang Mai a domestic flight to Mae Hong Son saved hours of tortuous mountain road travel.
Wats Chong Klang and Chang Kum by the lake near the centre of town provided good pictures, and Wat Phra That Doi Kongmou, high above the town, provided good views of the tiny airport runway and the surrounding mountains which were often part hidden by wisps of early morning cloud.
A day was spent touring the area and up into the mountains overlooking Myanmar ( Burma ). The long necked Karen village was the main attraction, but there were also many other views, waterfalls and interesting sights in pleasant temperatures and fresh mountain air.
One of many waterfalls .................................................. Rice fields
The " Fish Caves " high up in the mountains
Bullock cart transport ........................................... Hotel at Chiang Rai
...
After returning to Chiang Mai, north to Chiang Rai, then on to Mae Sai, calling at Doi Tung, near Mae Chan. Doi Tung was the location of the home of the present king's mother before she died. Now, the Villa, gardens and Memorial Hall, high on the mountain top are open to the public. They are well worth a visit for a day out.
The next few days were spent in the border town of Mae Sai. The border posts, either side of the road into Myanmar, seem overprotective, since one can almost jump across the narrow river at various points. Certainly, packages could be thrown across - a smuggler's paradise !
.
. Mae Sai street scene .................................. Motorcycle " taxis "waiting for customers
Wat Doi Wao, with it's observation platforms and scorpion, overlooks Mae Sai town and Myanmar.
After the rowdy bustle of Mae Sai, a few days were spent in the Golden Triangle area of Chiang Saen, an area once renowned for smuggling. Here the Mekong River, which forms a border with neighbouring Laos, provides a waterway for boats from nearby China to Chiang Saen port, as well as for tourist pleasure craft. There is also a border with Myanmar at this point.
The Wats of Chedi Luang, Chom Kitti, Phra That Kao and the Municipal Museum are of interest in the Chiang Saen area, although it is pleasant to stroll along the many stalls on the waterfront promenade, or sit and watch the passing scene.
After another night back at Chiang Rai the next few days were spent at Phayao, which is situated an the shores of a huge lake which has unusual drifting plant rafts. The promenade here gives the feeling of a seaside town, and the sunsets over the mountains, distant on the far side of the lake, attract many people. Wats in the area are Si Khom Khan ( by the edge of the lake ) and Analayo in the far mountains. The Chompatang waterfall is really a series of small cascades, but pleasantly situated in a quiet mountain forest area.
There are many dining places, apart from the hundreds of food stalls ( which abound almost everywhere in Thailand ), overlooking the lake. Meals can be had alfresco, with the lake and the mountains as a backdrop.
From here, south to Lampang ( known for it's horse and carriage transport ) via the Tham Pha Thai caves, a vast labyrinth of underground chambers part open to the public ( if you can climb the 300 odd steps up the mountain leading to the entrance ! ). The caves bear evidence of early civilisation and have many large caverns, connected by narrow passage ways through stalactites and stalagmites, and often with sunlight shafting through openings high in the ceilings. These openings allow many bats to use the caves. Other inhabitants are snakes, spiders and crab like insects.
It is possible to wander for miles in these caves - some areas are not yet thoroughly explored. My trip was perhaps only about half a mile into the system.
At Lampang ( see earlier visits for Wats in the area ) a visit to the volcanic area to the east of town and the Lignite mines was well worth the effort. A spacious golf course and extensive well kept gardens complete with water features, high up in the hills, come as a surprise. Even higher up there are remarkable views, of the mountains, the open cast mining areas, reservoirs and the power station. At certain times of the year the mountain slopes are covered with a type of sunflower.
A stay near Lamphun provided a chance to see the developments at the Doikum School ( see THAI PAGES ) and the Loy Krathong festivities before returning home from Chiang Mai.
Hot air " Fire Balloons " being launched ................................ Krathongs on the river..........
Chiang Mai during Loy Kratong festivities ... music, firecrackers and rockets.
The Krisadadoi Restaurant ................................ Fish at The Rain Forest restaurant