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Chiang Mai - Thailand
We finally arrived in Chiang Mai after 22 hours and several different modes of transport. 16 hours were spent on the air conditioned bus that got us from Luang Prabang to the Laos-Thai border. We arrived at the border at about 7.00am and waited around for the staff to turn up and open the office. At 8.00am we departed Laos, climbed aboard a long boat and crossed the Mekong River to Thailand. On the other side we filled out the arrival forms then got a sawngthaew to the bus station. The “bus station” was more of a shop but fair enough there was a bus that went to Chiang Mai and was leaving at 9.30 so we couldn’t complain. After another 7 hours we eventually reached Chiang Mai. On returning to Thailand it was nice to return to driving on the left (or proper side!) as Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam all prefer the other or “wrong side” due to their French past!
We found a guesthouse after about 15 minutes, checked in and freshened up. That evening we explored the ‘Sunday walking street market’ that was spread along several roads and must have measured 2 or 3 kilometres. It was full of various clothes and crafts and was absolutely heaving with people. After a vegetarian dinner we headed off to bed.
Our next day was spent grappling with the many temples that Chiang Mai has to offer. It was hot work but again we were impressed with the design, tranquillity and ‘shininess’ of the structures. Laura had another chat to some nice monks which seems to be an everyday occurrence for her on this trip. Strange! That evening we walked to the river before having food and playing some pool in a local bar. We met a European couple who were living in Chiang Mai and had just bought a puppy that day. It had come from a lady that rescues them from a market in Northern Thailand that sells them for meat. The dog (Pepper) was adorable and lucky to be alive!
In the morning we were picked up by a minibus that was to take us to the Elephant Nature Park on the outskirts of the city. We had arranged the trip a few days in advance and had wanted to go ever since speaking to a fellow traveller in Thailand who had recommended it. This particular park is a unique conservation project set up by a local woman named Lek in the 1990s. The centre provides homes for 34 rescued elephants and countless dogs and cats. It also plays a key role in educating tourists and locals alike on the plight of the domestic elephant.
We had a great day, feeding, bathing and generally getting up close and personal with these friendly giants. We also watched a very interesting yet disturbing documentary into the way in which these majestic creatures are exploited and mistreated throughout Thailand and Asia. It really was a brilliant day and by the time we got back to the guest house we were exhausted. We got some food at the market and bought one or two souvenirs.
In the morning we got a tuk-tuk to the bus station. Now, we have accumulated quite a few bags on our travels and they’re not particularly light. Desperate for some business the driver claimed that having them tied onto the back and shoved on the seats with us would be fine. After some ‘persuasion’ the bags were on and we set off. With the additional weight the journey was noticeably slower than usual and there were definitely some issues regarding the handling of the three wheeled contraption! On arrival at the bus station we duly tipped the driver and boarded a bus to Bangkok!
Laura and Stani xxx
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