Today 6th is moving time. We have decided to head towards Chiang Mai in the nothern part of Thailand. We left Koh Mak at 11.30 and now while writing we are still moving ETA Chiang Mai 7th around 2 pm. By then we have been by taxi, boat (not speedboat), taxi, bus, taxi and train. Because we did not book the train up-front the final part which is 15 hours will be the hardest, because we have to fall asleep while seated on the other hand if you look at the distance we get there for around USD 130 all the way from Koh Mak to Chiang Mai.
7th - if you ever want to go from Bangkok to Chiang Mai do not book 3rd class. Especially not the 10pm one. Windows were open, train very noisy and stopping a lot of times. Marie managed to get some sleep while seated. Oscar and Asta were lying down BECAUSE their great parents were sometimes standing (Pernille) and I spent the night sitting/sleeping on the floor. I am just glad no photos were taken of me trying to sleep. But we managed to get through the night and arrived safely to Chiang Mai Thai House which seems to be a very nice place.
8th - Today has been relaxing. We have been out for a walk seen some temples, driving the tuk-tuk a few times. We also went to a shopping mall where Oscar and I got our hair cut price USD 18 so we did save some compared to the normal USD 90 back home. And finally for Marie and Oscar it was time for homework.
9th - Well today has been kind of explore day for us. We took off from 8am and did not return before 4pm. We went to an elephant camp where we started with 45 min of bamboo rafting on the river. A very nice, beautiful and relaxing tour. Back to the camp we saw the elephant show starting with a wash and afterwards they danced, played ball, painted + a fee things more. After lunch it was time to elephant riding a tour for 20-25 min. The back tour was via two old oxes. Back towards Chiang Mai we made a stop and saw the long neck Karen people plus a butterfly and orchid farm. Interesting and beautiful but we could have settled with the elephant camp. A nice long day so tomorrow will be relaxing plus night market ind the evening. Regards Peder