Driving through the Lush Landscape

The green landscape of Thailand overlooking the Mekong River.
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After a day and night in Chiang Mai, we began the morning of the 8th of May with a drive through the countryside.  We were headed to Chiang Rai for lunch, followed by Chiang Khong for our night's accomodations before heading into Laos.

All I can say is that the landscape of Thailand is so plush and green that you feel as if the plants would grow right over you if you stood still too long!  It is gorgeous!  The greens just jump out at you.  Mist and clouds fill the air and cover whole communities in the hills.  Golden stuppas dot the hillsides and appear as if from nowhere!

Crossing the gateway into Laos.
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There are many flat plains as well that are used for rice patties and other agricultural accomplishments.  Along these flat plains though boulders are dropped about as if giants were playing a game of marbles.  They dot the horizon in a random scattered pattern that shocks your eyes in its contrast to the rice fields.

The continued greens and different shaped leaves are in the majority, but one particular tree rebels against the landscape as it blooms red-orange flowers on all its branches.  It is like one flame bursting to be revealed among the varied green hues.

Our accomodations in Chang Khong before heading to Laos.
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Motorbikes zip by balancing precariously with whole families.  The child rides in front, the dad drives, and the mom sits side saddle on the back usually holding an umbrella for the sun or rain.

As we arrive into Chiang Rai, we enjoy a quick lunch at Cabbages and Condoms.  It is a restaurant run by a NGO for family planning and safe sex education.  It really is a great program, and it distributes information and condoms throughout the area to the locals.  They also house a museum on the different hilltribes throughout Thailand.  The Karen, Asku, Lamu, Hmong, and more all migrate around the hills and valleys of the northern territories.  Their recent histories have forced them to learn new trades such as textiles and legal agriculture.  The end of opium in Thailand has really affected their lifestyles, and several are still struggling to find their way.  The museum provided a nice picture of what they have gone through in the past through persecution, and their current struggles.

More plush landscape.
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After the museum, we headed to Chiang Khong, a small town on the Mekong River that borders Laos.  We stayed at a lovely guesthouse on the river made entirely of teek wood.  It was gorgeous, albeit a bit rustic.  We had dinner in town at a local pub, and were able to watch a DVD on the television.  It was delightful.  After full bellies and minds, we headed to bed.  Tomorrow we are off to Laos and a two day adventure on the Mekong River towards Luang Prabang!