Night Train to Chiang Mai

Night Train to Chiang Mai
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Well, after sleeping in a less than 6 foot long bed on a the overnight train from Ayuttaaya to Chiang Mai I am very happy to see a bed and warm shower.  Once our train pulled into the station in Chiang Mai we were taken by taxi to our Unique guesthouse.  This place really took pride in it's garden and was filled with all sorts of birds and wildlife.  As you walk around the birds talk to you in English and Thai. 

Once we checked in showered, and changed we headed into town to do some much needed shopping.  We needed lunch, Passport Photos for Visas, Copies of our passports, and I bought some shirts for the hike into the mountains. 

324 steps up to the top

Enjoying our meal at the Thai Dancing
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After lunch we headed to the Doi Suthep Temple.  The temple is above the city with another 324 steps up to the top.  This temple was another amazing feat.  It was built on top of this huge hill and everything was covered in gold.  I also learned that each person has a certain statue that is affiliated with their birthday.  Since I was born on Saturday I have the Buddha that is sitting with palms up and is on a snake with 7 heads.  I'm not sure what it means, but I will start asking around and get some answers. 

After the Temple we stopped at a Jade factory and learnt about how they buy Jade and all the different colours and qualities.  It was nice to see but the merchandise was very expensive.  Once everyone saw the Jade being made we went for supper and Traditional Thai Dancing.  The dancing was all done on the stage and we were served family style.  The dancing was unique but was once again geared for tourists.

We spent the night in the quest house and tommorrow we head out to do our hike.