Trek like you mean it!!

Long Boat
see all photos »

Caught the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai! Thought it was a bit rickety at first but settled in well after a sweet Thai lady took me under her wing. Suprisingly comfortable on the top berth.

I arrived late in Chiang Mai and accomplished my first bit of haggling convincing a song-thaew to take me to the bus station for 29 Bhat! Hopped on the bus to Chiang Rai and used my newly found haggling confidence to get a cheap tuk tuk to the Chat House. Either I am getting used to Thai traffic or they are a bit better at driving up here!

The trek became rather enjoyable...until we reached a waterfall and encountered the Bridge of Death!

Me and Bubba
see all photos »

Got a cheap room with double bed and a fan and had plenty of mosquitos to keep me company! Went for a walk and stumbled across a street market. There were lots of knick knacks and food stalls. I was very impressed with Chiang Rai!

The next day was enjoying a leisurely breakfast when I was accosted by a random German man who started reading me a poem that he was translating. It was all about the fall of the stockmarket (how topical) but was written in 1930. Think I managed to feign interest with hmmms and ahhhs interjected in suitable places! I went into town and on a whim booked a day trek. The first part of the trip involved travelling up the river in a long boat. The scenery was amazing! Next we arrived at the elephant village where we were able to ride the elephants. As I was travelling solo I got to ride on a baby Indian (small ears, big brains!!). Was clinging on for dear life! Halfway around the trek the Thai trainer gestured that I was to swap places with him so spent the second half riding the elephant on its neck!! A serious leg workout! The elephant would flap its ears and get a better grip on my legs. After lunch (consisting of lots of rice believe it or not!) I went with my guide and a couple from Strasbourg to begin the half day trek.

The Bridge of Death
see all photos »

It started well. We walked through a national park seeing hot springs and waterfalls. Then the guide suggested a short cut over a small stream! I got to the edge and panicked about jumping onto a stepping stone in the middle of the river so the French guy helped me across. I then turned to help his girlfriend but she had slipped and fallen in! Oooops! We powered on uphill to the first village belonging to a Lahu tribe. The hills were insanely steep and my initial adrenaline soon disappeared. As we continued up and up and up to the next village thought I was going to pass out a few times! I mean...really?! Who goes trekking on a stomach full of rice in the midday heat?! The guide was very supportive but I felt rather guilty for holding them all up!

chaing rai.jpg
see all photos »

Once we reached the second village the trek became rather enjoyable...until we reached a waterfall and encountered the Bridge of Death! Two bamboo bridges joined in the middle by a rock. I got to the end of the first bridge and as I went to step on the rock the others were pointing and saying "There, its slippy." But over the noise over the waterfall I heard "There's snakes!" Just about jumped into the river! To get onto the next part of the bridge we had to jump off the rock but my shoes were too slippy and lost grip of the rock! Almost fell under the bridge a few times. The poor French guy had to rescue me yet again!

chaing rai river.jpg
see all photos »

We walked down through a tea plantation and got a taxi to some hot springs where we went for a soak in the pool. Made it back to Chiang Rai safe and sound.

Tried to contact The Mirror Foundation but instead got an irritated Thai family shouting down the phone at me so sent an email to Thellie and hope he picks me up tomorrow!