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Published: February 6th 2007
Hawking in the River Ping
An entrepeneur hoping to make a sale Chiang Dao, literally translated 'the City of Stars', is north of Chiang Mai. We headed up just after dawn to visit one of the nicer elephant camps. We were one of the first to arrive and were immediately ushered onto elephant back for a ride through some fabulous forest/jungle scenery and along the river. Perched high in a wooden howdah, you gain an impressive view of the surroundings. It is surprisingly difficult to focus a camera.
The trail was cool and the air was fresh. It was a welcome change from the last few days. The pollution, even outside of Chiang Mai is palpable. The countryside is covered by a layer of smog such that you can barely make out the beauty of the surrounding hills.
We stopped at a small village where the government has encouraged the locals to give up opium production in favour of tourist souvenirs. We didn't see any opium, and there were plenty of souvenirs. I doubt that they were all made by the local villagers, but better this than the drug trade. On our return to the camp, we were entertained with an elephant show highlighting historic techniques used to harvest the teak forest which is now largely depleted. The kids had a terrific time feeding and interacting with the elephants.
We left the camp on bamboo river rafts. We floated down a sizable river for about an hour. We drifted by some of the locals bathing in the water which was filled with sediment and the occasional elephant dung. In case you were wondering, elephants have floaters. At the end of the journey, locals wading hip deep in the water came out to flog souvenirs and drinks. Seemed like a tough way to make a living.
We had lunch at an "orchid farm". The food was surprisingly good. As always the beer was much needed and appreciated.
Heading back to the hotel, I couldn’t help thinking about the toll that development in this country was taking on the environment. North American style car dealerships are everywhere and the roads are clearly being upgraded. The traffic was heavy and there was no sign of emission control on the vehicles.
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junior
non-member comment
Arrested Development
Having watched all three (short) seasons of AD, I can honestly say that I look forward to every entry of your blog. It is very entertaining, and seems to fill the void that AD has left. Floaters, that's rich! I guess the elephants are part of an unforgetable part of your trip. You now have a responsibility to me (and people like me) that are 'hooked' on opium (growing location) stories! I trust, no entry will be missed, as I dread to think what might happen if it were! Parole is nearly over since the cancellation of AD! From one of your (a)dic(ted) readers! Give me more!!