Chiang Mai, MeKong & Luang Probang

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Chiang Mai;
Chiang Mai, situated in the north of Thailand, is a refreshing change from Bangkoks Khao San Road. The food is cheap, accommodation clean, and the city has a relaxed feel—earning it a very high placement on most travelers “recommended” lists. Known for its beautiful and plentiful trekking routes, I decided to take advantage, and joined two people I’d met on the bus in a three day Hike. After loosing my Nikes on the bus (sorry mum) I visited the local shoe store in search of a pair of that would suffice for at least the three days. And what was found you might ask? A pair of white “old-school” Chuck Norris Converse equipped with blue and orange laces! Although seemingly unsuitable for a three-day trek, they were only 100 baht (about A$3.50) so I made the purchase, charged my camera and the adventures of Chaing Mai began. Normally, the word trek would imply some sort of physical exertion… Yet this had to be the most relaxed trek on earth. I spent hours lying in rice fields, learning how to cook simplistic Thai dishes and swam amongst numerous waterfalls. Thongs, a good book and an esky would be all the equipment needed for this Trek!

The Mekong;
The Mekong River runs adjacent to the Laos/Thai border and is the most obvious route to take when entering Laos. Unfortunately most people hear about the two-day boat ride and opt not to tackle this route.
I can say that the past two days, would rate as two of the best involving my trip so far. Crossing the border with a friend made on the trek, we acquired a bottle of whisky and decided to let it help us relax on the boat. As it turned out, most of the tourists had the same bright idea and suddenly the 20 metre fishing boat became a floating bar! Immersed in the amazing Mekong landscape, sipping smoky spirits and enjoying the refreshing conversations of some new found friends—what a night!. The two days went by fast, and I now have joined about 14 people for the journey through Laos.

Luang Probang;
Food… Glorious FOOD!!!
These words were created for Laos—I am sure of it. French Colonization has flooded Laos with bakeries full to the brim with shelves exhibiting the best pastries and breads the blue coats have to offer. Added bonus: All treats come without the Parisian price tags!. Banana Bread has become my staple—a couple per day ensures that I am only tempted to eat 4 subsequent meals from the
“all-you-can-eat” stalls just off the main strip. Costing only a mere 1 dollar, I am permitted to eat as much rice, curry and salads as I want.
But besides the food, Luang Probang is thriving; waterfalls fill its surrounding mountains and are perfect for the current summer days. Yes, sorry guys but the weather here is AMAZING. The local bars sit on the lakes edge, and best of all have a volleyball court which serves to enable tourists like myself to “work off” the days food consumption. This is the place to be, and I feel I could see myself spending weeks, months even years sitting by the bay, watching the sunset and enjoying “just one more” perspiring “Beer Lao”.

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