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Published: April 15th 2007
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Chillies!!!!
Kirstyn suddenly threw her back out Chaing Mai to Golden Triangle
Jason & Kirstyn O Left Chiang Mai behind and headed north to the region known as the Golden Triangle (the Golden Triangle Encompasses several countries....a rich opium growing region well known for a history of opium smoking and production).
First night we spent in Chiang Rai. Great markets and had a lovely feast on street eats. The next day we caught the local bus up to Mae Sai....a lovely little town on the border of Thailand and Myanmar. Stayed in a guest house overlooking the river and Myanmar for two nights. We hired a motorbike here and drove around the region looking at the numerous caves and little villages. One of the caves was 6km long but we only managed to get about 1km in as we only had one torch we had bought cheap at a market and weren't sure how long it would last!
Kirstyn had a nasty experience with a group of monkeys at one cave and one actually managed to latch onto her arm (with his teeth!). Very aggressive....we were in a very touristy area and there were lots of tourists around (mainly Thai Tourists) who were feeding the monkeys. Very unfortunate that this happens because they have
Mountains bordering Myanmar
Not a bad view from the bus window no fear of humans and were attacking most people who walked past. Sorry Mick but Kirstyn now does not share your love of monkeys!
The attack neccessitated a visit to Mae Sai hospital that night to begin a course of five injections for rabies vaccination over the next few months. The actual bite is very very small and we're not even sure if it broke the skin fully but decided not to gamble and be safe.
After Mae Sai headed east to Chiang Saen where they were still celebrating the "last day" of Songkram with a large street party along the mighty Mekong River (Songkram was supposed to finish three days ago but Chiang Saen likes to celebrate a little bit longer!). Were fortunate enough to stumble upon a Muay Thai boxing tournament in the street which was fun and a bit scary to watch. Had a feast of grilled fish and a northern chicken curry which is cooked in a bamboo trunk over coals...very yummy! All this combined with a beer Chang, overlooking the Mekong river, with Laos over the other side made for a lovely backdrop.
Chiang Saen to Chiang Khong proved to be a
Border town
Gates to Myanmar.. bit more of an expedition as we had thought there were buses running. In the end we were directed towards some Sangthaew (utes with canopies and seats in the back and a footstep off the back) which were headed to Hard Bai...halfway to Chiang Khong along the Mekong river. Problem is they only leave when absolutely chockers, i.e 15 people with Jason and two other guys having to hang off the back footstep. With the help of a local tourist and some other backpackers we finally got to Chiang Khong for the local price! Here the next leg of our journey begins....crossing the border into Laos!
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Sheree
non-member comment
Monkey Business
Hello my good friends! Great catching up on all your travels to date but concerned about your meeting with the Monkeys Kirstyn! It would appear that this has not stopped you from venturing :) or exploring the food and culture of south east asia. Makes me want to go out for some Thai tonight!!! Although thinking of the other asian continent after smelling a curry at lunch!! All is good in the Wild West. Keep in touch. Love to you both. Sheree xo