Advertisement
Published: October 18th 2008
Edit Blog Post
Hi Everyone,
We thought we would update the blog before we head off on our trip tomorrow when we leave Chiang Mai and head over the border to Laos. It's also a good opportunity to give you an update on what we've been doing over the past couple of days/weeks.
We are currently in Chiang Mai, staying in a wonderful family-run hostel called "Libra". Deep stayed here 7 years ago when he came travelling with his friends so it's nice for him to be back here and to see the family who run it again.
I can honestly say that Thailand is the most beautiful place I have ever been. It's such a lush, green and vibrant Country which offers such a variety of experiences spanning a predominantly buddest nation.
When we arrived in Bangkok on 3 October we were initially hit by the sheer hustle and bustle of Thailand's largest city. Whilst it was loud and noisy it was also a stimulating mix of sights and sounds. During our first 48 hours we saw the reclining Buddha (Wat Po) and several other temples and famous statues including the Grand Palace. Wat Po is set
amongst a number of wonderful bagodas, gardens and temples. Thailand's biggest statue of Buddha rests here reclining on his side. The statue's feet are at least 8 feet tall - so you can imagine what the rest of it is like!!
During our stay in Bangkok we also experienced the vibrance that is "China Town". It was a fair walk from our hostel (I would say a good 3-4km) but worthwhile as it had the most amazing atmosphere there. Underneath the blinking street lights and brightly lit adverts high above our heads, the hustle and bustle of the market below was rich in sights and smells. We decided to eat dinner right in the heart of China town and found a fantastic seafood restaurant / diner on the corner of a busy road junction. The food was amazing and being surrounded by local Thai people made us feel comforted that the food would be good. We certainly weren't disappointed and on arrival of a whole fish cooking on a hot steaming metal tray at our table, we knew we were going to have a good meal!
After leaving Bangkok we headed to Chaing Mai where we are
currently. We've travelled around a lot here and have even gone further north to Pai, a tranquil and beautiful town offering a relaxing haven from the chaos of the cities.
Yesterday we arrived back from doing a trek in the jungle. What an experience - and one we'll never forget!! Our first day of the trip was a long walk up and down several mountains. On the way we saw a lovely waterfall and some hot springs - which had temperatures of over 100oc!!
The trekking started after lunch and took about 4 hours. We stopped a couple of times in tribal villages which was a real experience. They live such basic lives but seem so content with what they have in the world.
On arrival at the final tribal village at about 6pm we bathed in the river and had a filling meal of rice and noodles before sitting around a camp fire singing predominatly Beetles songs!! 😊 Of course the village has no electricity so the evening was lit only by the fire and the stars.
Our second day of the trek was more activity based and included elephant riding, bamboo rafting and white water rafting. Of course I was the only one in our water raft to fall in to the water over a rapid!!! I'm fine now but I have to admit I was a little scared at the time! Good job I'm a strong swimmer!!
We are just going to have a lazy day today and will be going to a nice hotel shortly to use their swimming pool. We have met a lovely couple who are on their way to New Zealand (moving from the UK) so we will be going there with them today.
Thailand has been all of things you would expect and more. Apart from a couple of people in Bangkok, the Thai people have been very welcoming and hospitable. It's such a lush, green country and one which can offer the traveller a variety of experiences.
We are off to Laos tomorrow on a boat trip which crosses the boader. The trip takes a total of 3 days an includes a "longboat" trip and an overnight stay just on the boarder of Thailand/Laos.
We will update the blog again soon.
Love to everyone
Sarah and Deep xx
Advertisement
Tot: 0.192s; Tpl: 0.019s; cc: 7; qc: 44; dbt: 0.0747s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
Elena Muriel
non-member comment
It sounds great
Hey guys, it sounds like you are having a great time. Just make me want to get plane and leave the cold from here and go to the forests in there! Keep us posted is great to hear about your travels. Elena