Chiang Mai Day 2

We took our breakfast very early as we were going up north to Chiang Rai, which is 175 km away from Chiang Mai. For this trip, we have decided to engage Mr Mustafa of the day before instead of joining a tour group. Not only was it cheaper, but we figured only a Muslim brother would know how to care for his Muslim sisters. We heard Mr Mustafa said that along the way, we would stop at several places like the something something hot spring, then at a site where the famous white temple is, then the tribal village, then the Golden Triangle, and finally Mae Sai. Undoubtedly, we would return to Chiang Mai very late at night.

So that's what we did on Tuesday 3rd July, 2012. Here are some pictures:

20 Baht for one basket of eggs to boil in the hot spring

Of course we got weird stares from the locals for stopping and posing at a signboard

Wat Rong Khun or the White Temple, a modern architecture, a work still  in progress

This mosque belongs to a Muslim community in which we had our lunch. That car is a Pesona.

Traversing the tribal village with a walking stick.

With an Akha woman. One thing I notice with all this tribal villagers, they really perfected the art of smiling for the camera. Because later when she performed with her mates, she was all sullen faced.

With an Akha girl. She speaks English.

A Lahu girl with her grandmother

Sayyida offering her sympathy to the Karen woman. Or was she offering to scratch her neck?

With the Palong "Big Earings" people

A jump shot outside the tribal village showcase. Note to self: I must procure a better camera.

At the confluence of three countries; Mynmar, Thailand and Laos, thus the name the Golden Triangle. At one time this place was notorious for opium smuggling. Oops, forgot to suck in the tummy.

In Mae Sai, the most northern city of Thailand at the border of Mynmar. The blue gate in the background is the Immigration point.

Indeed we reached Chiang Mai at about 10pm. We were too exhausted to do anymore night marketing, so we retired to our bed almost immediately. Thanks ladies, for a wonderful sharing of stories and fart banter throughout the journey. Mr Mustafa must have thought us nutty.