To the Northernmost of Thailand

Friday 20th November 2009, we were going further north. We visited the White Temple in Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai. The temple is not actually that old, only been erect for about six years (I think), pretty modern anyway. And lots still being done to the place. It's my favourite piece of architecture over here; you can't touch anything to ensure that it remains the 'white' temple. There is also a beautiful mosaic of tiny mirrors over the entire exterior, which makes it glisten in the sunlight. So simple and yet so effective! Very impressive piece of architecture. And I love the monks, so chilled out and content. Well from what I can gather that is.

Next stop: The Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Loas and China meet at the Mekhong River. Really cool, so we had a boat trip over to the Laos border- I have to visit Laos on my next visit, it looks amazing and I have heard so many great things about the place. So I suppose I will just have to come back! Ha. Any excuse. Turns out the locals love their whiskey- it's everyhwere! And the piece de resistance: whiskey soaked in tiger penis. Or is it tiger penis soaked in whiskey? Yeah sounds right. Ha ha. Also a snake-flavoured option. The variety is endless, can't say I was too tempted to be honest. I was more interested in the market stalls. Yeah I have a problem: can't stop shopping! It's so cheap and the stuff here is amazing: the jewellery, the clothes, the bags. I have a new addiction. Ha.

We reached the 'northernmost of Thailand' later that day, Mai Sai. The people here are mainly from Burma, so we got a taste for a different cultural influence up here, and more markets! Last stop of the day was the Karen tribe, also known as the 'long-necks.' Can't say I'd care to have coils of metal wrapped around my neck, but each to their own eh. Was pretty fascinating, although one of the tourists was crying in pity for them. I don't think they're unhappy though, they seem at ease with it all, and use it as a tourist attraction anyway, so they're probably doing alright off it. I don't know, maybe I should be more compassionate? Hmm.. will ponder over this at a later date. Really great day trip though, have loved travelling around Thailand, there's just so much to see and the scenery is constantly morphing as you reach the various areas. It is a country with so much to offer.