The overnight train from Bangkok to Chang Mai was fabulous. The wonderful train service staff set our beds up and settled us in beautifully. Comfy and cosy, but too much anticipation to get much sleep. 13 hours. Clickety clack.
First stop in Chang Mai was a Tuk tuk ride up the windy road to the hilltop Wat
The monks were sweeping the steps and laughing uproariously as they washed the steps and themselves at the same time.
Chang Mai’s fabulous Wat on a hill showcases all the buddhas of the week so everyone had the opportunity to ask a wish from their own particular birth day Buddha by pouring oil into a burning candle offering.
We also got to throw the I ching sticks to see what our future held. Number 14 for me said be patient!!! Had to laugh. Not my strongest suit.
It was a gorgeous misty view through the trees from this hilly vantage point. The skies are full of smoke at this time of year as the hill tribes burn off enhancing the beautiful sunsets but making breathing more challenging.
The Chang Mai market was also a feast for the eyes and bellies, and a drain on the pocket, 😂 as we kept finding more must-have items.
We now have one entire suitcase full of surplus-to-need gear that we can leave in Luang Prabang uni til we return home.
A few of the brave, or foolish, headed out on a cycle tour today to explore the back roads of Chang Mai, discover ruins, rice paddies and the mandatory Wat. This one was moved to higher ground by the villagers when it was flooded 75 years ago and the inside is covered in frescos telling the story.
We came across a fire ant nest from which the locals steal the eggs to eat and were entertained at lunch by piglets foraging under our feet.
👣
The return to town at 1pm on the hot tarmac in 40plus temperatures was however a little gruelling.
Drink more water!
After the mandatory massage we were re-invigorated and Andrew headed off for a Thai cooking class. There they foraged for ingredients, ground their own pastes and cooked up a 4 course feast.
A highlight, however of our time here was the lady boy show. What a fabulous fun, funny, entertaining night out.
Great miming of our favourite hits and incredibly glamorous and talented performers.
Most entertaining was the audience participation, voluntary or otherwise.
Tomorrow we head to Laos via Chang Rai so it’s time to prepare for an early start.
Some incredible experiences. Looks like you are both really enjoying the trip.
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