We pull into Chiang Rai bus station (on Wednesday 24 November) dead on time. I'm amazed that it's so small and not close to the center. I don't notice any taxis which is a little puzzling. After asking the lady sitting next to me she advises there are tuk tuks here. Great another ride in a tuk tuk :)
15 minutes later we pull up at the hotel, I was rather surprised it took so long and given we drove on the open road (a tad scary!) I was pleased it wasn't any longer.
Check-in was nice and easy, I was upgraded which is lovely and taken to the room. On entering all I could smell is paint, there is no way I'll be staying here! Was all sorted within a few minutes and I was put into another room. I definitely cannot fault the service here, very different to the Chiang Mai hotel.
I had a couple of hours relaxing at the hotel - had a late lunch and read up on the must see's.
At 5pm I took the hotel shuttle into the city center. The first thing I noticed was how much smaller and quieter it is than Chiang Mai, a nice change. I wandered the streets for a bit, everyone either smiled at me or said hello. Came across the Wat Jed Yod, which is a very colourful Wat. I was fortunate enough to see and hear a Monk praying and chanting - if he hadn't stopped I'd still be there!!
Stopped off for a bottle of the local beer, Chang, at the Lamyai Bar. Nice to pass time people/tuk tuk/motorbike watching.
Before taking the shuttle back to the hotel I wander around the night market, seems tiny after the markets in Chiang Mai.
I came across a Tesco (and we all know how much I love Tesco!) and had to go in - brought a couple of bottles of the local beer to enjoy later.
After finally booking a flight from HK to Hanoi and researching places to stay in Vietnam, I have a relaxing evening.
Thursday morning after a little sleep in and breakfast I have a couple of hours by the pool - super relaxing! I love being able to get in and out of the water at my hearts desire. Mental note to buy a house with a pool, or put one in.
I took the 2pm shuttle to Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park. I discovered after the shuttle drove away that it's free for Le Meridien guests, a nice gesture. I know nothing about this place, which is a little odd, however wandering around I'm amazed at how tranquil it is - a large osias in the middle of Chiang Rai.
In the exhibition hall I learn all about teak, including seeing many day-to-day items that were used in the "olden days". Rather amazing to think what people survived on and how things are very different now.
Th shuttle arrived early and after asking if the driver wanted to have a break (no he didn't) we set off for town. As I was the only passenger he dropped me directly at the Hilltribe Museum and Education Center, and gave me strict instructions on how to get back to the meeting place for later on.
The musuesm shed light on how the tribal people of Northern Thailand live. There is an abanance of information, all extremely interesting, on how the 6 different tribes live. One thing that really amazed me was how teenage boys who have sisters at a marrying age have to go and sleep on the balcony of their friends house. The girls of marrying age, which wasn't said, had a separate entrance to the house. A completely different world to the one we all live in.
Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant (yes it's really called that, and there is one in Bangkok too) is directly below the museum so I thought it only appropriate I stop in for a beer to support a good local cause.
From here I wander to the city center, where I was last night. I have a request to buy chewing gum for someone in Singapore so do that then head to Aye's restaurant which comes recommended. Given it's still early, and nothing on the menu jumps out, I decide to have a beer only.
Just before leaving the restaurant I notice two people walking down the street with packs on, the first thought I have is dread....that will be me in less than 2 weeks and I'm so not looking forward to it.
I had one hour before the hotel shuttle was collecting me and decided I needed to eat something out rather than in the hotel where it would be at least 5 times more! I met a lovely couple from Kansas City, Missouri who were on their honeymoon. Was great for me to say I've been to their city before.
Friday morning, after breakfast, I retired to the pool and got my nose into a book. I hadn't booked a shuttle to the center but knew I could get a taxi one way, so sat back and enjoyed the sun, book and pool.
Mid afternoon I thought I'd had enough sun and was preparing to go out, however the book was calling so instead I finished the book and had drinks and dinner in the hotel.
Saturday (27 November) I was up early to catch my 9.15am bus back to Chiang Mai where I'll have 4 hours before flying back to Singapore via Bangkok.
After a quick breakfast I finished packing then the blood pressure started to rise waiting for a taxi to take me to the bus station. Thankfully we drove like it was the F1 and made it with minutes to spear.
The bus ride back seemed to be worse than coming, think this was due to me knowing how windy the road was. No sick which was an added bonus.
After dropping my suitcase with the Le Meridien I had two hours to spare before heading to the airport. Went in search of coffee and ended up having lunch brought for me by an American man who has lived in Chiang Mai for 10 years. Heard rather a lot of stories about a foreigner in Chiang Mai.....most not for this blog! Unfortunately I will now be looking at people differently.
I walked back to the hotel, collected by bag and headed to the airport. It was a long journey due to traffic and the taxi constantly stopping - he was super low on petrol. Blood pressure was rather high, however made it safely.
I've had a great time in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, however next time I'll be staying for longer.
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