After Mae Hong Song I treaveled to Chiang Khong, a border town between Lao and Thailand. I only had a couple days to be in Lao before I had to be back in Chiang Mai and a visa to get in the country was about $45 so I didn't go to mainland Laos but I did go to an Island that is considered Lao territory (it was incredibly cheaper!) I rented a motorcycle and went to see the Mekong river. I hired a boat driver to take me around the river and to the island of Don Sao (Lao) for a half day. When I got onto the island I was offered a shot of whisky that was aged in King Cobra- whisky seems to be the common theme of this trip. The cobra was supposed to help you with fortune and health so I tried it! The island was cool and I was really glad I got to take a mini trip on the Mekong river. I got to ride along the border of Lao, Myanmar, and Thailand all in one trip. After that I rode along the Mekong river on the Thai side until I came to Mae Sai about 40 miles north of Chiang Khong. With songkran coming up, every little village I passed through would through would trow buckets of water on me- it was refreshing becuase it is extremely hot this time of year in Thailand! I came to Mae Sai to venture into one of the large caves in the area. I came to Tham Lot and there were 13 people there. One person who rented out gas lanterns for 30 baht and 12 monks. I borrowed the gas lamp and headed into the cave- it was huge! After about 15 minutes I was actually freaked out because if that lamp went out I would be stranded, as the cave stretched over a mile into the rock. Then I heard voices coming, it was the monks! They came to show me around the cave. They only spoke Thai and I didn't understand what they were saying but it was such a crazy experience. The walked through the cave with only candle and most of them were barefoot. At points in the cave we had to crawl on our hands and knees to get to the next opening- I felt like Indiana Jones!
I then headed back to Chaing Mai for Songkran. This is the Thai new year and it is on April 13-15 every year. The tradition started off as younger Thais sprinkling water over the older generations hands as well as the monks to refresh them for the new year and wish them luck. Today, however, it has become the world's biggest water fight! You walk around and everyone has a bucket in their hand that they toss at you. There is no way of avoinding the water. When I arrived in Chaing Mai at the bus station I had my bags with me and had to walk to the center of the city to a hotel- on the way I got completely drenched! I was very nervous about my camera and laptop but I wrapped everything several times in plastic. For 4 days you would just walk around the city and get completely soaked. I met up with my host family on the second day and stayed with them another 2 days. It was quite difficult trying to meet up in one agreed destination when there is such a large language gap but I was really happy to see them again.
After the madness of Songkran I started my venture south and visited Khoa Yai national park. It is known as South East Asia's best national parks and I camped out in the wilderness. I got to see two different species of Gibbons (hanging monkeys) and about 6 hornbill birds with wingspans of over 10 feet! The next day I hitch-hiked my way 30 miles out the the park and headed to Cambodia where on the bus I met this cool girl who was ready for an adventure. Instead of taking the bus like tourists we hopped into the back of a pick up truck and made our way 5 hours to Siem Riep to visit Angkor Wat along a rough dirt road. We woke up before sunrise and headed to the temple to watch the amazing lightshow from the sun. I think seeing Angkor Wat may be the most amazing part of my trip so far! It was incredible to see the site where some much history has taken place. Cambodia itself is way less developed than Thailand so I felt as if I was in India at points. We spent the day visiting all the surrounding temples and stayed until sunset. From there we hid in the jungle until they lit up the temple to avoid paying the large entrance fee. I snapped a few photos then we were escorted out by the police.
The next morning (today) I hopped on a bus and met a friend to travel to the islands of Thailand. First stop, Ko Phan Ngang for the notoriously large full moon party. My time in Thailand is going quick so I will update when possible but am trying to soak up every minute! I am of on an overnight bus trip in 2 hours to then take a 3 hour boat ride to the islands. I've worked very hard so far on my trip so now I am on vaction and am going to get some rest and relaxation.
May 1st, I am off to Hong Kong!
No comments:
Post a Comment