I am spending the couple of days I have free in Chiang Mai to explore the city and do some sightseeing in northern Thailand. This area is the historic heartland of the Lanna Thai culture. Yesterday, I signed-up for a one-day tour of Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle (famous for the opium trade in 1970's). Twelve of us left Chiang Mai by van at 7:30 a.m. We returned thirteen hours later - thouroughly exhausted.
It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. I am too weary for many words. So, I will share some photos instead.
Below is an ancient Buddhist wat (temple) outside of Chiang Rai --- at one time the Lanna Thai capital.
We visited the Golden Triangle area of the Mekong River where Thailand, Burma, and Laos meet. Here is an image of the large Buddha that guards the Thai side of the river.
We crossed the Mekong and entered Laos at Don Xao where we received a Laotian entry stamp in our Visas --- for a small fee of course! A particularly unusual item was for sale. Below is an image of Laotian whiskey with snake and/or scorpion. I didn't purchase any!
We also visited the market town of Mae Sai. For an entry fee of approximately $15.00 we could cross into Burma. However, none in our party wanted to give the Burmese junta any additional aid. So, below is a photo taken from Thailand looking into Burma.
