Mong Doo Nam (view of the river)

Trip Start Dec 06, 2009
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5
Trip End Ongoing


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Where I stayed
Bye Bye Bangkok
Toi's house
(Chiang Saen hotels)

Flag of Thailand  , Chiang Rai,
Friday, April 30, 2010

A constant companion in each country visited so far has been the Mighty Mekong.  So when we found ourselves in Chiang Saen, which sits right on its banks in the most northern province of Thailand, we felt right at ease.  The town is beside Sop Ruak, known as the 'Golden Triangle' cos you can see Laos and Burma from the one spot - hence the Triangle bit.  However, the 'Golden' bit is slightly more ominous, it comes from the highly lucrative if past practice of poppy growing to make and sell opium.  Needless to say, this brought with it success a whole heap of other problems and now is illegal. 

ANYWAY, I got a months work here doing a summer school and although first impressions said the town was a bit small and a bit quiet, we've had great craic here. We have visited Chiang Rai, Chaing Mai, Laos, Niall went to Burma, taken boat trips and seen temples like you have never seen before. It is a quiet place. But its charm lies in the people, the easy life that you very quickly grow accustomed to, the amazing food and the hill-tribe folk that we were able to meet as real people not as tourists
the black temple
the black temple
.

Being able to see Laos everyday meant we got to eat with our fingers alot again and ITS SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT! Sticky rice and anything. Coconut milk. Mango. Pork. Chicken. Chilli. Banana. Whatever - its just great.  We also fell slightly in lust with the one and only western bar in the place which showed football and served reasonably priced beer with free wifi thrown in. Great combination!

Oh yeah, back to the school. The main reason why we were here.  They were devils, angels, con artists and sweethearts all rolled into one and all aged between 3 and 12.  But we played more games and made so much noise that you couldn't help but have the craic. At least I did.  I got to be a child again. And Jaysus, its been ages! Haven't been a child in a few months now! :)

And so, as ever, we're moving on. Ever the nomads but we a have set our sights on Surat Thani town. Half way between the coasts of Phuket and the islands of Samui, Phanang and Tao, we're dreaming of alternating diving locations and seasons so suit ourselves.  Need I say more?;)  So come visit. 

 
 
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