We left Chiang Dao this morning, setting off in a heavy mist. It was the first time since arriving in Thailand where we were tempted to pull out our jackets... or at least Nicky was tempted to. But it didn't last too long and we were soon riding in early morning sunshine.
The first half of the ride to Thaton was along winding, undulating roads through lush forests. The sound of the birds and the rays of sunshine breaking through the branches over head made it a beautiful ride. We are getting closer to the border of Myanmar and we saw some hill tribe people for the first time. They were sitting in a truck on the side of the road. A small girl smiled and waved furiously at us as we passed by while the adults eyed us a little more warily. We hope to see more hill tribe people when we go trekking in the coming weeks.
(Early morning mist covering the mountains in Chiang Dao)
(Leaving Chiang Dao)
(A woman from a hill tribe)
The second half of the ride was flat and the road became busier. We passed through sprawling towns, stopping for some food along the way. At one point we were passed by four large, touring motorbikes and we were given the thumbs up by the riders as they drove past. It's definitely little moments of connection like that where you get a wave or a smile that encourage you to keep going. After about 80km, we came to Fang. There didn't seem to be much to Fang with the exception of the rickshaws. The drivers all looked like real characters with leather vests and cowboy style hats and their rickshaws were equally quirky.
(One of the many rickshaws we saw in Fang)
After 107km, we arrived at Thaton, a small riverside town from where we would catch a long boat to Chiang Rai. We had arranged accommodation at the Apple Resort before we left Chiang Dao. Our bodies were feeling pretty tired after covering two reasonable distances in two days, so we couldn't resist a bit of a cat nap before heading out for dinner at a little riverside restaurant. It was a good day and we are looking forward to the boat ride to Chiang Rai in the morning.
(Our garden bungalow at the Apple Resort)
(A long boat coming up the river from Chiang Rai)
(Thaton's colourful bridge)
No comments:
Post a Comment