TO CHIANGMAI WITH LOVE (12 to 17 JUN 2006)

I flew by NokAir on 12 Jun at 9.05am from Bangkok. Arrived Chiangmai feeling very lost at the airport as I was too tired. Upon arrival, was invited by the owner from Hawaii to stay in his CM Blue House. Very clean room, liked the balcony area very much since I liked to do laundry daily. I booked 2 land tours and a two-day trek. At night, visited the popular night bazaar with stall-holders watching the World Cup 2006 and running the stalls at the same time.

13 Jun - Visited Chiangrai, golden triangle area (7.30am-8.30pm). About 4 hours ride on a mini-van with many sharp curves on a hilly road. A Singaporean guy sat next to me felt very uncomfortable with the ride. However, I enjoyed the ride. Saw 3 hot springs and took a speed boat ride on the Mekong River to see the Burma and Laos borders. In the afternoon, visited the long neck people - Karen hill tribe and the big ear people - Lahu hill tribe. Quite amazingly, the ladies from the Karen hill tribe put on rings of brass around their necks. The brass of rings could be as heavy as 5 kg. Saw a beautiful sunset on the mountain range. What a pleasant evening!

14 Jun - Visited Doi Inthanon National Park, the highest mountain in Thailand of 2565m with many species of birds and plants (8.30am-4pm). Was greeted by a magnificent Vachiratharn Waterfall. Next, visited two pagodas - one for the king and another for the queen. The surrounding landscape with gardens and flowers made it very lovely indeed. Visited another waterfall and bought 2 neck scarves from the Karen hill tribe. There were only 3 tourists, a Cambodian publisher, a Malaysian musician and me. The 2 tourists spoke Thai very fluently and I had to learn from them.

15 & 16 Jun – I was in for a shock. I had to trek with 10 travellers to a mountain called Huay Kub Kab, height 1050m located in Mae Tang area (9.30am-5pm the next day). I did not put on proper shoes. Thus difficulty in climbing up many slopes. Fortunately, my trekking guide, Nikorn, helped me by getting me a bamboo walking stick and carrying my heavy backpack along the way. He told me to take my time. Had shower at the waterfall. The most enjoyable shower in the muddy water!! After walking for about 4 hours, reached the Lahu village. For dinner, Nikorn cooked delicious green curry chicken and stir-fried vegetables. Some Lahu kids entertained us with their songs and dances. At night, played number game with other travellers and had faces painted when a mistake was made. Stayed overnight at the Lahu village. Next day was another shock for me. Going downhill was not fun as the slopes were steep and had to cross many rivers and walking on rocks. Later, had elephant ride. My pet elephant named Bullock gave me and a Canadian lady a comfortable ride. Next, water rafting on the rubber boat with a young Korean couple leading. Quite exciting as compared to the slow bamboo rafting. My legs and arms were aching. I threw away my worn-out shoes. AN UNFORGETTABLE TREK!!

Thanks to my trekking guide, Nikorn. Nikorn means Dragon. He loves trekking because he was born “in a mountain” and had experienced the warm hospitality from the hill tribes. He had been trekking to many mountains for the past 6 years. He is indeed “The Dragon of the Mountains”.

17 Jun - Visited the handicraft centre at Sankampaeng and bought a small little wooden elephant, named it Khan Klauy. Khan Klauy was one of my favourite Thai animation movies about a brave elephant. Time to depart by the 6.25pm Tiger Airways TR129 to Singapore.

I prefer Chiangmai to Bangkok as there were many beautifully decorated little wooden pubs, comfortable guesthouses, big mountains, rushing rivers, waterfalls, fruit farms, helpful trekking guides and hospitable hill tribes

To Chiangmai With Love, You had won my heart.