| From Thaton to Chiang Rai, Thailand --- 4 December |
Around 12:30pm we were picked up by a longtail boat for the 4-hour trip to Chiang Rai. A
longtail boat is very common in Thailand and Laos; the "long tail" of the small boat consists of a
large engine (often an automobile engine) with a long straight shaft with a propeller at the end; this
is all balanced on a swivel with which the boat operator can steer by swinging the whole
contraption from side to side, or maneuver through shallow waters by lifting the propeller out of
the water when required.
longtail boat is very common in Thailand and Laos; the "long tail" of the small boat consists of a
large engine (often an automobile engine) with a long straight shaft with a propeller at the end; this
is all balanced on a swivel with which the boat operator can steer by swinging the whole
contraption from side to side, or maneuver through shallow waters by lifting the propeller out of
the water when required.
In addition to us two, the passengers included a young Dutch couple who sent with us all the way to
Chiang Rai, also a Thai family of 4 or 5 (and a lot of baggage) who got off with their cargo at their
riverbank home along the way; also an Asian couple, we believe from Taiwan, who got off at the
riverside village of Ban Raumit. Thus we were about ten in the boat. The cruise was very scenic,
passing attractive fields, hills, forests, and villages. We got splashed by spray going through minor
rapids, also a couple of drenchings which became almost dry by the time we got to Chiang Rai. A very
pleasant trip.
Chiang Rai, also a Thai family of 4 or 5 (and a lot of baggage) who got off with their cargo at their
riverbank home along the way; also an Asian couple, we believe from Taiwan, who got off at the
riverside village of Ban Raumit. Thus we were about ten in the boat. The cruise was very scenic,
passing attractive fields, hills, forests, and villages. We got splashed by spray going through minor
rapids, also a couple of drenchings which became almost dry by the time we got to Chiang Rai. A very
pleasant trip.
Thai family's cargo after it was unloaded at their village.
Thai family and their cargo on our boat to Chiang Rai.
When our boat arrived at the riverside village of Ban Raumit We had a stop of about fifteen minutes.
Here the couple we believe to be from Taiwan got off the boat and rode away on elephants. The
village is trying to develop its tourist business by providing elephant rides, mainly to nearby hilltribe
villages.
Here the couple we believe to be from Taiwan got off the boat and rode away on elephants. The
village is trying to develop its tourist business by providing elephant rides, mainly to nearby hilltribe
villages.
Elephants by the Nam Kok River in Ban Ruamit.
Tourist preparing to feed elephant.
Upon arrival of our boat at the dock in Chiang Rai we shared a pickup-taxi with the Dutch couple
to their guest house. Then we continued to our "Sun & Moon Hotel", a great find! A new hotel, our
room immaculate, with an attractive view, quiet, and fully furnished to international standards
including a refrigerator and an American-type bathroom with tub. All for 500 baht (US$13)
including a light continental breakfast delivered to our room. The most luxurious and best bargain
accommodation we have seen in a long time.
to their guest house. Then we continued to our "Sun & Moon Hotel", a great find! A new hotel, our
room immaculate, with an attractive view, quiet, and fully furnished to international standards
including a refrigerator and an American-type bathroom with tub. All for 500 baht (US$13)
including a light continental breakfast delivered to our room. The most luxurious and best bargain
accommodation we have seen in a long time.
After bathing, doing our laundry, and resting we went to dinner at one of the many nearby
restaurants. During our after-dinner walk we came to a square with a statue of King Mengra, the
founder of Chiang Rai. The square was brightly lit and highly decorated for some special occasion,
and included an open air shrine facing the statue, in front of which devotees prayed and left offerings
of flowers and food.
restaurants. During our after-dinner walk we came to a square with a statue of King Mengra, the
founder of Chiang Rai. The square was brightly lit and highly decorated for some special occasion,
and included an open air shrine facing the statue, in front of which devotees prayed and left offerings
of flowers and food.
Decorated statue of King Mengra,
founder of Chiang Rai,
founder of Chiang Rai,