As It Happens: Meet Me In Chaing Mai

My old friend from BKK once had said “Meet me in Chiang Mai during Songkran – it’s amazing there”. I wish I could be there during Songkran – but what chronicles below is a trip I took last weekend lasting three days.

City of Chiang Mai as seen from Doi Sutep temple that sits on a sorrounding hill. Chaing Mai seems very similar to Kathmandu valley.

Native Hmong Kids in a village near Doi Sutep temple. They were sitting in a hut by the hill side - Ready to strike a pose - for a little chunk change .......of course. Which I readily obliged - how could I resist.

Once an Opium producing Poppy field - turned into a botanical garden in this Hmong Village near Doi Sutep temple.

Our guide told me that there was a 107 years old man that lived in the Hmong Village - which was a tourist attraction in itself. First I thought it was a joke but low n' behold there he was sitting by one of the shops near village entrance. What's the secret for such a longivity I asked - "Couintry life and lots of Opium!!!" came back the answer from our guide.

Saw this sculpture on foot steps of a (entrely white) temple on our way to Chiang Rai and Golden triangle on second day. These live size hands seem to sprout out of the ground - as if trying for a reach. Very symbolic yet disturbing!!!!

Some old "Stupa" style temple as I reach near golden traingle. This temple was built by some King from the area about 1000 years ago.

Finally at the golden triangle. This gate lies on the shore of Mekong river in Thailnad side.

The mighy Mekong at first glimpse - but the clouds were rolling in soon.

No caption needed - Sign tells the story!!

And what do they have at the river delta at the heart of golden tringle?? A "Paradise"!!! "Paradise Casino" that is!!! Once a prime center for Poppy trade - now an area coomon to all three countries.