Friendly, safe, rich in culture and national parks full of wildlife, the country where even the street food is ‘divine’; Thailand is for everyone! It is high time to experience this in person, and also to make use of the central location in Southeast Asia. By invitation I visit the attractions in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, take a trip to the beautiful Luang Prabang (Laos), and finish this eight-day adventure in Bangkok with a lively night out.
On Tuesday, August 20th, it’s time! I’m leaving Schiphol for Bangkok,Thailand. On arrival at Bangkok airport I switch to a flight to Chiang Rai. In the waiting area for this flight I meet our French-Thai tour leader.
THE HIGH NORTH
Mid-afternoon we arrive at Chiang Raiairport. Here the guide named Are is waiting for us. He accompanies us to the driver who is standing by in the parking lot with the transport for the next few days.
Along the way we get the first impressions of this northern region of Thailand. It clicks right away with Are, what a fun, funny and professional guide. Along the way, he sprinkles with all kinds of interesting facts.
The next few days I will go on further exploration to the Golden Triangle,the famous three countries point of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. In the past, this was an important Thai region due to the poppy cultivation and opium trade. Here I visit, among other things, the Wat Pa Sak Buddhist temple from the Lanna Kingdomsurrounded by countless teak trees.
Then on to Chiang Mai where we visit Wat Pra Singg,Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Suan Dok and Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and Wat Chiang Man,my personal highlight of the day!
What Chiang Man is a temple complex with several structures. Very special is the old elephants chedi with golden roof. Well worth a visit!
Particularly green and especially mountainous
At Chiang Mai airport I say goodbye to the driver and the unforgettable guide. From Chiang Mai, the journey by plane continues to Luang Prabang. From the plane you get the first impressions of Laos. The landscape is particularly green and especially mountainous, a nice taste of what is to come.
Arriving at Luang Prabang airport, I am welcomed by the new guide.
SPECIAL LEGACY FROM THE FRENCH COLONIAL PERIOD
Over the next few days we will explore this old French colonial town that is hidden among the green mountains of northern Laos. The impressive Luang Prabang is also called the pearl of the Mekong, i can certainly confirm this. As far as I’m concerned, it’s one of the nicest cities in Asia! It is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other in the old town, very uncluttered. Also easy to explore by bike. A nice walk or tour can be mapped out in this town, go through the main street and return by road along the river or vice versa.
I visit The Royal Palace Museum. This former royal palace is no longer in use for official occasions but only serves as a museum. Taking pictures is not allowed in the palace. Then Wat Xieng Thon, one of the most beautiful temples of this city that is also a monastery.
I also visit the Pak Ou cave,known for the large numbers of Buddha statues present. You can reach it by boat trip. The markets are also worth while. I visit the night market at the beginning of the Sisavangvong Road and the lesser known/visited local early morning market on the street to the left of the Wat May Souvannapoumaram,where food is mainly sold to the locals.
Tip 1:
Stay at least 3 nights to enjoy all that the special and quite unknown Luang Prabang – especially compared to Thailand – has to offer.
Tip 2:
The monks walk through the Sisavangvong Road at sunrise. Bring rice to sacrifice to the monks. Very special to see the monks walking by in a procession. This activity of the monks is becoming more and more well known among tourists.
Tip 3:
Take a trip to the Kuang Si waterfall. According to many impressive and one of the highlights of Luang Prabang, located about 40 minutes drive from the city (was not on our program however noteworthy, a must see for my next visit to Luang Prabang).
