Arrived into Krabi & it soon became evident that this is where all the people were! Yeah! Decided to catch a local bus to a nearby beach. Some locals (who spoke no English) helped me catch this minibus type thing. I had no idea where I was going but I hopped on the bus & ended up at a place called Ao Nang. It was really windy & threatening rain but it stayed dry so I could enjoy the beautiful beach, which had huge limestone rock formations in the sea. I ended up having a full body Thai massage in one of the numerous huts on the beach. Bliss. I caught another minibus back to the hostel. Later I had food in the night market near the harbour, only 5 minute's walk from the hostel. I quite fancied a beer but today was a booze free day in Thailand due to a Buddhist celebration. Back at the hostel, word was going round that there was a bar close by that was selling booze. A few of us headed there & met the Italian owner & his Thai wife. They weren't bothered about the booze ban! Had a fun night with people from the hostel. Went to bed a little bit tipsy!
Next day I had a lazy morning then headed to the airport to catch the flight to Chiang Mai. So glad I booked it and avoided Bangkok! The Hostel in Chiang Mai was ok. Lots of young people (a lot of Brits) which I was expecting as Thailand at this time of year is full of students on their summer hols, but I was tired & a bit hungover & didn't feel like socialising, so I went off on my own to walk around the night market. Bought 2 dresses for £9. Nice!
Sunday I was up early as I wanted to see as much of Chiang Mai as I could. Walked around visiting several temple's & enjoyed what the city had to offer. After my standard Pad Thai lunch, I had booked myself on a half day tour to visit one of the most significant temples in Thailand: Wat Suthep. The mini bus consisted of just girls. Clearly none of us wanted to drive a moped up the windy road to the temple! Bit of a rainy day but once at the temple the sun came out so we could enjoy the beauty of the gold temple shimmering in the sunlight. We also visited a traditional village close by, learning about the history but finding the museum very random so laughing rather than taking anything in! Wish I had a photo but we weren't allowed to take pictures. Later I went to the Sunday night market. Omg it was huge! I walked around for the best part of 2 hours & still didn't see all of it. It rained the whole time I was there so I trundled back to the hostel, soaked right through. I need to buy a waterproof jacket or brolly but it feels wrong when in Thailand!
After Chiang Mai I stayed for 2 nights in Sukhothai. Had a lovely day cycling around Thailand's first capital. The old city is a World Heritage Site & includes the remains of 21 temples within the city's ancient walls. It was a gorgeous day & I cycled for miles. Loved it here. I made friend's with a 19 year old Thai girl on the 5 hour bus journey there, getting by with the help of Google translate on her ipad, I learned about her life & she made me try some fruit I'd never had before but I can't remember the name now!
Following Chiang Mai I stayed 2 nights in Pai. Met another Thai girl on the mini bus who managed to spill cold coffee into my seat & all over me so I felt like I'd wet myself for the last hour of the journey! Not that I've ever done that of course....... ! Pai was amazing. Really laid back & chilled. I did a half day tour (which turned into a whole day tour as the guide spoke no English so was unable to tell us how long to stay at places), just me & 8 Chinese people visiting sights around the area; a temple, waterfall, memorial bridge, coffee shops & some other places. Saw some elephants! Made friend's with an 8 year old Chinese girl who was in the tour who spoke no English. She was so adorable. Yes I'm getting soft in my old age! That night I met up with Eilidh, a Scottish girl I'd met on the way to Pai. We went to the 'secret bar' which I don't think was that secretive but anyway, it was cool in there. Reminded me of being at a festival. We declined the offer of the free salad (really?!) & had drinks instead. A guy played the didgeridoo, guitar & drums at the same time. He was so good! After he finished they started playing really heavy dance music which was inappropriate for that time of night, so we left & went to the Jazz cafe. Watched some live music there, had my first booze bucket of my travels (Sangsom & coke) & headed to bed. Glad I did as I had a 9 hour journey the next day & a very windy road! Barf!
My last destination to spend the day in Thailand (for now anyway) was Chaing Rai. I'd been told a visit to the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) was a must and it was on my way to get to Laos. The temple had been damaged recently by an earthquake and the day I decided to visit, they were having a day of celebration to pray as they are worried another earthquake is going to damage it further. The temple was really beautiful & unlike any I had seen before. Everyone at the temple was so friendly. A lady even held my hand to get me across the busy road beside it! They were all wearing white clothes as part of the celebrations. Glad I went that day! That evening I caught the local bus to a Chiang Kong where I was staying overnight before Laos.
Lot of travelling around this last week with some mammoth bus journeys but glad I got to see so much. I would love to return to the north of Thailand again as I loved it & could spend longer there. The people in Thailand are so friendly & after everything that's happened recently, they are glad to see you. One lady even thanked me for coming to Thailand. Now onwards to Laos.
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