Bussing to Chiang Saen >> Travel: Laos, Myanmar, Thailand 26

Oct 26: Evening, Chiang Rai

We made a short trip out of sleepy Chiang Rai today. We took the bus to Chiang Saen, on the fringe of the Golden Triangle. Laos, Myanmar and Thailand share the Mekong at this juncture.

The space between our bus seats was very small. I, a five-footer, had no problem. But, Annie, who hit five feet six, had to place her legs diagonally across the cramped space. I could see her legs spilling onto the aisle.

That is what I admire about the people in this region. So many of the Thai, Lao and Myanmar people are agile and elegant. Climbing steep and narrow steps to a temple or archaeological ruins; manoeuvring to drop into a longtail undulating on the water; making space to accommodate yet another passenger in a vehicle seemingly bursting at its seams; all done with minimal fuss and so gracefully.

Despite the cramp, we had a pleasant trip to Chiang Saen. Nice breeze, gentle scenery. Very relaxing because the bus was not crowded.

At Wat Chedi Luang, we sat on the matted floor and enjoyed the serenity of the sanctuary. A guide came with two visitors.

After a while, the guide came over. He told us his visitors were from Perth. When we told him we came by bus, all three looked at us.

"By public bus?" The guide repeated.

They looked surprised. We did not know why. We were 'guideless' and obviously on our own. Had we missed something here?

The trip back was equally pleasant and after a short rest, we are now dressing up to go to the Chiang Rai night bazaar for a bite of dinner.

Oct 26: Night

The night bazaar sells loads of food, especially deep-fried stuff. Huge platters of meat and seafood balls, spring rolls, innards and insects, all prominently displayed to tempt the tastebuds. Pick what you want and the hawker serves it on a plate or pack it for you to take away. From 10 baht onwards, you can order a generous plate of grub to go with your beer under the balmy night sky.

We walked and gawked at the array of fried insects. The crickets looked particularly ghastly, like roaches! The worms looked just that tad more appetising. Getting a plate of worms was simply too overwhelming before dinner (or after), so we strolled on to more pedestrian fare.

Compared to the night before, tonight, a Saturday, was more crowded. More stalls were opened too. Diners ate al fresco and in relative darkness, eyes glued to the performers on the large stage in front. When we were there, a lone guy was on stage singing and playing the guitar. This was followed by three dancers putting on a very tacky routine.

Back in our room, I decided to watch the Pool versus Spurs match on ESPN. This is killing two birds with one stone because I get to enjoy a bout of armchair sports while getting out of Annie's hair for an hour or two.

When on the road for a while, we find it worthwhile to set aside an hour or so each night for reading, writing or folding clothes. These pockets of time to ourselves make for a more harmonious relationship on the road.

Budget (for two in baht)

Oct 26
Room >> B350
Breakfast >> B40
Bus to Chiang Saen >> B50
H2O + donation + museum >> B90
Lunch >> B40
Bus to Chiangrai >> B50
Internet >> B26
Tea >> B61
Dinner + spring rolls >> B250

Oct 27
Room >> B350
Breakfast + Curry puffs >> B30
Donation + Groceries >> B59
Lunch + Kueh (local cakes) >> B60
Internet >> B47
Tea >> B50
Dinner >> B190
Ice-cream >> B64

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