Day 1 of Northern Thai trip (part2): Golden Triangle

Previously:

Day 1 of Northern Thai Trip: Bhumibol Dam And Wat Rong Khun

After passing Chiang Rai city, we then headed up to further north where the three countries meet: Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. 

Buddha statue next to Mekong River

In this triangle point, we can also across the river to visit Don Sao, a small province of Lao PDR.  Only a small market though, we didn't go too far.  However, it is an extreme market, beside selling Lao fabrics and souvenirs, they also selling animal infused liquor, if you guys interested. 

Nice lunch along the Mekong river

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Northern Thailand:
Day 2 of Northern Thai Trip: Charin Garden Resort and Wat Doi Suthep

Day 1 of Northern Thai Trip: Bhumibol Dam And Wat Rong Khun

I really can't get enough of Northern part of Thailand, my favorite holiday destination from all regions.  This family trip is taken around new year break.  Visiting main area like Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. 

First stop after a long drive last night was this Bhumibol Dam in Amphoe Sam Ngao district of Tak Province.  This dam is named after Thailand's King and is a beautiful arch dam on the ping river.  Then not far from there, there is a small local morning market, selling homey food, fresh fruit and vegetables. 

Pork Congee with extra egg

Local morning market

Wat Rong Khun

Next stop and a must visit is this Wat Rong Khun.  It is like a white temple, painted in white and stick in pieces of glass that sparkling in the sun.  This temple is designed by a famous Thai artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat.  He had ever dreamed about heaven and then build this temple accordingly.  However, this temple is not finished yet, eventually there will be nine buildings in total.  So far for me, this temple is the most beautiful looking temple with white color and shining glasses, simply like heaven even I haven't seen one.  

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Chiang Rai:

Day 1 of Northern Thai Trip (part 2): Golden Triangle

Journey Back To Bangkok From Chiang Rai

We spotted this chic boutique café along the main road back to Bangkok from Chiang Rai.  This tiny café not only serve nice coffees and sweets but they also provide a homestay on the second level of the shop.  It is a little bit far from anywhere, however it should be relax and chill out for just a night or two staying in.

Deep Chocolate Frappe

We also made another short stop at Cocolampang at Lampang city.  A cute community theme park, complete with small souvenirs shops, food and iconic symbol of Lampang city, which are horse and ceramic bowl.  

Cocolampang

Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai - Day 7

Previously:

Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai





Buffett breakfast @ The Legend Chiang Rai

Where's the places in the world that you can actually cross the boarder area of 3 countries in one day??  Where else on earth if not in here the Golden Triangle between Thailand, Laos and Burma.  We caught the small long-tail boat to cross the Mekong river to the border city of Laos, Donsao.  Not much that we can actually see in here, only a tiny town with small market selling very authentic and local stuffs.  Then, we visited Tha Khi Lek, Burma where we spent nearly all day for shopping madness.  Let me tell you guys, if you ever heard about Petaling in Malaysia for their cheap bargain fake brand name stuffs.  I have been to both of them and I can guarantee that this place in Tha Khi Lek is absolutely BETTER, BIGGER and CHEAPER too.  The market is very enormous and the price is ridiculously cheap (but you need your bargaining skill though).  In here, the fake brand name products divided into different levels, where the A graded is the best one and looks almost the same with the real one like you can't tell, but of course it comes with the price.  So, good luck hunting!!!!

My apologise, I couldn't show you any photo of the market, as you know Burma is still in developing country and quite poor and money pick-pocketing is normal there.  That's why I brought less valuable things with me including my camera and big handbag is a NO NO while shopping in there.  So yeah quite careful with that.

Apparently, this is no ordinary liquor like what we know.  The traditional snake whiskey and wine take the brew to another level.  The drink infused with a real snake, sometime cobra or even gecko, believed to enhance men's sex performance and health improvement.  Not surprise, the local make lots of money out of these stuffs.


Border view separated by Mekong river that flow from China

Buffet lunch @ The Border View Restaurant, Imperial Golden Triangle Hotel



Complimentary 'honeymoon' cake while we staying @ the Imperial Golden Triangle Hotel

Imperial Golden Triangle Hotel

222 Golden Triangle

Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai

Ph: +66 53 784 001



That's all folks for my Northern Thailand's journey and I was so regretted to not taking lots of photos at that time.  That's why here in my blog, I can't really give and picturised how beautiful and spectacular is Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.  But someday, I will definitely come back to this place and make sure I won't miss any single shot.. Stay tune guys for my next holiday blog in a very charming and off beaten track country, Laos.  But for now, Octie Appetie guys...