Thailand Vacation, March 2008

By Bernadette Johnson

(Continued)

In the first issue, my vacation began with arriving Bangkok in the early morning of Tuesday, followed by a tour group orientation mid morning, then the City and Temple Tour – the first of many, many tours – later that afternoon. The day concluded with a Thai style dinner accompanied by Thai classical music and dance in evening.

Wednesday began with a visit to one of the most famous Floating Markets, Damnoen Saduak, and a tour of the Grand Palace and The Emerald Buddha rounded out the afternoon.

Thursday and Friday began our road journey in Bangkok that would take us north to the tip of Thailand – The Golden Triangle – then back down to Bangkok.

Saturday resume the continuation of last month’s issue as we depart Lampang and drive to Ko Kah to see Wat Phra Dhat Lampang Luang, housing the only Emerald Buddha besides the one at Wat Phra Keo in Bangkok. Depart for Phayao, a unique rural town with short stop at Kwan Phayao, the big nature lake in Thailand. Along the way, we had the pleasure of a quick stop at a Pineapple Farm. We learned the basics of pineapple farming and harvesting, in addition to enjoying treats of freshly picked pineapples. Proceed to Chiang Rai, visit Chiang Saen, the former capital of the first Thai Lanna Kingdom, situated directly on the Mekong River at the border between Thailand and Laos. Continued by long-tailed speedboat on the Mekong River towards the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos converge. In order to actually see the borders from an aerial view, we had to climb half way up a steep hill with too many stairs to count, and then hike the remainder of the way to the top. The view was well worth the effort and quite momentous. Later that evening we checked into our hotel for the next two nights.

Sunday I opted for the Boat Trip and Hilltribe Village tour on board a typical long-tail boat for an hour ride to small but interesting villages and hamlets along the Kok River. We saw villagers going about their everyday lives on the river bank tending the land, casting fishing nets, washing clothes and bathing in the river. We arrived at headquarter of the water shed at Pa Kaew Village to visit the Akha Village where we were introduced to the Matriarch in full tribal dress and its significance. The children, also in a condensed version of tribal wear, entertained us with song and dance. We showed our appreciation for their hospitality buying jewelry and handicraft items they made.

The day concluded with a visit to Mae Sai, the northern-most point of Thailand on the Thai – Burmese border for shopping and looking around the local market.

Monday depart to Chiang Mai, with visits to Handicraft Villages to see the manufacturing of spinning and weaving of Thai Silk, the Gem Factory, as well as how umbrellas are made at the Umbrella Factory. My favorite of these was the Gem Factory where we observed precious stones in the raw natural state being cut, ground to size and shape, polished and set in the most beautiful jewelry arrangements. Needless to say, this was the highlight of the entire trip because of my jewelry passion. My friend Judy and I had a grand time deciding what to buy creating a frenzy of activity, darting back and forth among the displays with uncontained excitement while many of the staff happily looked on as others eagerly accommodated our every wish. Let’s just say we didn’t disappoint and they graciously provided us with private transportation to meet up with our tour group at the Silk Factory; a win, win for all.

Later that evening after checking into the hotel, Judy and I opted to dine at one of Chiang Mai’s most famous restaurants, “The Gallery,” instead of joining the others for the optional Kantoke Dinner. The Gallery is well known for hosting prominent dignitaries such as Princess Diana, the former First Lady, Hillary Clinton, Madeline Albright, etc.

The most popular dish on the menu is their Lemon Chicken. I enjoyed it so much; we went back the following night. In addition to the fabulous food, the atmosphere holds its own with comfortable tables and chairs arranged among beautiful plants and lights on a multi level deck, overlooking the river with a magnificent view of the city’s skyline.

Tuesday was the last full day of activities with a visit to the Maesa Elephant Training Camp followed by a visit to the orchid farm. The elephants amazed us with their strength and clever teamwork taking timber in the forest, playing soccer and entertained us with their witty personalities. Most amazing of all was watching them create beautiful art masterpieces with a brush and paint which has earned them a record in the Guinness World Book.

The piece de resistance was the unplanned elephant ride; talk about putting your life on the line. The adrenaline rush on the back of an elephant, approximately seven to eight feet off the ground, meandering along very narrow and steep hillsides - with breathtaking views, is an experience not soon to be forgotten. I am adventurous, but honestly admit if prior knowledge of what the elephant ride entailed, I certainly would have declined without any doubt. However, I am very thankful I did not pass on one of the most exhilarating adventures.

Wednesday was the final day in Chiang Mai with an optional City and Temple Tour in the morning, before heading to the airport for a 12:40 pm flight back to Bangkok. Upon arriving Bangkok later that evening, we enjoyed an all American farewell dinner at one of the hotel’s most elegant restaurants. Our last night’s accommodation in the heart of downtown Bangkok was a clear indication we were being re-acclimated to city life, and was homebound for America!

Thursday the tour group departed for Bangkok’s International Airport in separate groups depending on departure time.

One final note, in addition to the special friendships I’ve encountered, I would be remiss not to mention and give major thanks to our outstanding tour guide, Pensri Luangaram (Penny) who, ultimately, was responsible for the smashing success of my ‘Thailand Vacation’.