Trekking Thailand

We travelled to Thailand in late January 2002 for a 3 week Thai experience. Our starting point was the Phuket area where we took boat trips to Ko Tarutao National Park (famous for the " James Bond Island ") and Phi Phi where we scuba dived . Although the diving was not world class, it was pleasant enough. Phuket has lots of exotic night life to offer and the place "buzzes".

The next leg of our Thai journey was a 3 day barge trip up the Chao Phraya River and on to Chiang Mai in the Golden Triangle. We passed numerous "wats", (Thai Temples) and then continued for another 2 days by road. At the end of our trip, Roy's comment was "what!! not another wat!!!"

Chiang Mai is nestled in the Thai mountains in the Golden Triangle. From Chiang Mai we trekked on foot for 3 days exploring the Meo, Arka, Lahu and Lisu villages.

Day 1 consisted of walking up a 6,000 foot mountain, through numerous Meo villages to a small Lahu village, where there were no "mod cons" such as electricity or running water. We slept in an elevated house on mats on the floor after a fantastic traditional Thai meal cooked for us by our guide.

Day 2 we trekked down the mountain on foot and then walked through the jungle along a rugged creek, eventually being met by an elephant and his keeper. We mounted the elephant (with difficulty - no steps etc. provided) and continued our journey out of the jungle. Next we rafted down the river, eventually mounting bycles and riding to the Lisu village famous for its silver jewellery. The night was spent in nearby lodge.

Day 3 we exited the Lisu village by bullock dray and eventually made our way back to Chiang Mai.

The pictures below show many minority villagers in the Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai area of Thailand.

Bangkok..............busy, bustling, exotic and full of life.

Bangkok has the largest computer supermarket we have ever seen. Walking down Patpong Road at night you will experience great night markets (bargaining is fun), girlie bars (be carefull, they really try to rip you off) and massage parlours. (clean and very relaxing) Take a barge trip down the Canals and visit the Imperial Palace.