Forging ahead, I was determined to see the 'Mekong River' and have one more meeting with '7 Eleven' because the day had been long! From those green rice paddies alongside the road, to those shady 'Golden Triangle' related developments, I paid attention. Soaking up every piece of that mammoth tour, I was about to get my moneys worth! Determined? You bet that I was, CR!
Miles had been covered, I was no longer in the city! Clocking those countryside views allowed me to observe those rice paddies and simple houses. 'Baan Dam Museum' felt like a long way away, I got used to the rhythm of the drive because that was the best thing for me to do. Putting respect on Chiang Rai's name, I had seen a lot during that day out and that impressed me much. As the Mekong neared, time was pressing on, it was well into the afternoon and I was alright with that. It was another "I am in Thailand" moment as the city turned into lush settings, it was more than a tourist experience. It was giving India in one breath, I remembered seeing those rice paddies alongside the road as my Ganges bound car took me out of the city, towards greener pastures and a very sacred river. Meanwhile, my Thai view from that ever-moving van served sunshine with a 'Thai Smile' in the windows reflection. Those 'Long-Neck Ladies' felt a long way from that point, I was surprised that I was still awake! An experience? Yes, I loved every second!
The path traveled through that part of Chiang Rai was not barren but after looking on the map afterwards, a different story was told. The van was nearing the border of three countries, I was not ready for such a borderline. Yes, that map showed me a whole host of elephant sanctuaries and temples. I had planned the following day to see some elephants but they weren't on my mind during that part of the journey, I was dreaming of a toastie from that very famous convenience store! I was able to tune out, the other people in the group weren't very social, I thought they were rude but sometimes people aren't that interesting. To be honest, I am just being mean because we were all really tired at that point. The vast majority of us on the bus were surprised at how many places we had been able to see thus far. I had got talking to a mother and daughter duo who were traveling from England, they were actually nice people and nothing like the others who weren't all that approachable. I needed to be more like Buddha, I needed to be.
Standing firmly on Thai ground, it was time for the tour group to board a long tail boat. It was great to see so many Chinese signs, I could read most of them and that gave me some comfort. It was going to be a riverboat ride to remember, that piece of the Mekong River would unlock the projects going along that enterprising riverbend. Behind me stood Thailand, to my right lay Laos and in front to the left was Myanmar (Burma). That international moment didn't require a passport because those international waters didn't apply, it was a 'Special Economic Zone'. The lady who did the commentary did the most, she said the most and she delivered a lot! The Laotian side looked like a hype of Chinese development had gone down, we were told that certain efforts were being made to make this part of Asia the biggest gambling hub the world had ever witnessed! That was a promise because we all saw the border checkpoint, the prospect of an airport was very real. It was the second time that Myanmar had come into my gaze! Let's go, B!
The Burmese side of the waters looked a little bit sparse, no development had taken place. For me, I wanted to see hotels and developments making money. Moreover, such resorts would directly benefit those Burmese who would usually look at Thailand as their main employment source, Myanmar would be doing it for herself! Nevertheless, it was clear that China was the silent but very outspoken partner in all of this 'Golden Triangle' business. Gambling remains highly illegal in the Mainland and whilst Macau has been coined the 'Las Vegas of Asia', Beijing keep on wanting more! Feeling flush? Does she want something extra? Contrary to belief, this part of the world was formerly an Opium production powerhouse! Hushed by China, the cultivation of the brown stuff was moved to Afghanistan, those poppies do thrive! This unassuming part of the Mekong had a lot of shady business going down and it was just being finessed! We allowed the Mekong to do her thing, equally the Golden Triangle was busy? Yes!
Chiang Rai's cross border marvel? 'Ban Sop Ruak' was in spitting distance away from where we had just been along the river! I wasn't about to be frogmarched back onto the bus, we had barely touched 'Terra Firma' before I decided that we needed to take a stand. Now, I kept the same energy but people agreed with me, we wanted to see some of the shimmering structures and shrines before being back on the the bus for four hours to Chiang Mai! Surely ten minutes wasn't going to cause a cataclysmic disaster? Nothing of the sort would happen, the tour guide had her timings but we had paid our money! We had all caught a glimpse of the buddha and surrounding features during our short river cruise, we wanted to see something extra! For me this part of the day was the best, I knew that the whole day had been bossed, the journey back to the starting point would be a lot but those Mekong views had made the epic journey justifiable. Those golden shrines and structures had been pleasing on the eye but I was ready for my bed! I said, no way!
I didn't make it to the Buddha but I got pretty close to the next best bits. A few of us had gone AWOL, if not for a few moments. No harm came from our extra-time at the Mekong. Time was of the essence but we weren't going to be late for the ride back to Chiang Mai! Was the bus still running?! Keeping track of time, as mentioned before I think our tour guide wanted to get back to Chiang Mai, it was apparent. Yes, was the bus still running? I feel like that icon tagline uttered by 'RuPaul' described the situation perfectly because myself and another guy were waiting for the bus to turn the corner. We had gone back to the drop off point, no bus was to be found! That was suspicious! That was alarming! That was rude! I thought for one second that I would need to hitchhike a ride back to Chiang Mai or start walking! As if luck would have it, the bus turned the corner back into view. We stuck like glue to that point and then clambered back into that van with the the quickness! The day was complete, the drive back to the beginning could start! Bye!
The darkness was real on those Chiang Rai roads as the van headed back towards Chiang Mai, it was unnerving at points but not the end of the world. None of us had been given the chance to buy dinner, we were all getting hungry! As if by magic, were pulled back into that very same petrol station car park, we were given less than 15 minutes or so to grab some bits and pieces. I had never before appreciated a convenience store before in my life! No, I wasn't being dramatic! This photo remains a lot to be seen, I used a certain application to change this photo from day to night! I have no shame because I want to narrate how feeling the chilled air in that store and the smell of the microwaves made me feel so at ease. I smashed and grabbed my way around that store, I knew what I wanted and by that time I was very hungry! I chose a toastie, bag of crisps, bar of chocolate and a bottle of Thai tea. The sandwich was definitely heated up and the tea was ice cold. It was such a joy when I chowed down on those shop bought snacks. Let's go again, T!
Seeing those Chiang Mai lights, well it was golden! Don't get me wrong, I had enjoyed that longer than long day out! I had started the day feeling very worse for wear, not knowing whether it was night or day, I was not well! Those temples were ace, the river was cool but the museum was random! Catching three countries in one glance was no mean feat but nothing could top my convenience store evening purchases. I needed to relax and take the journey off my mind, that relaxing moment was definitely a 'Code: Green'. The day had gone up in smoke? In a manner of speaking it had! Getting to bed soon after was a plan, I didn't need to drink anything alcoholic because I had Krabi for that! Chiang Rai had been full on, it had been worth it but getting into bed that night, well it was divine! A rest day? As mentioned before, the following day had much planned, I questioned whether I was on holiday or an adventure? 'My Golden Triangle Tour' had been the one, two and three! White or Blue, I wasn't able to pick a favourite! Oh, 7 Eleven wins!
Was The Bus Still Running?!
Desperately Seeking Adventure
