Cycling in the Golden Triangle to start the new year!

A belated birthday promise for Neil--we set out on a four day cycling trip!

Day 1: Around Chiang Rai, 49 km

Back on bikes after a four month hiatus we cycled out of the small city of Chiang Rai into wide open spaces. 

We would see many rice fields, like this, being prepared for planting

We met new travel companions from around the world. We visited the stunning White Temple. 

This wat defies tradition 1) by simplifying the visual impact of the design (most Thai temples are VERY colorful) and 2) by complicating the script of Buddhist murals which traditionally tell the story of the Buddha's life and teachings. 

Upon closer viewing, the design is still incredibly intricate, rivaling any other amazing wat I've seen. 

To enter the temple, you must walk over the hands of hell reaching up

These are scenes from the interior of Wat Rong Khun (where photography isn't allowed).  The artist re-imagined scenes from Buddha's life and traditional mural scenes, using pop culture icons.  

Yes, that is Michael Jackson, Superman, and Neo from the Matrix on a temple wall.

All the while, the White Temple maintains the reflective spirit and quiet honor of a temple that is traditional in style. 

Then we visited the Lanna Art and Cultural Park, where artful sculptures and artifacts were gathered in serene surroundings.  

Finally we rested comfortably at the beautiful La Luna Resort. 

Day 2: Chiang Rai to Chiang Saen (on the border with Laos), 64 km

While riding, I continued to observe the cumbersome and intense process of planting, tending, and harvesting rice (it's the very beginning of planting season for many farmers).

We stopped at a Chinese Buddhist Temple, which has the largest Happy Buddha in Thailand.

The speck of a white t-shirt on the center of the lower steps is me.  The Happy Buddha was huge!

We toured a bit of Chiang Saen where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge. 

 We took a small boat on the Mekong River to get a glimpse of Laos. 

Then we went to the House of Opium Museum...quite unusual and yet informative. 

Day 3: Chiang Saen to Mae Sai on the border with Myanmar, 49 km

Dances with Wolves, try Cycles with Cattle instead

The most beautiful landscapes so far!

Here the crops were also more varied--rice, corn, rubber trees, pineapple, tobacco, and other fruits and vegetables.

Princess Pineapple.  This is nearly ready to pick!

Ready to eat!

  

We stopped to tour a paper making factory . . . and have an ice cream snack

We passed racks of yellow noodles that were big enough to hold the inventory of an entire H & M!

Anyone want noodles for lunch?

We cycled into the bustling town of Mae Sai which borders Burma. 

We had a delicious lunch with a view of the traffic (foot, bike, cart, tuk tuk, truck, and car) between Thailand and Myanmar.

We climbed a steep hill (flanked by a market) and steps to the scorpion temple and were rewarded with a view of Myanmar. 

Day 4: Mountainous Adventures around Chiang Rai, 35 km


Icy cold, clear waterfall. 

Stunning jungle landscapes filled our day!

I also remembered the challenge and reward of hills.  

Stunning views of small mountains/large hills blanketed with green and lined with burnt red earth. 

My favorite view of our trip!

We visited a hillside tribe's village, where bamboo and satellite dishes meet.

Despite the bumps and dips, I was thankful for the Thai Department of Rural Roads . . . which has a Hindu god as its symbol-->makes perfect sense!

Then we had more fun than I imagined possible riding an elephant! Thong was a fantastic animal! 

Snack time!

Notice that our mahout (elephant driver) is no longer even riding Thong.  He was such a good elephant!

Gorgeous views from atop Thong!

More snacks!

Firm grip!

So pretty!

We ended our trip with a scenic boat ride with a great sunset.

Mr. Bee was our fearless leader and an amazing guide!  

We highly recommend Chiang Rai Bicycle Tour!