Days 12-15: Chiang Mai and Pai

Day 12 - Train Ride to Chiang Mai
After only one day in Ayutthaya, we took a train to the northern city of Chiang Mai. We were well aware that the train was slow as molasses and it would take about 12 hours of travel to get to Chiang Mai, but we decided to bite the bullet and take this journey up north.
Want the full experience of this train ride? Stare at this photo below for about 12 hours, have someone sit next to you and sing random Pearl Jam songs and 90's grunge hits mixed in with some Enrique Iglesias and other Top 40 hits. Don't forget to add the 2 meals comprised of 90% rice and 10% meat.

After a 12 hour train ride we finally arrived in Chiang Mai at 9pm. Upon our we were immediately approached by Tuk Tuk drivers soliciting their services, but were still trying to orient ourselves as to where we need to go. As we walked towards the main road, a very small man with a hunchback (i wish i was making this up) emerged from the shadows. With one hand placed on his chest and the other one directing us towards his Tuk Tuk, this hunchback of Chiang Mai stole our hearts. We took the ride and he took us to our guest house. We never saw the Hunchback of Chiang Mai again, but his adorable selling tactics worked on us. The two photos below are of the only photos i have of the Hunchback of Chiang Mai. He does exist and consider yourself lucky if he ever gives you a ride.


Day13 - Chiang Mai













Day 14 - Chiang Mai - Day Market/Silk Shops



Day 15 - Chiang Mai


Day 16 - Pai
Our next stop on this trip was the city of Pai. One has to take small bus 3 hours to get to Pai and 2.5 hours of that trip is spent traveling uphill on winding roads to prevent motion sickness... the payoff was this.




enjoy!

posted by m