Chang Rai was only a 3 hour bus journey north of Chang Mai. The buses in Thailand are cheap and efficient and also air-conditioned, which is essential in the current and typical heat. Booked a hotel with a swimming pool which proved to be an excellent choice and only a 30 minute walk into the centre of town. Met a couple of fellow travellers poolside and spent time in the evenings visiting the night market that also had a cheap and cheerful food court in the centre with free entertainment. This market is cheaper than Chang Mai with a larger selection of food and is set in much pleasanter surroundings with more space and less hassle from stall holders! The Hilltribe Museum was a worthwhile place to visit, not only informative about the various tribes but also specialised in providing 'ethical' treks that tried to avoid exploitation of the hilltribe people. Booked a 3 day/2 night trek with 5 other trekkers from Germany, Holland and a couple from Eire. The guide, Goy, was a member of the Yao tribe and very knowledgeable, and also spoke good English. The trek was mainly through tropical forest, much up and down hill climbing starting with a long tail boat ride up river to the elephant camp followed by an elephant ride (my second also left me with a tender spot on my backWe stayed in 2 villages at night, in mixed dormitories, and ate tasty basic Thai food, cooked by our guide. One lunch was had in the forest cooked using bamboo utensils and plates etc and followed by a swim in a waterfall. We all played cards in the evenings and generally got on well together as a group, drinking a lot of beer together. The final day was spent journeying to the hot springs, and relaxing there followed by a pick up truck ride back into Chang Rai. Though a bit more expensive a trek than the Chang Mai based one it was very worthwhile experience with a better quality guide and organisation. Am unable include pictures of this trek until return to Chang Mai.
Photo 1. The Akha Hilltribe village were we stayed the first night of the trek.
Photo 2. Swimming in the waterfall visited on the trek.
Photo 3 and 4. Our guide made utensils from bamboo for our forest lunch on the final day of the trek.
Photo 5. The jungle view from the first hill climbed on the trek.
Photo 6. A boatload of intrepid trekkers.
Photo 7. Wat Phrau Kew, the principle wat of Chang Rai.