Finally managed to take a minibus day trip to the Golden Triangle, stopping at all points on the way. Met 2 more Aussie girls on this trip and am hoping to meet them in Australia. We stopped at the hot springs (not nearly as extensive as the Tatopani springs in Nepal) and were able to soak our feet in a footbath of springwater. We spent time at the White Temple, a very beautiful new temple designed and largely built by one man, and still being extended. The trip included a buffet lunch, very much enjoyed by all of us, 90% went back for seconds and even thirds!
The Golden Triangle, (from the viewpoint you can see 3 countries, Laos, Burma and of course Thailand) was worth seeing. Other sights seen included the ruins of the ancient city of Chang Saen. We would not have stopped there had I not insisted, having read about it in the guidebook! The final visit was to an Akha hill tribal village, (the same tribe I'd visited and stayed overnight with on my Chang Rai based trek) fortunately we only stayed for half an hour but were thoroughly harassed by villagers selling bric a brac, most of which was the same as at the various night markets, very little made by the villagers themselves, and mostly imported from Burma. This day trip of 600 km was good value for money and finished by delivering each of us to our respective doors by about 21.30.
Other than this day away am spending time preparing for New Zealand and swimming most mornings as well as making farewells to various people I have met in Chang Mai.
The night sleeper train is booked to Bangkok for Tuesday 17th March and fly to Sydney and then on to Christchurch, NZ arriving there on 19th.

Photo 1. Vendors cooking eggs in the hot springs
Photo 2. The White Temple
Photo 3. Closer details of some of the stone craft at the White Temple.
Photo 4. The Aussie and English contingent at the Golden Triangle.
Photo 5. The Golden Triangle, 3 countries visible in the background.
Photo 6. The Ancient Stupa (? 12th century) at Chang Saen
Photo 7. The famously welcoming Gekko Bar in Chang Mai