about sop ruak
by call_me_rhia
Sop Ruak is just a bus stop... a tourist bus stop... if it weren't for the Golden Triangle signs (yes, plenty of them - too many to be original) it probably wouln't have a reason to exist. It's basically a road flanked by several stalls selling all sorts of tacky souvenirs, a few simple and deserted eateries... and not much else... 2 nice temples (deserted) and an opium museum (not really packed). Welcome to the Thailand that should not exist Probably getting out of it... except the temple visit - the rest of the "road" (one can't call it town) is as depressing as it can get... boring, too.
A magnificent waterfall.
by planxty
A magnificent waterfall.
OK, I have to start this tip off with an apology. Due to reasons far too boring to go into here, I was without my camera for a couple of days, so the photo attached is merely of the sign leading to the Khun Kon waterfall. Frankly, when I recovered my camera, I didn't fancy the long hot walk back up just to take a photo. You will have to take my word for how wonderful the fall was, even in the relatively dry season of December.
I hadn't actually intended to visit the fall but I was out on my hired scooter and saw the sign so, always curious, I decided to take a run up there. I owuld suggest the road is not great for novice riders and you may be better taking a tuk-tuk if you are not sure of yourself on a bike. For people who hqve ridden before it presents no major problems. Most tuk-tuk drivers will negotiate a price for this in association with wat Rong Khun (see seperate tip) so let them take the strain.
There is a small admission charge and you park your vehicle, then begin the 1600 metre trek to the fall itself. I did it in sandals (flip-flops / thongs) although I would not advise this, training shoes at least would be a better option as the path, whilst well-defined, is a little tricky in parts. There are helpful signs every 200 metres charting your progress, and you can't really lose your way. I visited at the weekend and it seemed to be a popular spot for youngsters to spend the afternoon. It is indeed very pretty (again apologies ofr the lack of visual proof) and I would recommend a visit here. I would think it must be quite some sight in the wet season although I do not know what access would be like then.
Chiang Rai
by vinceckw
Arr: 16th Mar 2008 Dept: 16th Mar 2008
Chiang Rai, is the capital of Chiang Rai province, in Northern Thailand. The town has a population of around 40,000 and is the main commercial centre serving the Golden Triangle border region of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. It is an excellent base for exploring the region.
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Door of the largest black hall
Stop here
700 steps!
Girl selling strawberry wine near Mae Sai
