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We met Dr Ugrid at King Naresuan Monument @ https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jc9TMoBzry41qYRn9
King Naresuan is a revered warrior king who fought to free Ayutthaya from the Burmese Taungoo Empire in the 16th century |
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| Setting off from our hotel at 7 am in the morning. Sadly, Kelvin was unable to join us as he has a slipped disc condition which required rests. Instead he drove and met us at the hotel later. |
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Khao Tom and pau for breakfast.
Before the trip ended we finally learnt the difference between Khao Tom and Chok; Khao Tom being rice in water is similar to Teochew porridge and Chok is similar to Hong Kong porridge! |
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Chang Phueak Gate is one of the 5 gates serving the ancient city of Chiang Mai.
When King Mangrai built his capital city of the Lanna Kingdon in 1296, he ordered a fortress to be built around the city. It comes with inner and outer city walls surrounded by an 18 meter wide moat. What we see today is the inner city walls with the outer walls which is 1 km away in total ruins. |
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| Chang Phueak wet market |
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| The market extends to the road outside. Zoe bought some bananas for the group which went into VT's bag... |
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| Arriving at Huay Tueng Thao reservoir |
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| Peanut |
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| There were many bamboo floating huts built alongside the reservoir |
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| A different dine in experience |
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| As it was still too early for the restaurants to open, we helped ourselves to Hut 11 for some photo sessions |
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| Straw sculptures around the reservoir |
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| Peanut and the Giants |
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| It was not easy to get up to Kong's arm... |
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| So only few of our team members braved the climb |
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| It is so much easier to just sit on his hands |
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| Don't worry, human is not part of Kong's diet. It is proven as he didn't eat Ann Darrow |
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Cyclists Monument alongside Route 121 @ https://maps.app.goo.gl/gD6etNiCBpq24ZxAA
The mascots are elephant as they are the official national animal in Thailand. The choice of Penny Farthing is also interesting which then reminded us of our friend Pastor Cheah whom we will meet later on in the tour |
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| Sheep on the bike lane |
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| We met Dr Ugrid at King Naresuan Monument around 10 am |
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| We left Route 107 for the quieter village road of Route 3009 |
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| Pick up trucks are popular vehicles in Thailand especially in the villages as it allows you to bring your farm animals to the market on Saturdays and your family to church on Sundays! |
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| Farm vehicle on the road |
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| At 11.30 am, we decided to stop for lunch |
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| Directly behind the restaurant, 2 farm vehicles were busy at work |
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| Deng plucked some fruits from a tree within the restaurant compound for us to try. It was bitter at first bite but turned sweet as you chewed on it. According to Dr Ugrid this fruit plays an important role for hikers in the forest. As a young doctor bringing medical aid to the tribes inland, he ate these fruits which are easily available in the forest for energy |
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| Besides bananas, Deng also bought turnips for us. These are very small compared to the turnips we are used to |
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| When Claudine took the photo of this chicken in the basket, Dr Ugrid was quick to share that this chicken will not end up on your plate. It is reared for cock fighting! |
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| Deng was driving this car with a signage, "Apologies! There's a bicycle procession ahead" |
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| Golden paddy fields waiting to be harvested |
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Just out of Route 3009 and onto Route 1095 @ https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZsVpEGB4N8XGUXbe6
At this point, we have another 20 km to our hotel and it was 1.20 pm.
We were disappointed the promised coffee and cakes outlet only served coffee! Instead, we had to be contented with fried banana fritters which was good as the climb was about to begin! |
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At Pankled Coffee @ 2 pm
Their coffee smell great but it did not agree with our thirsts! |
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| We spent a long time there as Dr Ugrid met an old friend's daughter! |
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| So while he chatted away with his "grand daughter", we counted sheep! |
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| Stopping to rest by the side of the road when the going gets tough |
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| There's many coffee and food viewpoints around this area to entice you to stop |
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| What goes down must go up! ....and so we climbed back to join Route 1095 |
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| The most beautiful signboard to see after a long day! We arrived at our stay for the night at 4.20 pm |
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| Outside our chalet. It is a semi D concept and Kelvin and Jasmine's unit comes with a balcony but not ours! |
Photo credit :
Mindy
Dr Ugrid
