66. Golden Triangle Tour - Mae Kachan Natural Hot Springs

First Stop the Hot Springs
Having booked a tour to the Golden Triangle with Ian and Tee, it was with excitement I boarded the early morning bus at 7.30. I had an aisle seat and my travelling companion next to me was a young chap from California. We left Chiang Mai shortly after and went along a very picturesque route through beautiful valleys and mountains to Thailand's northernmost province - Chiang Rai. We arrived at our first stop - Mae Kachan Natural Hot Springs. Our guide told us you can boil eggs in the springs and this was quite amusing. Just think - no paying for electricity or gas!

In the photo below is the "entrance gate" with rocks and urns placed stragically around.

Above: Mae Kachan Natural Hot Springs
The large rock in between the two posts is just the right shape and size for sitting on, although I wouldn't recommend it. Anybody for a hot shower?

Above: Shop, Sights, Souvenirs
There are a number of "tourist" stalls but I didn't buy any, I was too busy looking around trying to see as much as possible in the time allowed here. However, I did buy the most delicious tasting chicken I've ever tasted - it was a piece of chicken, quite yellowish and chopped every inch or so - it is served with a thin stick in a bag. In the top left photo is where I bought a cup of coffee, just before we left. Trying to sip hot liquid on a rapidly swaying, bus over bumpy roads is a feat in itself. I remember slurping and almost spilling it down my front. Like anything - it takes practise!

Above: The Hot Springs
The smell of sulphur wasn't very strong here.

Above: Boiling Eggs
The "Egg" spring - anyone want some boiled eggs?

Above: Gardens and Fish Spa
The locals believe the spring has healing powers - if you enlarge the photos you can see many people with the feet/legs dangling in the waters. The gardens were especially pretty and gave an aura of peacefulness. It really is a place where you could while away a couple of hours - even have a picnic lunch here.

All too soon it was time to leave and we were off - on our way to our next stop.

57. Dinner, A Ticket And Feet

Well it was the end of the day, my last night in Kanchanaburi and I thought I'd have a "night on the town." First thing was to find somewhere to eat, so I walked around looking at the various eating houses, it was no to this one, or that one isn't quite what I'm looking for. Then I saw it - The Hut.

 

Above: The Hut
This was just the sort of place I was looking for - a pub atmosphere with a beer garden - read outdoor eating area, nice, but not posh. (Apart from the fact that I couldn't afford "posh"), I wanted somewhere where the food was cheap, the company relaxed and the place casual. Where you could sit and linger over a drink and take your time without feeling you had to hurry or buy another drink. Anyway, this place suited me to a tee.

I had (from memory) noodles and vegies with pork and a glass of juice followed by a cup of tea. I must say I did enjoy that tea. I'd chosen a table near the street and I could see people walking past. People watching is a great pastime - it costs nothing and is very entertaining.

 

Above: Travel Agent
I popped in here and inquired about a bus to Bangkok. On the lady's advice, I booked my ticket there and then for the 1.00pm bus. As I needed to exchange some currency, I also booked a tuk-tuk for the following morning. She said come about 9.00am and the cost would be 50 baht.

 

Above: Fish Spa
Walking along the street ogling the shops and businesses, I heard a cackle of giggles and looking to where it was coming from, spotted a couple having a fish spa. I had one in Kuala Lumpur the year before and loved it, so I decided to have one here. It was 99 baht for 30 minutes. The English girl kept on cackling like a ninny with, "Oooh, it tickles!" I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. I mean to say, it tickles a bit at first, but after a couple of minutes the ticklish sensation goes, yet this dolly never stopped.

I wouldn't recommend having a fish spa here - it was nowhere near as good as FootMaster Fish Spa (in KL)- they don't have separate tanks, nor do they offer you Chinese tea and neither do they finish the job with an exfoliation, which should be done. Still, it was a pleasant way to spend half an hour.

I wandered back to The Hut, ordered another tea and wiled away the time before going back to my accommodation - had to pack and clear up. It's amazing just how much mess one can make in a few short days.