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.
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?
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!
The smell of sulphur wasn't very strong here.
The "Egg" spring - anyone want some boiled eggs?
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.
