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.
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