I’m in Chiang Rai as I write this, arriving yesterday after grabbing a car for a week and driving three hours from Chiang Mai on improved and not so improved roads.

The flight out of Bagan was interesting, to say the least. The name of the airline – Mann Yadanapon Airways – should have told me everything I needed to know. I booked what looked on their website like a non-stop flight to Yangon, Myanmar’s capital, and ended up stopping three times en route. Long morning, but fortunately we arrived in Yangon in one piece.

Chiang Mai is simply amazing. My hotel was two blocks from the Old City, complete with moat and walls, which was fantastic. Here are some early evening shots. These temples are made of intricately carved wood and are perfectly preserved from eight hundred years ago, when they were built.

Wat Bupparam Temple

Wat Chiang Man Temple

Wat Chedi Luang Temple

Sweet couple at their food cart

Hope I’m not being boring with these temple photos, but they are awe-inspiring to see. Hard to do justice to them in photos, but thought I’d try.

Yesterday morning in the old City’s market:

This blind man was walking through the market singing softly. He had the voice of an angel. So beautiful.

So, it was off to Chiang Rai yesterday by car. That’s my preferred method of travel so that I can head where I want when I want and not worry about schedules and other stuff.

Chiang Rai is special. The town bustles and pulses, yet has a very calm air. Walking around was easy, as my hotel is only five minutes from downtown but in a very peaceful spot.

Here are some shots from yesterday:

The town’s clock tower

Street food vendor

I had a transcendental experience yesterday afternoon in Chiang Rai. I walked into an empty temple late afternoon and sat down in the quiet to reflect and chill. About fifteen minute later, six monks walked in, smiled and began their prayers. Even though I didn’t understand what they were chanting, their words and musical intonations resonated completely through me and struck chords deep within. Totally awesome, and I had to pull myself away long after they finished and left. A great experience.

I’m off to visit some impressive and unusual temples and settlements outside of town today and get out into the countryside. More to come afterwards.