Crossed the custom and had some delay with the minivan, extorted 40Baht from each of us to reach the city centre and then finally, walked to our accom. Settled into our very big room and then we chilled and called it a night rather early to end a very tiring day.
Next morning we got a bike and scoot our way to Mae Salong.
Rained along the way and had to combat the steep uphill before we reach rows and rows of tea leaves in the mountainous region of Mae Salong. Parked our bikes and headed to one of the more crowded restaurant; Yunnanese noodles and braised pork leg and the mantou that comes with were super delicious, tea that they served were top grade from their own plantation, Jingyi even bought 1kg from the Chinese speaking aunty, Fang Fang, in the end.
Decided to extend our northward trip to the extreme, so we rode all the way back down the hilly/rocky road - and I must say I really respect Jingyi for the fact that he brought both Brandon and himself safely down the mountains while I struggled alone (also cos my back was light so easier to skid) - headed northward on the expressway, and eventually reached the border between Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar - the golden triangle. 一路向北 indeed.
Went back a little south to Chiang Saen and had dinner by the Mekong riverside, picnicking on the floor as the locals do, and eating bamboo chicken and fish as the locals eat.
And then it's a long way back to Chiang Rai chasing down the sun...
Ended the night rather early and woke up before sunrise at 4plus to catch sunrise at Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) but not quite unexpected, it was too cloudy during first light, and the temple won't open until 8am; we decided it was too much effort to wait, so we headed back to settle laundry and packing before we end our very eventful trip in Chiang Rai, which, technically, we didn't explore per se.
