[International Balloon Fiesta] [Doi Tung]
Bangkok is a land of eternal summer. It's hot! Temperatures hover around 30°C (90°F) most days of the year. Winter will typically arrive in late November and remain through early February. During this time, temperatures drop to a comfortable 20°C (68°F) - even lower still at night - in the northern reaches of the country. In contrast to Central Thailand (ie Bangkok) and in the South, the upper provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are quite rugged with mountains shrouded in thick vegetation hugging lush, rolling hills and steep valleys. The weather is cooler year round, leading the locals to grow coffea, tea shrubs, strawberries, and other varieties of plants better-suited to this more temperate environment.
The uppermost province of Chiang Rai borders Myanmar and Laos, and is only 100 miles from the southern border of China's Yunan province. As such, here occurs a mixing of cultures, with significant influence from Chinese immigrants (especially on local cuisine!). Chinese tourists are a regular source of income, which means the locals are familiar with basic Chinese and English words. The area is also home to many various hill tribes who largely maintain their own culture and lifestyle. Unlike the pictures often shown on travel sites, traditional dress - while very beautiful with bright colors, is largely preserved for ceremonial or tourist purposes. These days everyone has moved on to a dress style that is more Western in appearance.
But enough information! Chiang Rai is full of natural beauty, a delightfully rustic and sabai sabai (relaxing) place to visit. Therefore, one warm (hot!), sunny day in Bangkok, Tiger and Bird decided to forsake the concrete jungle and make a spontaneous trip up north.
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| Tea plantation in Singha Park, Chiang Rai, Thailand |
The uppermost province of Chiang Rai borders Myanmar and Laos, and is only 100 miles from the southern border of China's Yunan province. As such, here occurs a mixing of cultures, with significant influence from Chinese immigrants (especially on local cuisine!). Chinese tourists are a regular source of income, which means the locals are familiar with basic Chinese and English words. The area is also home to many various hill tribes who largely maintain their own culture and lifestyle. Unlike the pictures often shown on travel sites, traditional dress - while very beautiful with bright colors, is largely preserved for ceremonial or tourist purposes. These days everyone has moved on to a dress style that is more Western in appearance.
But enough information! Chiang Rai is full of natural beauty, a delightfully rustic and sabai sabai (relaxing) place to visit. Therefore, one warm (hot!), sunny day in Bangkok, Tiger and Bird decided to forsake the concrete jungle and make a spontaneous trip up north.
