Road Trip 2008 - Part 7, Mae Rim & back to Bangkok

Passing Chiang Mai on way back from Chiang Rai, my stopover was Mae Rim valley, just 25km north of Chiang Mai city. It is a well visited area with many resorts established up in the mountains.





















Proud Phu Fa is touted as a hip resort there so I took opportunity to check it out. It's a stylish blend of simplicity in form with antique wood carvings.





































A beautiful wooden 'door way' leading to the pool below.





































The public toilet connects to the natural environment outside.
















I like the way colored pebbles are arranged into floral patterns.





















It's spacious garden setting with beautiful views of the mountains in the backdrop.






























































































A charming village restaurant with overgrown creepers. Its interior decorated with empty wine bottles from the world over - signs of well heeled patrons I suppose.
















On the way back to Bangkok, stopped over at this Chiang Mai market for lunch and bought 'fried pig skins' - a popular local snack here for my friends in Ban Laem.
















Lampang is an area known for ceramics wares. Stopped by to check what are in stores. Prices are really cheap here - nice coffee mugs going for Bth10!





















A whole row of shops to choose from too!
















A lady came on a motorbike with vegies, snacks and even cold drink to quench your thirst - a micro "7-eleven" on a bike!
















Wood carving of a cowboy out of a single log at a store in Nakon Sawan. The store's security guard obliged to pose with it.





















This porridge store in Nakhon Sawan has TV never out of sight - guess won't miss a minute of her favorite soaps.
















It turned out the drive was enjoyable with interesting stops. All in covered a distance of 2,500km.

I do look forward coming back to Chiang Mai again.. this is Loy Krathong festival at Mae Jo certainly worth witnessing... 10,000 lanterns launched! Wow, fantastic!

Road Trip 2008 - Part 6, Wat Rong Kun

Wat Rong Kun is like no other temple in Thailand. Why? It is an expression of art rather than a place of worship. Hence one may not see monks and their living quarters around.

It is a vision of artist Chalermchai Kositpipat who dedicate this work to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

In his early years, his style of mixing Thai temple art with contemporary interpretation did not gain acceptance readily from the establishments. Persevering through the years to gain recognition and fame consequently is a living legend in the making! Having kick started the project with his own finances, it inspired the public to chip in funding too. Poster suggests donations to no more than Bth10,000 each.

Poster boy Khun Charlermchai himself.





















The magnificent sight of Wat Rong Kun came to sight with visitors streaming in.
















The white symbolize purity of soul I suppose.
















Pond in foreground provides reflections - perhaps for one's own life too!
















White clouds and fountains compliments it all!










































Even the carps in the pond are chosen white to match!
















Beautiful details of its roof.





















Other messages conveyed to visiting public - perils of smoking and acolholism.










































Looking down to hellish hands and skulls off the path leading to the temple hall.





















The serenity of murals and Buddha greets you once reaching the temple hall - just like taking a path to enlightenment!





















Gold, also widely used in decorating temples, offers contrasts. To many it symbolizes wealth but it symbolizes something else to me - its quality in purest form it is most resistant to contamination!





































Not another temple hall! Guess what? It's the toilets!





















Most beautiful toilets I've seen anywhere on earth!
















Show you what's like in the men's loo!





















I had the fortune to see Chalermchai in person tending the ponds.
















He was removing its thick algae growth.
















A young man recognized him too, requesting him for a photo pose.
















It is his life long undertaking now. How many people out there with such spirits? He reminds me of the late Khun Lek who built the The Sanctuary of Truth (North Pattaya), Erawan Shrine and The Ancient City in Samut Prakan.

Road Trip 2008 - Part 5, Phu Chi Fa

Phu Chi Fa is a famous peak in Chiang Rai not to be missed. It means "mountain pointing to sky" literally.

It is located at the edge of border fronting Laos to the east of Chiang Rai city, with driving distance there under 200km.
















Its height provides strategic views around and the peaks are guarded by the military.
































For the thousands who flock here, it is simply for the magic of mountain's beauty! Ascent to the peak from the car park, there is still a steep climb along a 760m trail. At a rest point mid-way, these 2 young ladies cheers everybody on with loudhailer with a song or two. The military offered cotton buds with ammonia to ease breathing difficulties - how kind!
















Post card scenes rewards you after the hard climb.
































Looking up at the peak.. with visitors dotting the peak close to the cliff drop! That's truly the mountain pointing at the sky, isn't it?





































Chilly and windy, such are the magic of Phu Chi Fa!






























































































A hillside community below provides services to travellers.
















A military unit manage the camp ground here - even provides wake up calls over loudhailer at 4.30am!
















Only 4x4s are allowed to the lower reaches of the camp ground. Camp fires started to keep the night warm.





















I chose to drive south towards Ban Huak, a little town close to the Laos border. Only local residents are permitted border crossing here. It is a neat and tidy town with a few charming and colorful shops.































































What a huge hornet nesting up there in someone's backyard!





















Crossing into neighboring Pahyao province further south, this beautiful waterfall came to sight. It looks familiar.. ah yes, it is featured in my motoring atlas! A pleasant surprise.





















To the side of the waterfall, this magnificent tree stands out on its own.





















What a wonderful drive here! I am sure to be back this way again.

I found some really beautiful photo shots of Phu Chi Fa at this site which I am sure you will enjoy.
http://mountainjunkie.multiply.com/photos/album/13/A_morning_at_Phu_Chee_Fah