Setting out on an overnight drive towards Chiang Mai & head for Doi Ang Khang the next day, some 850km. In a nation wide drive to reduce road fatalities of festive seasons, highway police set up rest areas along major routes, providing free hot drinks too. While most countries I know would step up speed traps & breath tests for drink driving, this approach demonstrates a soft touch - Thai style! I applaude them for such initiatives.
Having covered 600km I chose to pull over for a night stop at this police post - half way between Lampang & Lamphun. There is a sense of security to catch some sleep at such spot too.
Many were there before me, already snoozing in camping tents!
Woke up to a beautiful sky in the morning.
Continue onward with fellow travellers fully geared & packed with passengers in the rear.
However some were heading towards different sort of destination!
First stop at Chiang Dao cave having past the city of Chiang Mai enroute, just a few km detour off Hwy 107. A beautiful pavilion & huge Naga in its compound.
A northern style temple hall.
Statute of Buddha sits at a tranquil corner, out of visitors' path..
Marveled at their intricate designs.
Staggered roofs over the passge way up to the cave.
Another detour to monument of King Naresuan, a great 16th century Thai king.
He is still much loved these days.
I learned of his love for fighting cocks here.. it's every where all around.
Much larger than life size too!
A man knelt in prayer to show his respect and ask for protection perhaps.
I read up a little more of history about him afterwards. If it interest you, check it out at:
http://bestfromthailand.blogspot.com/2008/01/king-naresuan-great-biography.html
One of the noodle I get to love is the Khao Sawy, a popular northern style curry noodle.
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