Nan to Chiang Saen

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Nan to Chiang Saen

Road Trip Thailand, Nan to Chiang Saen

The road to Chiang Saen took us through the mountain wilderness of Nan province, a wild, sparsely populated area that is truly beautiful. We had high hopes for the hotel we had booked and, on arrival, we were not disappointed with a superb, spotless room with a balcony overlooking the Mekhong River and Laos on the other side.

Bansaeo Garden Resort, Chiang Saen

The day after we went to Mai Sai, a border town we have visited before. The border with Myanmar was closed and the town was not its usual vibrant self. In previous visits, it was obvious that many Burmese crossed the border to sell their wares and then went back again. As this was no longer possible, the ethnic diversity that we were familiar with was no longer evident. Nevertheless, Ann enjoyed herself on the Chinese market making several purchases at bargain prices. Many years ago, when our girls were small and on our first visit here, I was offered drugs on the street. Of course, I was not interested but we later found out that it was probably a scam. Had I bought some. the seller would have turned informant to the police and I would have been arrested.

Almost deserted Chinese Market, Mai Sai

Ann trying on a lampshade!

On the return journey, we stopped at The Golden Triangle, a particularly famous tourist haunt. Here, the River Mekhong separates, Thailand from Myanmar and Laos and all three countries are visible. The place was once teeming with tourists but no more. There are a few Thai tourists but we never saw another Western tourist. The vendors were, however, in good humour, at least those who were still trading.