We met so many Irish in Chiang Mai that the weather gods must have thought that we would be feeling homesick and proceeded to give us a taste of the summer back home. Basically, it rained constantly. That said, we had a great time in Chiang Mai.

It all began with us meeting Ciaran and Gerry, mates from home, and talking about our respective journeys to date over a quiet drink. Next day was spent recovering from that quiet drink. After that, we took in some of the many temples that are around the city and booked our trek into the mountains surrounding Chiang Mai. We only booked a 2 day 1 night package and off we went. Of course, we weren't the only Irish in the group, a Limerick couple joined us along with an American couple and two men from France. The first day was tough enough, a simple elephant ride before treking up the mountain through the forest but was really enjoyable. We reached our little local village just before dark and spent the night chatting and drinking away. Next moring we awoke to the rain which had been going all night long. We packed up and proceeded down the mountain down to the river (slipping and sliding as we went) where we enjoyed a slow bamboo raft down the river before getting back to town.

After a good nights sleep we hooked up another tour and off we set to met some local tribes. This was alot more touristy than the trek but we both enjoyed it and met some fascinating tribes including the long neck tribe who are originally from Burma. We got our obligatory photos and left them in peace.

And so, today we got a 3 hour bus journey to Chiang Rai. From here we plan to get another 3 hour bus journey to the Laos border tomorrow. We're in two minds what to do next, to proceed directly to Luang Prabang or try and get in a tour on the Gibbon Experience. We'll just have to see when we get there. Until next time....