This winter (2014-2015) we are only travelling to Thailand (Chiang Mai and Koh Siboya)

October 29, 2014 - Back in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Korean Air again this year. Love flying straight into Chiang Mai and by-passing Bangkok. So far they remain the only carrier transiting the Pacific and going into CM.

As you can see... we are once again back in The Kantary Hills Hotel. This year for 2 months. It is such an indulgence and continues to be great value at CA$ 60/N (monthly rate) The amazing buffet breakfast is always difficult to navigate without over indulging. The very well appointed A/C gym and the pool are both still first class and the entire hotel is still spotless. Daily maid service and fabbo linens are sublime.

 

Already It's only a week till Christmas, time just seems to evaporate. The main event to date was Loy Krathong on November 6th. The name could be translated "Floating Crown" or "Floating Decoration", and comes from the tradition of making buoyant decorations which are then floated on a river. The candle venerates the Buddha with light, while the krathong's floating symbolizes letting go of all one's hatred, anger, and defilements. People sometime cut their fingernails or hair and placed the clippings on the krathong as a symbol of letting go of negative thoughts.

>>> UNDER CONSTRUCTION <<<

In the first week of December it was required that we do a border run to activate our 2nd 60 day Thai visa. From Chiang Mai the closest border it at Mae Sai on the border with Myanmar (Burma). Rented a Toyota Vios (sorta like a 4 door Yaris) and headed of on the wrong side of the road. Hit the road at 7:30a, got to Mae Sai about 11:30a and luckily found a streetside parking spot just 300m from the border bridge. Getting stamped of Thailand, stamped in and out of Myanmar, picking up a couple of Cuervos Gold at duty free and stamped back into Thailand only took 45 minutes. Back on the road for the 3 hour run down to Phayou. We came through Phayou last year and thought it would be a great little stop over. Our B&B was right on the lakeside walkway... a repurposed old house that a great 3rd floor double room with a huge terrace. A real nice place to chill.

Byron had recommended the lakeside So Good Restaurant a couple of kilometers around the lakeshore. Delightful location with the bonus of very good fare as well. Yes it was Soooo Gooood!

Next day was a leisurely 120k back to Chiang Mai.

The delightful Miss Pimm. This is the third year she has been our maid at Kantary. She's leaving mid December to work for the Kantary Group in Phuket until February.

Christmas at Kantary was