Berry's SEAJ trip Day 37: Doi Suthep with a side of rain (7/12/15)

After waking up, we head to Doi Suthep, the main temple that sits on the mountain next to CM. The road up is nice but as we get to the top, it starts looking like it is going to rain. We walk up the steps to the temple as it sprinkles and once we enter the compound, the clouds open up and it starts pouring as everyone seeks shelter.

Base camp for going up to Doi. They have the assisted ascent to the left. We decided to take it the hard way cause Berry likes a good challenge.

Umbrellas galore. Guess we could have picked a better day to come up to the temple on the hill. 

Berry is ready to Rocky these steps! Namely because he believes it is the only way to get away from all the dragons.

RIP people who couldnt make the climb. Just kidding, think these  were names of donors who made this stair case possible. Not sure the reason for the alligator.

Elephant statue at the top. 

We were stuck under this awning with like 100 other people. I so wanted to ring one of those bells and make music but didnt want to be that guy. Some other prick did it (theres a difference between wanting to do something and actually doing it and being the kind of traveler no one wants to be around).

Some tried to brave the elements with their umbrellas. Extremely beautiful scene.

As it clears up, Berry wanted a picture of the bells.

Mini temple on the outskirts of the main grounds. Berry likes meeting all these interesting beasts.

A dragon consuming another dragon. Why not?

That is a mom lizard. The one behind it is the Dad lizard. Assuming they are lizards that is.

Berry wants to be an elephant whisperer. 

Intricate metal decorations in the gold. Bad pic (sorry Berry) but still awesome door entryway.

Little bit better picture of said door way, with a gringo tourist hahah

Little bit better pic of just the top of the door frame.

One of the best alters I have seen yet. Not sure why but definitely one of my favorites.

Then we came upon this overlook.

One of the carving in the wood pillars. 

While up here we found a dragon fly. Probably my favorite insect. So gorgeous they are.

Panoramic view of Mai from the lookout.

Zoomed in view of the city below.

Berry and I share a love of views from mountaintops. 

After the overlook we found this garden area. So naturally we explore.

Berry loving the random bird over his shoulder among all the colors of the flowers.

Love comes in all forms. 

Tulips in the garden. Netherlands, Doi Suthep is coming for you.

We found a resting Buddha under a tree, with a massive crown in front of it with kids playing instruments. Since we made our way around the perimeter, it was time to see the main attraction.

First view aint that bad. BTW, the golden spire is the main part of this temple.

Berry is ready to explore the interior.

Berry enjoying the bookoos of Buddhas.  

One of the alters in the center area.

How does one take all this in. There are stories painted on the walls in magnificent color, many different colors and sizes of Buddhas, carvings on the pillars, oh and giant ivory tusks. Awe-inspiring this room is.

Zoom in of one of the pictures. 

Nightcrawler Buddha?

Postcard ready picture.

Corner of the Doi. If those people werent in the picture, this would be another great one :)

People meditating with the Buddha at a different temple in the complex.That clock in the background though... feel like it doesnt fit in with all this other stuff.

Happy or sad. Taking wagers.

Once it starts letting up, we go explore the temple, which is beautiful inside and out with a huge gold statue in the center of the temple. Certain areas also offer some pretty good views of the city below, which some were hindered at times due to the rain clouds, but still could see quite a bit. After the temple, we got some grub from the area near the temple before heading back down. As we were heading down, the rain started back up and just drenched us. Since we were wet, we just kept going as it did not look to be letting up anytime soon. As we get near the base, it let up so we explored one of the waterfalls and parks near the base of the mountain; apparently there are many different waterfalls and areas to explore throughout the mountain.

A map of the hiking and various attractions to see in this park. Much larger than expected.

Apparently, there is a single manufacturer for national park signs as these look similar to those found in the states.  

Just kids hiding under a rock. Nothing to see here.

Berry loves visiting some waterfalls. 

Beautiful indeed!

After the waterfall, we went back to the hostel and Steph got packed and headed to the train station as I found my way to get some laundry done. I started making preparations for my trip to Chiang Rai, until I met Ryan in the hostel and we went out in search of a Kao Soi that was supposed to be the best in the city, per Epic Mike. We could not find this place and wound up just stopping at a random place in that area and ordering some pretty good food before returning to hostel to drop the bike off and head into the main square to check out the Sunday night market. We get some more food and walk around a bit before checking out Zoe's (the popular bar/club for mixing with travelers) and then deciding Jazz bar is a better scene so I took him there. They had some pretty good music (always do) and stayed for a little bit before heading back to the hostel to call it a night.

Berry's SEAJ trip Day 36: Riding back to Mai (7/11/15)

In the morning, we opted to head back to Mai as Steph leaves the following day and didn't want to be having to drive back the same day she has to catch a train back to BK. The way back is not as bad as the way there (wasn't raining, and the uphill part was easier then the downhill) but still would have been better on a manual bike.

Berry wanted one last view of the area before we head back to Mai.

Some bocce or something being played at one of the B&Bs on the main road. 

Berry checking out the huge colorful dragons lining the bridge.

Then Berry checked out the statues in the area. 

Panoramic view of the statue area (not sure what it was for but the statues were cool).

On the road back to Mai. Couldnt take pictures on the way to Pai as it was cold/rainy and we just wanted to get there. Today was sunny and hot so pictures galore.

Did I mention the road was windy?

In case I didnt, this sign is here to remind us.

The ever winding road was definitely interesting to be riding those little scooters on.

Every now and again, the tree line would break and there would be a decent view.

Had to stop to take this one in.

I was contemplating learning how to drift here, but Steph wouldnt let me.

Me and my road beast as I try and get hydrated. The travel days in and out of Pai couldnt have been more opposite.

Stopped and ate a decent lunch as we were heading back before eventually getting back to the main highway and making our way to our hostel (Capsule Hostel South gate). Unfortunately, it is Saturday and our hostel is on the road where the Saturday Night Market is so we have to park a ways away, trying to navigate the back alley system until we find a spot that I think might be close, and then navigate the market to find the hostel. After we check in, we walk to our old hostel to get our bags and chat with the owner a bit before getting all our stuff to our current hostel. After we settle in, we go outside to explore the night market; all the night markets are essentially the same with lots of vendors selling food, drinks, art, trinkets, etc. in a closed off area where it becomes a people walking street for the night. After eating some street food, we go get foot massages on one of the off shoots from the main market street after grabbing a beer to have while we get the massages. Nothing is better than a massage and a beer :) After the massage, we grab some more beer and walk around town enjoying the nice night before we head back and redistribute our individual items before bed.

Traffic going every which way. We have to go through that.

Had to park down this alleyway as traffic was blocked to get to our hostel due to the night market.

Berry and I getting a foot massage at the night market. As you can see, we are not alone. 

Capsule hostel. everyone has their drapes.