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| Akha house - Ban Lorcha |
On a recommendation we hired a car and driver for our golden triangle day. Starting in the north west at Ban Lorcha hilltribe village of the Akha tribe tourists can visit in a controlled way that actually brings benefit to the villagers in as non-exploitative way as possible. A small entrance fee is charged and a villager is provided as a guide. This ensures that the tourists do not intrude into areas where they are not welcome and lets them visit on the villagers’ terms rather than a commercial tours’. The village has been helped by the PDA, who hope to extend the concept to other villages.
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| View near Mae Salong |
At MaeSalong, which was originally settled by Chinese fleeing the 1949 revolution but from Myanmar - too much fighting to go into, the mountain air was cool and crisp and the veiws are stunning (nasty word).
The Princess Mother, the present King’s mother, who died in 1995, is much revered by Thais for the good works she did, particularly for the hill people of the north. Her home at Doi Tung in the hills is open to the public as are the botanical gardens that surround it.
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| Thailand foreground, Myanmar left, Laos right |
On a hill outside Ban Sop Ruak there is a superb view of the confluence of the Maenam Ruak forming the border between Thailand and Myanmar and the Nam Khong (.Mekong) forming the border between Thailand and Laos and, to the north of the junction between Myanmar and Laos. Casinos have been established in both Laos and Myanmar close to the border here to capture some Thai money. They have also been set up in the border town of Tachilek in Myanmar just across the river from Mae Sai.
A very long day back by 1900 hrs, perfect driver - lucky tourists we are!
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