Day 199 (Mon 22 Jan) - Chiang Mai

We both had an awful nights sleep. We'd both slept on the top bunks and the head of Thai railways must be scared of the dark because they kept the lights on all night!! You just couldn't sleep as it was too bright. To make matters worse Jo's bunk was at the end of the carriage and the door kept opening and closing all night. Shame really as the beds were really comfortable.

Arrived in Chiang Mai at 7.30am. Were greeted by the normal welcoming party of tuk-tuk drivers all keen to take us to their hotel. Found a driver who would just drop us in town. Stopped off at the Corner restaurant for breakfast before heading off in search of somewhere to stay. Stumbled into Roong Ruang hotel, checked in and had a well needed sleep.

Got up at lunchtime and went to explore the delights of Chiang Mai. Before starting off stopped off at Ratana's kitchen for a bit of lunch. Carried on down Th Tha Phae passing three impressive Wats (temples). The detailing on the Wats is frankly breathtaking. Walked along the river and through a colourful flower market.

Passed the Namdhari Sikh temple and Sarb posed for his usual photo(we have photos of Sarb outside nearly every Sikh temple in SE Asia!). Continued along Th Chiang Moi and popped into Wat Ou Sai Kham where a friendly monk directed us to see the four jade buddhas. Wandered into a few more Wats - Chiang Mai is full of them - before heading to Wat Phra Singh which is supposedly the most visited Wat in the city.

Headed back towards our hotel stopping off at Anusawari Sam Kasat (Three Kings Monument) on the way.

Later we walked around the busy night bazaar, stopping off for a beer / cider at the Red Lion Pub and a sneaky MacDonalds before heading back to our hotel.