Thailand looks and feels very different! After Laos, I feel like I'm almost in the West once again with 7/11 stores scattered everywhere and more wifi than I could possibly need!

Yes I've been to Thailand before, but I'm going to refrain from referring to a number of visits to Bangkok (as a stop over on a couple of occasions, although I did see the key sights) and a week in Pattaya plus one of the islands (so good I can't remember which it was!) as having experienced Thailand; as anyone who has been there will tell me I haven't scratched the surface.

First stop was the Chaing Rai province on our way to Chiang Mai to visit the famous 'white wat' Wat Rong Khun (temple). Now this is a must see, particularly if you have had your fill of traditional temples in any of Asia as this one is actually very different.

It's construction began less than 20 years ago, so instead of history it offers some very different architecture and artwork, with demons, Harry Potter and the twin towers to name a few. Walk over a brilliant white bridge, passing hands of desire and mirror mosaics then enter the main temple to spot the most obscure character or scene that you can. If that isn't enough, purchase a good luck charm and write a wish before hanging it in a tree or just wander around the adjacent museum and gallery. It's all free but it is touristy, however still well worth a stop.

I had decided to leave the tour when we reached Chiang Mai, although surprisingly not because I had had enough of our rather lacking tour leader, as since crossing the border he had at least been open to sharing with us a bit more info, which was just as well given Thailand is his home.
With just a day here before an overnight train I simply felt, as the second largest city in Thailand, it did warrant a bit more time.

As it was my last night with the group it was a little disappointing to find our dinner options were situated in a 'cafeteria' style area close to the famous night market, without even the chance to sit and eat together. Instead we arranged to meet later on at the lady boy 'Cabaret', but due to significant understanding by the sawngthaew driver we managed to miss the show and almost end up at a ping pong venue, followed by a naked bar, both of which were across town.

We still managed a few photos with the lady boys in the bar after wards and then headed to a local bar, although once again taking a detour, due to language issues, elsewhere, to a private karaoke booth... but fortunately escaped without even a drink.

Wherever we ended up, a local bar, I cannot recall the name, but there was not another tourist in sight, so we danced and chatted with the locals into the early hours, ending with a shameful cheeseburger sometime before dawn. It's really not going to be the same without the great people I have met!

The next morning we were up and out to Tiger Kingdom, after a hearty breakfast and very little sleep. I was extremely reluctant to do this attraction, but at least now I can safely say that I wouldn't recommend it! See my more detailed review on this: Beautiful but be aware.

After a couple of days in air-conditioned accommodation, I have moved to the Old city area which is located inside a moat. I think this is the only full remaining moated city in Thailand and is a great way to find your bearings if you ever get lost amidst the many streets and temples.

Wandering round this area on foot will guarantee many opportunities to visit a Thai temple, and there are a number of distinct ones definitely worth a look which I will detail in another post, once I have had a chance to check a number of them out.