Colors of Luang Prabang

สะบายดี หลวงพระบาง Sabai dee Luang Prabang : Take II (Sail sail away to Laung Prabang)

We crossed the river by long tail boat (40 THB/ the cost is double from last year). Water revel was high today. The color of the river is very strong, having a lot of power. I passed the border office easy (Thai people don’t need visa. There is 5000 kips for overtime fee. It was Saturday) Armelle needs to make more complicate possession to passing border (French people have to pay for Visa 30 $, plus 1 $ for overtime fee) I was looking for the ticket boat while Armelle was waiting for her visa. The boat leaves everyday at 11 am from Luang Prabang to Chiang Khong. It’s the slow boat; takes 2 days; there is the speed boat also but it’s quite dangerous; takes about maybe 6 hours (not sure). We paid 1000 THB/person for the slow boat.

In the boat, there had already some people; many foreigners and some Laos. Christophe told us before leaving it would be more comfortable if we bring a cushion for sitting. We saw that cost 40 THB at the port. We didn’t buy it cos we don’t want to carry it on after the boat. The seat is small benches make by wood…um my ass! We both sit on a bench together. I got the window seat. Most of tourists are Farangs. There were a few Asiatic, four Japanese, one China and one Thai. The first day boat trip, we’ve left Huay Xai around 11 am. I was a bit exciting! It’s a long journey. When the boat started the motor, I heard a sound like wow! What beautiful scenery! Green mountain cut off the orange of the river awesome beautiful! At the back, American girls enjoyed their Mekong risky and talked a loud. At middle, tourists lied down on the floor; some listen to the music, read the book and played the cards, this is our activities along the way. The boat stopped a few time at the village where there had passengers. No limit! Once we reached to a village at noon, we saw the children carry their basket waiting for the boat come a long side a wharf. They shout! Chip ‘n cock! Chip ‘n cock! Beer Laos… Chip ‘n cock Chip ‘n cock! Beer Laos! There sale chip, soft drink and beer Laos. Since we crossed the border Thai-Laos; it seems that Beer Laos is the sign of LAOS.

the activities

We reached to Parkbang where the boat stops at night. We found a guesthouse 200 THB/a night with fan but the electricity cut off at 10 pm. The temperature outside is lower than inside the room. We were extremely hungry! Armelle ordered Tuna Fried Rice and me I’d like to taste local food. I had Lap Kai and sticky rice. It tastes good but not so hot; it tastes absolutely for foreigner. We’ve finished diner quickly and go to bed. Cos tomorrow, it will be the long journey; 8 am to 5 pm! 9 hours.

Breakfast mervellous, at Barkbang

Chiang Saen, 6th times แอบหนีไปนอนบ้านดิน

เริ่มต้นที่หมอชิตเหมือนเคย

บริษัทรถทัวร์ที่จะนำเราไปถึงแสนเชียงก็มี 2 บริษัทเท่านั้น 1. บริษัทขนส่ง 999 ซึ่งมี 3 รอบด้วยกัน คือตั้งแต่ 6:30 (ปอ.1 ราคา 727 บาท) 15:30 (ปอ.2 ราคา 566 บาท) 19:30 (ปอ.1 ราคา 727บาท) 2. บริษัทสมบัติทัวร์ ให้บริการรถ วีไอพี 24 ที่นั่ง พร้อมบริการชั้นเยี่ยมและเบาะนวดไฟฟ้า ราคาอยู่ที่ 1058 บาท ระยะเวลาในการเดินทางก็ประมาณ 12 ชั่วโมง

คราวนี้กะว่าจะมาพักผ่อนช่วงวันหยุดสุดสัปดาห์ ก็เลยลองหาดูว่ามีที่พักที่ไหนที่อยู่ใกล้ ๆ เชียงแสนเพราะวันจันทร์ต้องทำงานแถวๆ เชียงแสน (แม่แอบ) ก็ค้นมาเจอ ...รุ่งตะวัน รีสอร์ท รีสอร์ทบ้านดิน บรรยากาศที่ล้อมรอบด้วยทุ่งนาสีเขียวสบายตา มาเชียงแสนก็ครั้งที่ 6 แล้ว ก็เลยรู้สึกคุ้นเคย เหมือนบ้านตัวเองยังไงบอกไม่ถูก ถูกคนที่นี่อู้คำเมือง ฟังแล้วสบายหู สบายใจ ถึงเชียงแสนประมาณ 6 โมงเช้าก็ยังงงอยู่เลยว่าจะหา รีสอร์ทนี้เจอได้ยัง เอาเป็นว่าตั้งต้นที่ 711 ก็แล้วกัน ที่นี่เป็นคิวสองแถว จากที่นี่สามารถขึ้นรถเมล์สีเขียว เชียงแสน-แม่จัน รถออกทุก 30 นาที ขึ้นเลยแล้วบอกเด็ก รถว่าขอลงที่ รุ่งตะวันรีสอร์ท ซึ่งห่างจาก เชียงแสนเพียง 11 กิโลเมตร ใช้เวลาก็ไม่ถึง 20 นาที (รวมเวลาที่ทำหวานเย็นแล้ว)

รถจอดที่หน้าหน้ารีสอร์ท คุณป้าที่เราคุยด้วยทางโทรศัพท์จำเราได้ ยังไม่ทันได้ทำอะไรก็รู้เลยว่าทุกคนที่นี่ ใช้ได้ ตอนนี้ยังไม่สามารถ check in ได้ เพราะยังมีกรุ๊ปทัวร์ ที่กำลังเตรียมตัวที่จะ check out ระหว่างที่นั่งรออยู่นั้น ดวงอาทิตย์ ก็ทอแสงอบอุ่นต้อนรับเรา อากาศกำลังเย็นสบาย แล้วก็จิบกาแฟ นี่จิบแค่ เนสกาแฟ 3 in 1 ยังได้บรรยากาศขนาดนี้ ถ้าได้จิบ มอคค่า คงจะดีไม่น้อย

หลังจาก check in เรียบร้อยแล้ว ก็อาบน้ำอย่างดี พอสบายตัวแล้ว ก็ได้หนังสือเล่ม หนึ่งทีนี้ล่ะ เวลาพักผ่อนก็มาถึง.....

Be cheerful

Last week, I had a chance to work with a young volunteer. We went to visit three programs in the south: Bang Saphan Prachupkririkhan, Puttakian Chumporn and Phanom Suratthani. It was so complicated to reach to the place where the villages situate. I was here to help her to make a guideline. We enjoy our visit. It’s a nice experience to talking and listening to the people. The most appreciate is we can have some news for our sponsors who are waiting to hear from their godchildren. The volunteer asked the simply question to the children but it’s not easy for a French who arrived in Thailand just only 4 months but well done! Armelle tries her best to speak Thai. She is a little bird who flies away home to share her inspiration. There are so many things are different in the world. For example, leaning to drive motorbike! I felt a bit scary if there will be an accident between because I was her responsibility. Fortunately, it was going well: P. We were talking a lot about spirit of volunteer. There are some of volunteer who has no spirit or not enough. Or some of them came here in the name of volunteer but the most enjoy is take an advantage their one year here as a tourist or what ever! Hopefully they won’t make any problem or a mistake for the foundation and the country. By the way, we’ve done our work perfectly! Even we’ve lost some times to waiting for the transportation. Unlucky for that!

Bon courage les bambous !

Chill and crowded

Many Thai people want to head to the north during the cool season to feel really chill.I got a big chill at 9°Celuis, Nam Nao National Park is one of most beautiful park covers an area within Lomsak and Lom Kow district in Phetchabun province and Kornsan district within Chaiyaphum province. The mountains and forests create a cooler climate in the park.

I didn’t discover the forest this time just want to have some cool weather and watch a sunrise at Poo Kor view point which is located at Km 46 highway number 12. It was surprise me there were so many visitors at 5 am. They've been there already the crowded.

I enjoyed my time to reading and writing and observation all around the park!!! I recommend that for those who really want to touch the nature please come after or before new year‘s holiday! Because during this time is suitable for who loves the convenient store!!. You can find and rent all you need here! It's packed!

By the way, I felt that people looked very happy here even it was crowded. Children played around while the adults are cooking and drinking. Some other teenage sang with guitar.

my elder sister enjoyed cooking

At night, I decorated around my tent with candles light something like romantic, then lied down just to looked up to the sky. The starlight was so shine when there wasn’t has electric light.

Let's make a wish !!!

Watch a sunrise at least once a year

Descember 30, 2007 Nam Nao National Park Thailand

I was waiting for the sunrise with the temperature at 9 degree Celsius in the early morning at 5 am. I don’t disappoint. The sun came a bit late 6:45 am but it brought the power and warm. It’s soon new’s year day. I wish I can fill full my encouragement, hope and inspiration to move on for next year which is coming.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008

Lovely Pai, Mae Hong Son

How lovely this small town. It’s surrounded by mountains. We walked across a small bridge. Here is Pai River. It was about 11 am. There is no sunshine, very good to walk. After the bridge, It was the rice green fields. I took a deep breath, to take in the fresh air. (My vacations are beginning here now). The gate of the sun hut was made of bamboos lovely resort with vegetarian food. Inside there are a lot of trees which are decorated as well. Lovely front reception! A friend of mine recommended this place. Thank you Mink! (i know how much you miss Pai)

It was still drizzling. I was feeling so free when my motorbike got down the mountain. How it would be if we can let our life just along the way, just let it goes, no planning, no destinations, no future, no questions...it's holidays...

Oop! Cambodia

Finally I back home as well! Hello from Cambodia! Sometime I should listen to my loved ones; they said…you should not go alone to Cambodia!!! I said.. It’s ok, some one will pick me up at the border. Everything is gonna be all right. But the thing was changed. Nobody wait for me at the border (Poi pet)! I have to take a taxi by my own. It will be easy if the taxi is normaly taxi! Not Camry…On my first taxi at Cambodia, Poi pet to Sisophon I had 8 people in the Camry taxi! So crazy!!! normally one car is for just 4 people! And No Taxi Meter, Bus!!! Of course! The driver told me the price, i can't accepted that so high. I negotiated with ten men stand around me. My friend Cambodian told me that just 100 THB to go to Sisophon, after I said that every body walks away from me!!! ah…ah I’m still want to go! We can talk about the price please don't walk away! Finally they accepted at 150 THB. I paid 200 THB. He gave me the change in reils. it’s about one hour to reach to my destination. Anyway I reached to destination as well with the last fighting with the driver. He said I didn’t pay yet! Oh my god! TAXI NO METER NewArrival! only at Boat-Mini Mart Tonle Sab, Cambodia.

This trip I got to know new career! When I was in the middle of the lake (Tonle Sap), there were 3 people in my boat: boat driver, a guide and me. In this picture, 2 merchants that you see, row their boat as fast as they can to get closer to my boat. I was a little bit scars me…why my boat is slow down and Oh! Other boat will attack me!!! They will rob me??? I was a lone just a girl so oh on! Nothing! The Man said: “Would you like some drink or some banana?” Look inside the boat it’s the ….selling boat…. It was surprise me! How much they can sell a day? So I bought them the most expensive Coca Cola 1 US dollar. 1 US dollar/day The best time was at Gusthous and on riding. Bicycle is one thing pretty good in Siem Reap!

Grill fish and French bread are not compatible!

Postcard: 2 for France, 7 for Thailand, 2 for Singapore to compelet my trip!

I should not tell all about my experiences in Siem Reap. Try your own, it’s surprise!

• Visa 20 $
• Guesthouse 4 $
• Bicycle 1 $
• Boat 15 $
• Break fast 3 $
• Coca-Cola 1 $
• Dinner 4 $ etc……

But The experiences can not estimate!

Underneath Thai's Sky

For the end of the year 2006, I've done 2 trip. One at Cambodia another at Kanchanaburi Thailand. At Cambodia, it's the first time during the trip that I felt missing home (So much)! I'm back home early to see my friends and my family(it's not in the plan). But it's excellent to be together with my sisters. Kanchanaburi is our aim for camping! We prepared all the things we need for three days two night. It seem that will we move out!!!

This is the completly trip--not too far from Bangkok--family trip--the last thing is get to konw more the new member of our family (sister's bf). and also i would say Thailand is the country full option! To reach to Huaymaekamin National Park. We have two routes of choices. The first is just drive along the road, the seconde is on the road and on the ferry! As you see in the picture, the sky is so clear, the water is green.

When is the last time we spend time together? Long long time ago....If even i'm going to 30 years old this time i'm still being a girl in my family. We arrived to destination about 3 pm. There are some people are enjoining their camping already. We found the best location under the big tree, with three bed room, one dining room and lounge! Perfect Place! We put up our three tents here.

while my sistets are setting up the tents, the girl like me need to go to discovery with riding bicycle. There are 7 levles of water fall near by our tents. The highest is just 1320 m. from our place. To go to each levle you can ride a bicycle, along the way is the forest of bamboo. So calm! I can hear the sound of bamboo to crowd together ied ied ied!!! which means relaxing!

Hula hula ! Songkran

We are ready for Songkran

We had full of weapons and provisions. We were ready to go to the water war. It was a good day. 14 April 2006 We had an appointment with the mountain and the beach. The van and the driver are arrived on time 6:30 am. Our destination is Chantaburi 254 km. from Bkk. What a charming province!!! There is a lot of the interessting place. Mountain, Beah, Orchard, Water fall, forest, Precious stones etc... Tonight we will sleep at Khao Soi Dao. Soi Dao is a district of Chantaburi province. The most popular tourist attraction is Khao Soi Dao Waterfall, which comprises of 16 tiers: the highest one near the peak and the lowest one at the starting point of the climb. But we can't reach to it. From this peak run many streams and rivers which create the perfect habitats for birds and butterflies

we paid for a house just 800 baht a night which 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom and one refrigerator as you see in the picture. Everything seems to be perfect if there is no gecko; walk all night on the ceiling and the wall.

and the day after we went to the beach "Chao lao" we reached there at the afternoon. We had lunch at the beach with all is seafood. Today, there are lot of people. We enjoied playing with the children. Here, we stayed at the Guesthouse named "Bann Tawa Ron" 500 baht a night with aircon and TV. Don't be wondering where we splashed water. We stoped at the big petrol station to play and fill up the water.