We checked out of the Banyan Tree early (boohoo) but we will be back there on Thursday (hurrah) ...
Scooted off to the airport and caught the Air Asia flight to Chiang Rai ... then jumped into a vehicle for the 45 minute drive to the "Golden Triangle". It is called this as it an area where Thailand, Laos & Myanmar (Burma) meet ... the "centre" point being the joinings of the Ruak and Mekong River. You can't get much further north in Thailand where I am now. This area used to be all about opium but now is about tea, tourism and tranquility.
Anyway, you reach the Tented Camp by a long tail boat. It's just 10 minutes from the "mainland" jetty. The Camp has just 15 tents ... mine has THE best views of the Ruak!
We were greeted by the "Camp Manager" (rather than GM!) ... Michel Volk (ex FS Provence and Paris) who fed us immediately! The boys are off filming and I am here in my tent after exploring the Camp. There is no television, no DVD ... just excellent wi-fi and nature!
My first view from my balcony were two elephants gallomping by. Much MUCH more on that tomorrow.
I think I am in heaven ...
Sonora Resort - Canada, Royal Malewane - South Africa, Bushman's Kloof - South Africa and now Tented Camp - Thailand ... there are several heavens on Earth!
Song of the Day: Claire de Lune - Debussy
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcpamvLB2JU
Weather: Cooler but bright!
Air Asia - runs rings round other lo-cost airlines ...
Laos in the distance!
arrival at jetty
boat trip ..
three bongs announce my arrival!
two ellies wander by ...
my home
a tent
HUGE bath!
wash basin with "horn taps"
bed ... with
a balcony and
VIEW!!!!!!
evening drink anyone?
art
the pool ... with view of the river below ...
