The night train ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai was a breeze. Not much to see though.
Stayed a couple nights is CM visiting some pals.
Then I was off to Fang about 150kms to the north; my first real longish ride.
Spent a night along the way in the most lovely area of Chiang Dao.
Some amazing trees along the way
Once in Fang I settle in for my 30 day Temple stay.
I get some of the white garments for novice and get into the temple routine.
For most of the stay I was the only guest, and the english speaking monk had to go to Bangkok to sort out some visa issues.
So I pretty much made up my own routine outside of the morning food and evening chanting.
Every morning I'd go to the market and score some edible goodies for the monks.
The young monks coming and going for their collection of alms.
I was pretty much free to make up my own routine which involved some study, some meditation and a good bit of cycling around the countryside seeing many fascinating little villages and temples.
I would often go to the local coffee shop for an expresso, usually I would just lay the bicycle on the grass next to the shop.
Then one day this lovely bike rack appeared!
Quite a bit of petro exploitation going on in the area.
But some spectacular scenery too!
One of the many temple dogs
A ride out to the Fang hot springs park.
A colorful bug, and some wild temple action!
The road back to Chaing Mai was lovely.
End of part 2.
Stay tuned for part 3; the Brompton folding bike, Holland, Belgium, France and the Canal du Midi.