Why does a room by the lake always attract visitors? Woke this morning to find a big fat frog in our room! After a couple of attempts to remove the frog, and him hopping back in, we decided to let him stay as long as he stays quiet! Splitting the price of the room 3 ways should to be good for the budget!
An early start at first light, saw us head off to a Mon village across a newly constructed bamboo bridge. The old wooden bridge, the longest in Thailand and an attraction in itself had collapsed. So, the bamboo bridge was built beside it. Both bridges were amazing and so interesting to see as they emerged through the morning mist.
After cautiously crossing the bridge we arrived at the Mon market. One of the first things we noticed was that each of the Mon people had their face painted with what looked like pale white powder. The Mon people are a Burmese tribe who have settled just over the border in Thailand.
We stopped for a local coffee, which was very strong, before heading back down to the lake to negotiate a longtail boat to the sunken temple. After trying a few drivers the price slowly dropped and we jumped in. Off we went about 10 metres before coming to an abrupt stop. Not sure why but after a few minutes we were off again at full throttle across the lake. It was a wonderful journey, skimming across the water! The temple was well below the surface with just the top visible. As the dry season really takes hold, the water level drops and more of the temple appears.
Once back on dry land, we continued our visit to the village and the Mon temples. Both really great!
After a little rest and to hide from the midday heat, we headed into town. On the way we met an Australian who was trying to get together a group to visit the Karen village (another Burmese tribe in Thailand) in the jungle because the princess of Thailand was going to be there tomorrow. If we wanted to go we had to be ready in the next hour!
We met at his homestay in an hour, where we joined up with a French man and American lady for the trip! Off we all went in a huge 4WD into the jungle. The road was bad. Thick mud most of the way and really hilly, we were sliding all over the place. Eventually we came to a stream. It was fairly deep, so the decision was made that we would walk from here. We crossed a rickety old bridge and followed the road, soon arriving in the village. But, it was dark! Our driver arranged for us to sleep in the village temple. When we went in we discovered we would be sharing with the army who were also there for the royal visit.
We strolled around the village with headtorches and were invited to eat by the army. We had the most delicious food and the cooks wouldn't accept a penny in payment.
After dinner we slept on the wooden floor in temple. What an adventure!
An early start at first light, saw us head off to a Mon village across a newly constructed bamboo bridge. The old wooden bridge, the longest in Thailand and an attraction in itself had collapsed. So, the bamboo bridge was built beside it. Both bridges were amazing and so interesting to see as they emerged through the morning mist.
After cautiously crossing the bridge we arrived at the Mon market. One of the first things we noticed was that each of the Mon people had their face painted with what looked like pale white powder. The Mon people are a Burmese tribe who have settled just over the border in Thailand.
We stopped for a local coffee, which was very strong, before heading back down to the lake to negotiate a longtail boat to the sunken temple. After trying a few drivers the price slowly dropped and we jumped in. Off we went about 10 metres before coming to an abrupt stop. Not sure why but after a few minutes we were off again at full throttle across the lake. It was a wonderful journey, skimming across the water! The temple was well below the surface with just the top visible. As the dry season really takes hold, the water level drops and more of the temple appears.
Once back on dry land, we continued our visit to the village and the Mon temples. Both really great!
After a little rest and to hide from the midday heat, we headed into town. On the way we met an Australian who was trying to get together a group to visit the Karen village (another Burmese tribe in Thailand) in the jungle because the princess of Thailand was going to be there tomorrow. If we wanted to go we had to be ready in the next hour!
We met at his homestay in an hour, where we joined up with a French man and American lady for the trip! Off we all went in a huge 4WD into the jungle. The road was bad. Thick mud most of the way and really hilly, we were sliding all over the place. Eventually we came to a stream. It was fairly deep, so the decision was made that we would walk from here. We crossed a rickety old bridge and followed the road, soon arriving in the village. But, it was dark! Our driver arranged for us to sleep in the village temple. When we went in we discovered we would be sharing with the army who were also there for the royal visit.
We strolled around the village with headtorches and were invited to eat by the army. We had the most delicious food and the cooks wouldn't accept a penny in payment.
After dinner we slept on the wooden floor in temple. What an adventure!
