Thailand
We followed the signs to an obscure trail- head and down a path. The beauty of the trail was overshadowed by the soupy midday humidity. Still we excitedly ran the final 100 meters to the water’s edge. Only a few of the dozens of signs we followed gave any more information than the waterfall’s name, so it took us a moment to realize that the shallow brook trickling onto a pile of rocks in front of us was the main attraction. With no well-established source for river beta and our elementary command of the Thai language, we were skunked more then once. However, failures like this were always quickly forgotten. Every beautiful drop, big and small, is hidden away in a jungle paradise.
C
hiang Mai is a great base for paddlers looking to spend an extended period in
the area as it’s central to a good deal of the known boating in northern Thailand. The city itself was built in 1292, complete with sur- rounding moat and defensive wall to keep out the encroaching Mongol empire. Nowadays, it acts as the northern hub for commerce, tourism, and religion. We settled into our cheap rooms. At 200 Baht per night—just six bucks—the place was no Hilton, but offered a satisfactory place to sleep and beat over- nighting in the car.
On good information from a friend, we made our way to the Siam River Adventures Center in downtown Chiang Mai. We were met by the lovely and hospitable owner Lah, who quickly set us up with a shuttle to the top of the river. The last leg of our route was by elephant, kayaks and all.
CHIANG MAI
Siam River Adventures is located downtown Chiang Mai. They offer shuttles and guided trips to the Mae Tang River or gear rentals. www.
siamrivers.com
Be sure to check out the city’s biggest weekly social event—the Sunday market. Streets are closed to traffic and become a focal point for people to meet, browse, socialize, haggle and enjoy.
Those looking to be close to nightlife and the marketplace should stay near the intersection of Loi Khor and Chang Clan. Most cheap guesthouses are in the Old City amidst temples and historic sites, a district surrounded by a moat.
54 RAPID SPRING 2013
BLENDING IN AT THE CHIANG MAI SUNDAY NIGHT MARKET. PHOTO: TYLER FOX
CHASING THE GREAT WHITE NAMTOK. PHOTO: TYLER FOX
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