I went to a village to look at traditional houses. I have mixed feelings about visiting this kind of place. On one hand, it helps support the local economy, but on the other hand it is strange to look at people as if they are tourist attractions. Originally the the long-neck Karen tribes lived in a more isolated area of the mountains, but were asked by the Thai government to move closer to tourist areas. Our two guides. They said they didn't have enough money for school so I gave a larger tip than usual hoping it would help. They didn't mention school until I asked about it directly so I don't think it was just a line to get a bigger tip.
To get more income each house sells trinkets, and hand woven scarves.
The metal neck jewelry can way up to 10kg.
 

A few more photos of elephants from Chiang Mai. They can even be taught to paint.
Traveling down the river in a bamboo raft. If I had more time we could have gone all the way to Bangkok.
 

Traditional stilt houses in the countryside of Thailand.
The elephants were hungry for sugarcane.

 

Phatreeya and I tried the tourist package that included an elephant, oxen, and raft ride. Riding an elephant is much easier than a horse.


 

Food in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Below is kiwi juice, pork with honey, papaya salad with shrimp and "khao soi" the speciality of this region, a kind of noodle soup with chicken. It's sweet, spicy and sour and the same time. Another version of khao soi and shrimp pad thai.
Cocktails back at the hotel.
 

A few more photos from Chiang Mai, Thailand. I didn't notice the sign for foreigners until after having visited the temple. They charge about 1 USD for entrance, but are not too obsessed about collecting it.
A display to honor the king of Thailand. Many people wear yellow shirts to show support for the monarchy although officially Thailand is democracy (elections are promised within one year).
The wooden part of this wat is much newer than the stone part.
It was strange to see the temple grounds used as a parking lot, but this location is in the middle of the city.
 

A few more photos of Doi Suthep temple, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. People place bills on the money tree below to buy merit so they will be reborn in a higher position for the next life. I was wondering if the MOM meant this temple was dedicated to all mothers, or was an acronym like "Master of Magnimosity" After some internet research, I found MOM may be a kind of mythical chimera. That would explain the label--simply a transliteration of the Thai sound since no word exists for the creature in English.
A view from the mountaintop temple showing the international airport.

This temple is used as the symbol of Chiang Mai, Thailand


 

On the steps to Wat Phra Thart Doi Suthep. It's not that far--less than 300 steps.


There is one bowl for every day of the week.
 

Rachamankha Hotel, where I stayed in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It was designed by two famous Thai architects.


 

Three photos from Changi Airport, Singapore. I didn't have time to find the swimming pool yet.