Halong Bay to Chiang Mai 13-15/01/2023

Even though the last couple of days have involved a lot of travelling, I'm so pooped that I'm going to make this post short.
It was slightly poignant leaving Halong Bay. The morning of the 13th was a gloriously sunny and hot day, so I went for a stroll down by the beach where a gazillion apartments are being build for the wealthy and/or property speculators. It's going to be very impressive, although today it's something of an odd ghost town complete with newly planted palm trees.
On balance, it was a relief to be leaving Vietnam. Thankfully, my travel arrangements nearly all fell into place and I got to Hanoi airport in one piece. (Ugh! it's an okay airport, but I've just seen it too many times in a short period.
Aah, but the flight to Chiang Mai was a really pleasant one: cotton wool clouds then spectacular, jungle topped mountains over Laos (Sadly the shot doesn't do it justice.)
The taxi from the airport to the centre of the old town was painless, and the town looks very interesting. Right next to where I've managed. to find digs, there's the Sunday Market on - walking only in the streets and packed with people - especially after the sun has gone down.
I'm unsure whether to book a trip to the elephant sanctuary or something else. I've. only booked into my tiny hotel for two nights.
A bit of late planning is in order.
However, getting some laundry dropped off at the little old lady on the corner, and a spot of temple-gawping is on the cards for tomorrow morning.
I'm already liking it here. (and breathe..... )もっと詳しく