Friday 11th - Saturday 19th April. A plan to flee the madness & mayhem of Songkran in Chiang Mai. Hang out in charming Chiang Khong & not get wet, if possible - a bit of a silly fantasy in retrospect. For me it started off with a new year spirit ceremony at Wat Phra Kaeo. {} {} {} {} {} & this ceremony would appear to be for the village elders only I thought. Not everyone fitted inside {} I'd actually been in CK for 2 days, holed up at Tammila guesthouse to avoid the water throwing & pickups patrolling the main street dowsing everyone with water. And I thought I would be "safe," no way!
On day 3 I ventured out for a few piccies of the water throwing {} {} {} {} {} Parading the Buddha images for bathing & good luck {} {} {} {} It was also full moon & there was a glorious moon rise over Houei Xai & the Khong. {} A full moon can affect some people in strange ways & much more than others.
Like most towns on the 'Khong, Chiang Khong hosted some local boat racing. It was exciting, went all day & was bloody hot 'n hard work in the midday sun, but the locals get right into it & have loads of fun. No aggro & no fights. just plain good ol sanuk. Good on you Thailand. Preparing for the start {} It's amazing how low the boats are & how little free board there is. A race is on {} {} {} {} The Finish line area & spectators {} The finish line {} Powering on, going for it {} Close finishes {} Victors {} {} A victorious crew {} {} Blessed boats {} {} A portable sound system to urge the boat rowers on out in the Mekong {}
The cool laid back riverside party scene for the boat racing in Chiang Khong. {} The boat racing finishing line {} {} {} {} {} The night time party scene, set up on the Customs dock downtown. {} A cool bench to sit on. {}
