Looks like another country
This is the sentence that comes to mind when crossing the border between Burma and Thailand. What is strictly correct is another country! But above all, it is a giant leap in time.
Almost 1 km to end Burma and cross northern Thailand to Laos.
A few kilometers and an easily accessible border gives me the impression of being projected into the future.
Large convenience stores, a big box grocery store, a furniture store! Nothing fancy to western eyes, but it hits me. It's been months since I've seen anything like this.
All is not, however, rosy. My mate Fred is leaving me again, and this time for good. He has to travel by bus to Bangkok, from where he will return to Germany to begin his life as a secondary school teacher.
Here I am again alone on the road.
One of the last villages on the road in Burma.
The surprises
Like almost every new country, I have no idea what to expect. Not enough time to do exhaustive research, and the surprise makes the experience more interesting. And here the surprise takes the form of mountains.
Ouin worse, it is not your first mountains!
- You who have been reading me for the last few months.
No I know. Except that I have never ridden in such oppressive humidity. One morning, after getting up camp, I had to completely change my clothes after only 5 km of climb. I can already twist them with my sweat. Sweater, shorts, and even socks!
As the days go by and ascents, I will sometimes become so weak that I will almost lose consciousness. I miss Fred, who forced me to stop to eat and drink, him who was always hungry! I need to listen to my body better. Sick and exhausted, I stop for two days to rest.
First night on the road in Thailand.
About a week later, my second surprise gradually appears in my path. At the end of the day, I notice that there are more and more Western hotels and tourists around me. It is then that I see a sign announcing that I am at Sukhotai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And as the King of Thailand passed away a few weeks earlier, admission is even currently free in his honor.
I learn that I am in the ancient capital of the kingdom of Siam, built in the 13th century! Not bad for a quick afternoon stop!
The old capital of Sukhotai, dating from the 13th century.
The cyclist in Thailand
There are definitely more cycle tourists here. But they are a little less friendly. Perhaps because they are usually only traveling for weeks and have less time, few stop to chat. At the same time, we are far from Central Asia where meeting another human was an event!
I also notice the presence of local cyclists on road bikes. Definitely a sign that Thailand is richer than its neighbors. It is often forgotten that having leisure, as well as the time and money to play tourist, even locally, is a luxury.
I also cannot help but notice here and there in the towns older white men strolling on the arms of young Thai women. Sometimes even with very young children who could be their grandchildren. I tell myself that this is perhaps one of the reasons why I am less noticed and greeted here. As white, I have to represent for some of them another man coming to compete with them with my North American money.
Nam Nao
One of the last beautiful surprises of the country is the Nam Nao National Park that I cross from west to east. The park is said to be home to several elephants. I also see several signs and dozens of fresh trails, but unfortunately, no pachyderm shows me the tip of his trunk.
However, I will have the chance to see a large flying squirrel. It's better than nothing !
Sunset over a rock at Nam Nao National Park in Thailand.
Already finished ?!
After this crossing of northern Thailand, I go to Laos, towards the north. But it is not quite finished for the land of the Thais. After Laos, I will continue to Vietnam and Cambodia, and will then be back in Thailand for a longer period. I will then visit Bangkok, and follow its coastline to the south and Malaysia.
But we still have a lot of time to talk about all this again!
