Day 241, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Huey Tung Tao Lake 

We decided to hire bicycles today and head out into the country. Our friend Google had given us a nice idea on where to go, which was to a nearby lake: Huey Tung Tao Lake.

Bikehire for one day: 50 baht, entry into park: 50 baht, the freedom of biking in the countryside: Priceless.

View while sipping smoothies

Getting out of town was a bit of a challenge and we ended up biking on the highway, which sounds scarier than it was, as there was a large strip to bike on. Once we got into the quieter area I managed to do a wee awkward fall and rip half my toenail off, which was rather painful, but apart from that we arrived safely.

Ready for the flower festival 

The lake was very peaceful, hardly anyone else around, and certainly kept very quiet from the tourists. First stop for a fruit smoothie and then we biked right around the lake. What bliss, so peaceful, sun shining, just lovely.

Back a different way, along a long and winding cycle path, so extra safe and very impressive for Thailand, I must add.

Wat Chedi Lueng 

Then time for lunch in the Old Town. Chiang Mai is made up of the Old City, contained within the old city walls and moat, and the outlying town beyond its gates, with a population of 200,000. It's annual visitor numbers are just over 1.6 million! 

We chose one temple to visit, Wat Chedi Lueng, dating from the 14th century.

Time to return the bikes and get organised for tomorrow when I fly to Mumbai to meet up with my niece Shanna and spend two weeks with her.