McCainiaks in BKK

Nam Tok Khun Korn Our first full day in Chiang Rai, we started with a walk to Nam Tok Khun Korn.  Namtok (or nam tok means waterfall, but I can't find a translation for Khun Korn (kun cahn).  This was an absolutely beautiful walk through a bamboo forest to a water fall.  It is not particularly tall, but was still lovely. Trail map Test to see if the water is cold.  It is. One of several "bridges" we had to cross on the trail Bamboo Forest Wat Rong Khun "The White Temple" The White Temple is not a traditional temple.  Rather it is a complex that has been restored and expanded by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat.  Most of the buildings are painted white (symbolizing purity) and many have glass or broken mirror pieces to capture the light.  From a distance, the effect is stunning.  Up close when you focus on the details, some of it is quite disturbing.  By far the most interesting temple we've seen. Hanging our "wish" Can you find the red fingernail

 We took advantage of the end of semester break to head to northern Thailand seeking cooler temperatures and a change of scenery.  What an experience!  It was only marginally cooler, but we absolutely loved this trip.  We spent 3 days in Chiang Rai, 1 day in Golden Triangle, and finally 3 days in Chiang Mai.  Traveling during a pandemic is a bit more challenging (proof of vaccination, testing, etc.), but because there are so few international tourists in the country it felt like we had the place to ourselves. Chiang Rai - Day 1 The flowers as we entered the airport should've been a clue. Our hotel The Legend Chiang Rai Chilling by the river Lunch with a view Local Thai farmer working his garden by the river taking a break Chiang Rai Flower Festival The boys opted for takeaway burgers and electronics time rather than walking through a flower festival. They definitely missed out, it was beautiful and certainly explained all the flowers in the airport when we arrived. Lisianthus (my w