Having got the hang of two wheels in Thailand, we decided to get a little more adventurous – I had really wanted to see Chiang Diao, a scenic mountain spot about 2hrs scootering from Chiang Mai. We swapped our hard-seated scooter for an automatic with a very comfortable gel seat for the longer trip, and were very grateful for it. Arriving in nearby Chiang Diao, a mountain loomed above us. A quick turn left brought us even deeper into the shadow of the mountain, and out of city existence. This area is beautiful, with sub-tropical trees all over, as well as extensive gum tree forests. However, we were almost out of petrol. After asking directions to the nearest petrol station, we at first didn't recognise it - glass jugs with tubes coming out of them suspended at head height. It was the most interesting petrol station we have come across, even better than the roadside glass bottles of petrol for scooters in Bali! Once we were fueled, we checked out a few bungalows (justifiably all booked out, they were gorgeous!) we found a place called the Nest, with the most comfortable bed in 2 months, as well as a pool and views of the mountain.
Nearby, a buddhist temple is nestled in the rainforest part way up the mountain, with views out over the verdant region. After exploring it, we headed back to the hotel's restaurant for dinner (we were ravenous after the road trip), and while eating our meals, we could hear the bells resounding throughout the mountain pass, calling the monks to meditation. My steamed fish with chilli and lime sounded amazing but turned out to be less flavoursome than anticipated. We'll have to explore the other restaurants tomorrow! The pool here is the perfect temperature to laze around in whilst reading, looking out at the mountains looming overhead, or gazing at the orchid nursery.
Tomorrow we plan to explore the extensive cave system within Chiang Diao, where it is rumoured a hermit lived for a thousand years, and cursed anyone who tries to steal a stone from the mountain to lose their ways in its passageways forever.
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