Chiang Rai - Part 1

Chiang Rai is located in the heart of the Golden Triangle region, where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. This area was infamous in the mid-1900s as the source of poppies for making illegal drugs, but now has figured out how to legally separate people from their dollars, through tourism and a casino. (The casino is in Myanmar, as gambling is illegal in Thailand...I noticed when we visited Myanmar that people coming into Thailand from Myanmar could not bring more than two decks of cards!)

Chiang Rai is the northernmost large city in Thailand, although much smaller (under 100,000) than the other cities we've visited here. Also the first city we've visited here with no Starbucks! However, the world's most expensive coffee was available here...and this didn't come from The Onion. It's called elephant dung coffee. You can likely guess why...

1. Feed whole beans in one end of the elephant.
2. Wait for them to come out the other end.
3. Wash really well.
4. Grind the beans.
5. Brew coffee in some contraption that looks like a miniature table-top whiskey still.
6. Pay $15 a cup, and enjoy!

In case you're wondering, we didn't give it a try. Something about the manufacturing process didn't seem appealing! If you do, I'm sure you can find some on Amazon!

Our hotel was located in a mountainous area outside of town, with lots of new sounds at night. We were up early the next morning for an elephant ride, which was fun, but not the way I would choose for a daily commute!





Breakfast stop for the elephant...


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