Gordon:  We spent a night in the Lao border town of Houay Xay to give ourselves time to purchase cellular data service, acquire some Lao money (Kip - about 6,000 to the Canadian dollar) and purchase a new bike seat (mine broke just after we... Read More

Ruth: The sign at the temple at the top of town announced that Monk Chat was available between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.  In the finer print it explained that the monks want to practice their English skills and are happy to... Read More

Ruth: We were up and out before seven this morning heading to Chiang Khong on the Mekong River, one of the few border crossings into Laos. It was my first touring day of over 100kms! It was a beautiful ride along the Kok River in... Read More

Ruth: It is Sauturday in Chiang Rai and that means it is time to head down to "Walking Street."The whole community comes out for a stroll along a cordoned off street filled with food and shopping stalls stretching out for several blocks. Our first find... Read More

Gordon:  Victoria is well supplied with Thai restaurants, so most of us are familiar with the aromatic, delicious dishes served in these restaurants.  While we do occasionally enjoy similar dishes in our travels in Thailand, the food that is offered in smaller towns and rural... Read More

Ruth: Oh I am so glad we left the tent at home. Gordon:  We cycled north from Lampang on Highway 1 today.  Although it is an arterial, divided highway, it was actually a pleasant ride.  Major highways in Thailand have paved shoulders that are so wide... Read More