The day had already involved rescuing this little guy from our refrigerator, and getting bit on the lip by a bee on the way to Rai Mae Fah Luang (or Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park), so why not add getting locked in the park?
I tried to climb over the gate, but I was wearing a skirt. Tricky business. Oh, did I mention it was pissing down? Ah, yes. Just before we were getting to leave, the skies clouded over and rained. But we doubled back and were able to escape with the employees. I wonder how much longer those 2 farangs stuck around though, they seemed oblivious the park closing.
And despite our best efforts to ride our bicycles with umbrellas, we got soaked. Nothing though, that a nice cold beer and good food couldn’t fix, at least temporarily, until we could get home to enjoy a blissful and hot shower.
Although, the adventure started hot, humid and bright enough when we started at the entrance of the park. It costs 100 baht if you can prove that you live here, and it’s 200 for tourists. I’d recommend bicycling because Rai Mae Fah Luang is perfect for it. I like walking, but the grounds are too big for that. It’s best enjoyed from the whimsy of a bike, and there are smaller paths you can ride down as well.
There is plenty of informative write ups on the cultural side of the park in the brochure they give you, and on their website, so I won’t be repetitive. I enjoyed the architecture, the museum items, practicing Thai with the staff, and learning about the artifacts housed here, but my focus for this post will be on the lush surroundings.
So, without further ado, I leave you with what caught my camera: the clouds, the greenery, and the natural beauty of the place. I’ll definitely return. They even have clean restrooms with soap! Wooo-hooo!
Directions: Take Ratyotha Road away from downtown. Pass the Denha intersection where there is a large picture of the King’s Mother. At the next intersection, turn right on to Honglee. You will see Cimelo Coffee on your right. There are also some newish eateries that have cropped up along here that you might want to nosh at later. Honglee becomes Pa Ngew and Rai Mae Fah Luang will be across from the Country Homes gate on your left.
Until next time, signing off from really rainy’ Rai, xxoo
Life, the Universe, and Lani 
That tub teem fish looks amazing! I will have to try ordering that here
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Please do, it was very good. Lots of fresh and interesting flavors like tiny bits of ginger, lime, peppers and lemon grass.
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The Alien Plant looks like a staghorn fern (or elephant’s ear fen) and the closeup of the tree looks like a Rainbow Eucalyptus tree. Sorry to hear about the problems you had beforehand and after, but hey! Life is an adventure.
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Problems? No, problems. If we were still locked in there, well, now that would be a problem. 555+
Thanks for the plant identifications! Woo-hoo!
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I really should get out more, too….
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😛
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What a beautiful spot. I love fluffy clouds like that too. A veritable feast for the eyes. When I get tired of the desert, I’ll come visit. 🙂
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“A veritable feast for the eyes” – I’ve been thinking the same thing every time I look at these pictures. I want to visit you, too!!
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Hop on a plane. Well, maybe not right now. It is too hot and brown at the moment. Even the sky has a brown tint these days. But in winter there is much beauty around: red dunes etched against a blue sky . . . Know you are welcome anytime.
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Awww, thanks! You too!
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What an adventure! It will be fun for you to read this years from now. I loved all the photos of puffy clouds in the brilliant blue sky! Thanks again!
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Thanks Lin. Hope you all are enjoying your Japanese vacation! xxoo
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Beautiful! Great photos.
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I had a dream I was in Detroit last night. Hahahahaha.
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Hope you didn’t get mugged in your dream. hehe.
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No, mugs, but I dreamt I saw my friend’s husband naked. Don’t ask.
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OMG beautiful photos! Wanted to let you know so far Hawaii has fared pretty good through the hurricane, as big island volcanoes took the wind out of its sails literally.
..I love the adventurer in you! and I thought I saw a Hawaii gecko in my fridge once! Bummer about the BEE! Yet you were right about beer and good food helping!
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Hahahha. I was just commenting on your blog about the hurricane. Super glad it was tamed down.
Not really adventurous, but thanks, I’ll take the compliment. 😛
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I’m in CR for a week now. So amazed at the variety of plants and flowers everywhere in CR! Also I love it that there are many different tastes in one Thai dish, lime, ginger, chili, basil leaves, some unknown seeds… really gives the mouth a happy and colorful time 🙂
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Glad to hear it 🙂 Yes, Chiang Mai gets all of the attention, but CR has some great food and flavors, too. And it’s got more nature – very green. Now if you’ll excuse me I have to put on a sweater. Brrrr 🙂
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