Day 10, Saturday 9th February - Kamphaeng Phet

Bitten by a snake..... Considering the antics of the previous night I've slept very well. I hardly know its daylight owing to the heavy drapes on the window. I wander down to reception for a coffee, but I consume little else. This morning will be busy. The owner still seems concerned, even apologetic but whether I stay here another night is down to circumstance beyond his or my control. Last night I failed to locate a motorbike rental shop. Securing independent transport is key to my continued stay in Mae Sot. I wander off in a direction suggested to me but find this dealership closed. Undeterred I seek another, then another. I've reached one of the city temples, Wat Mani Phraison, and allocate 10 minutes for photographs, but time is ticking on. It's near 10 am as I wander further away from First Hotel. Finally, I do spot a dealership that seems to be open, but I'm in for bad news. An event I'm already aware of, in fact had even considered in the planning of this trip, is about to determine plans for the remainder of this tour. I'm referring to 'Trook Geen', Chinese New Year (the year of the SNAKE). It should not be underestimated the effect that this has in some areas of Thailand. Much of the business and commerce particularly in a border town such as Mae Sot is run by Thai/Chinese who follow their traditions. Today is the Chinese New Year's Eve and I cannot find an outlet that will rent me a motorbike for love nor money. I have some quick thinking to do! Without a motorbike I'm restricted within the city area and Mae Sot Town does not have too many attractions for tourists. It is simply a busy border town. I still have however, one option to fall back onto. The question is shall I burn my ace card now or trek back to First Hotel? I decide to trump. It will pay me back big time later as it turns out.
Thai/Myanmar Friendship Bridge..... The Thai/Myanmar Friendship Bridge reopened in 2011 after it had been closed over a border dispute, one of many disagreements between Thailand and Myanmar. This has helped Mae Sot open a trading link once more. If I can get to the bridge and back before midday check-out then my options improve dramatically. Nearby is a motorbike taxi station and I know that the bridge is just 7 kilometres away. I agree a fee and I'm off to the bridge. The border crossing point attracts a number of foreigners who generally are there out of curiosity and to visit Talat Rim Meoi (border market). Tourists interested in visiting Myawadi in Myanmar (just across Maenam Moei) can take boats from this market. I move right up to the border post and note the usual offering of cigarettes, whiskey and pornographic material, all suspect quality, under the watchful eyes of Thai border police. Foreigners here are well advised to take special care of their belongings. I do, in fact, buy something at Talat Rim Moei but its only snacks for the afternoon. By this time I've already decided where I'm heading later and it's nowhere near Mae Sot. The route back into town is much more straightforward as there is a regular shuttle service from across the border, Burmese shoppers eager to stock up in local supermarkets. I'm soon back in town.
Minivan v Songtheaw..... I'm dropped off literally 100 yards from one of the more important temples in Mae Sot, Wat Chumphon Kiri. It's 11.45 am with just enough time for me to register a visit. I've squeezed the last possible drop of juice out of this lemon. First Hotel is just around the corner and I make it there with a couple of minutes to spare, concerned that the staff may think I'm not checking out. I grab my kit and head off back to the local bus station in the town, stopping on the way for lunch. At the square there are only minivans departing on a regular basis and in 30 minutes, one of them is departing with me onboard. It's heading for Tak, 70 kilometres away. My general dislike for minivans is based on the fact that they are cramped, full of 15 sweating bodies minimizing the effect of air-conditioning and invariably offering little space for luggage. This van ticks all these boxes. Its only major claim is that it's quick. Not quick enough for me though but by 2.30 pm I'm in Tak bus station.
Rather surprisingly there is frantic activity to offer the arriving passengers onward travel. It's far too frantic for my liking as I look for a toilet. With my blood pressure back to normal, I look around for options and there right ahead is another songtheaw which is heading south to Kampaeng Phet. I'm in no mood to be packed into a sardine tin again and in no hurry either. It's a good job. Apparently Thai people don't worry about fish and the songtheaw service is struggling to find passengers. Fantastic! There will be plenty of space for me and my bag. The only problem with this is that the driver, hoping for more passengers is way out with his departure time. 90 minutes waiting in the bus station is not what I had in mind but around 4 pm the songtheaw departs with just four passengers. The roads hereabout are good and this converted pick up wastes no time as it approaches Kamphaeng Phet around 5 pm.
BanPoh Garden House..... Pronounced Baan Paw, BanPoh Garden House is effectively a motel, the sort of place I was looking for in Mae Sot. This time I'm in luck. The Songtheaw driver knows where it is, directly on the link road connecting the main highway (1) with Kamphaeng Phet city. It is also convenient to the main bus terminal. I'm offered a room that ticks all the boxes including price. Even an American style breakfast is included. The building itself is new and the rooms clean and fresh. I settle up for the night despite the fact that it's virtually certain I will stay for a second night. What's on my mind is a thought that goes right back to the first day of the tour and my journey to Lampang. The motel is 2 kilometres from the city, but it's not far for me to walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner. All in all this day has ended far better than it started. I'm just so thankful I made it to the border today allowing a grand finale to this epic tour tomorrow. Today's excursions included:-
Wat Mani Phraison..... Wat Mani Phraison is an old temple in the town of Mae Sot. The main attraction is the 'Sampuhutthe' Chedi which is surrounded with 233 smaller pagodas, containing Buddha images. In the temple compound there is also a public sauna with traditional herbs.
Talad Rim Moei..... Situated on the bank of Maenam Moei (Moei River), Talad Rim Moei is a place where local products and precious stones such as jade and garnet from Myanmar are available. Also available are products from China particularly electrical goods.
Wat Chumphon Kiri..... Wat Chumphon Kiri is located in the centre of Mae Sot. In the temple compound stands a large golden pagoda, which is a replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Burma. 20 satellite pagodas surround the main one, which contains sacred images.
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