After having a short couple of hours in our very nice hotel, New Riverside Hotel, a quick shower and nap, we got ready to start our adventure.
First we got lunch in the town center, western food, which was not all that great... but the fresh papaya juice more than made up for it! It was so good and the best one of the trip. Back at the hotel, our bikes were assigned to us (we had previously sent in our heights) and we put our day supplies in the pouches. We also gave our overnight bags to the van support crew as we were back to the hotel until the next afternoon. Yes, 3 nights of poor sleep - hello Trekkup!
Once we got our bikes and supplies for the day sorted, off we went. We probably spent a good 15 minutes on the busy streets in town. It was dusty and there were some cars to dodge but we were in good spirits. Soon enough, we were on the back roads and got to our first stop about an hour later.
plenty of people but not crazy busy. This temple includes a cemetery with pagodas, Buddhist hall and a school. While we were there, the monks were having their lunch, the second of their two daily meals. There were also a lot of kids hanging around, including a few on bikes. They were so cute and friendly. There is little information that I could find on this particular place, but it was very well decorated along the outer portion of the temple; we didnt go in. I really loved the many sculptures, especially the giant serpent heads at each entrance, which continued into a long snake tail over the railing of perimeter. Below this, some griffins (?) were holding up the tail. It was very detailed and interesting.
We continued riding and stopped at one spot that was a farm, growing chives as well as other things. It seemed very well kept, and I loved the elevated planter beds. My guess was to avoid heavy rainfall and flooding, which was part true, but was also to deter chickens from disturbing the plants.
but is situated along a pleasant creek. This was such a cute place, with various locations of tables spread out, as well as some areas of relaxation, like hammocks beneath a big pavilion where our guides hung out the whole time. We had a delicious lunch including spring rolls, rice, a fish dish, and some chicken. It was yummy. A few of us downed some cold beer as well. We had a couple of hours here, so after lunch we had a bit of time to explore, so I sat out on this huge swing beneath a pleasant stand of trees. Very peaceful.
After lunch, it was pretty much a straight ride, very straight actually, to our final destination: The Floating Village. We went through a little crowded village at the entrance to the park where our guides paid our entrance fee. We were told that it was a 15 minute ride to our stop. That was a lie. It was 10 km or so along a long, straight, dusty levee! It was an easy ride, but at this point we were tired, hot, and exposed to the afternoon sun.
So, it was difficult. We stopped at a little hut about halfway where we had nice juicy watermelon to give us some more energy. Along the levee, we passed a water buffalo crossing (which was pretty cool), an elevated school, and plenty of fishermen and other villagers. Finally we entered the floating village, where most of the buildings were painted blue and it was a very pleasing contrast.
We had to go down toward the second row of homes which is directly on the existing river. Our guide told us that during the wet season, the water levels are up to the first floor or higher. It was difficult to imagine because apparently the villagers take full advantage of the dry season by planting gardens, establishing paths, and riding the bikes and motor bikes.
We stayed at a locals home on the top floor. I think some people were a bit surprised at the very bare but ... Trekkup.
