The River Lang rises on the Burmese Border and runs around Kanlaya’s on its way to famous Thum Lod Cave. a mile downstream. On the opposite bank the Jungle starts. And in the river, Blue Dace, River Carp and the odd big black Catfish. But best to eat are shoals of little pink crayfish. We make a white wine sauce with the heads and shells, with lemon grass, galangal, Kafir lemon and garlic, chilli of course, this is Thailand, and enjoy with homemade pasta.
One of the many crystal clear mountain streams that cross cross the green expanse of Forest Monastery. It’s a quiet and restful place of great beauty to tarry awhile on the wild and twisting « Road of a Thousand Bends » that weaves its way across the great limestone wilderness from Kanlaya’s to Mae Hong Son, capital of Thailand’s highest and least densely populated Province. Where eight out of ten are Tribal peoples and four different languages are heard at the weekly market.
Perhaps Cinematic gives a truer idea of the magical Dawn in mist filled Mae Hong Son?
Before the Dawn, seen from Kanlaya's Mountain Top Hut
Sunrise seen from our Mountain Top Hut, before and soon after Dawn. Magical, haunting, primeval.
Candlelit Dinner by the Firepit beside the Waterfall
Laying the table for candlelit dinner in the Courtyard. Now the evenings are just about chilly enough to light the firepit, which came from Rajasthan.😊
The Mae Lanna river plunges underground right here, at the base of Asher mountain face 600 feet high. Underground it joins another bigger subterranean river that runs for 14 Kms through the longest river cave in South East Asia. Home to a unique species of blind albino fish who can climb the underground waterfalls with specially adapted find like arms. Kanlaya’s surroundings are full of wondrous surprises
Another team of Shan villagers harvesting rice in Mae Lanna valley.razor sharp sickles, lots of stamina and great teamwork
Rice harvest in Mae Lanna valley. All done by hand. The valley is completely surrounded by mountains. And when the river running through reaches the mountain that blocks its exit, takes the easy way out, diving deep down underground. Just 10 Kms over the hills from Kanlaya’s
Hi, wondering what Kanlaya's really looks like? Well just discovered Cinematic on my Iphone. Shaky start, but this is the way into Kanlaya's, through the magnificent iron wood gate from Rajasthan, into the glittering Courtyard. Waterfall running, over the stepping stones and a look right around.
To follow, the House, The Honeymoon Suite, the Sala, the grounds, the summer house and more.
Loikratong, which falls on the November Full Moon, ranks with Sonkran and New Year as one of the Big Three Thai national celebrations. Traditionally the time to remember departed loved ones. Little floral rafts with candles alight are launched on the river and disappear with fond memories into the night.
It was a little different in our Village this year, first big party post Covid. Every man, woman and child pitched up dressed to the nines at the Cave Eco Reception area in the forest. Bands, lanterns, magnificently decorated pick ups each with a little Princess enthroned, dancing, drinking and eating. Here are some clips to give you the atmosphere. Great party under a blazing moon til midnight.
Loikraton, Sky Lanterns instead of little boats to take aloft the memories of those we miss so much. But borne aloft in joyful remembrance and celebration, not in tearful sadness.
Birthday party at Kanlaya's. Later that night, by the light of the moon, beneath the starlit sky. Definitely one to remember.
Birthday Party at Kanlaya’s for two beautiful sisters who share exactly the same Birthday.October 4th, BUT both precisely a year apart.
Kanlaya Food, home and Away. Teaching the staff the "Full English." Truffles from the Jungle preserved in Olive Oil, Surprisingly fresh seafood overnight from Chiang Mai, delivered daily from the Andaman Sea, Squid Sashimi, prawns,, oysters and lobster, Crab curry, Organic veg, foraged and home grown.
