This last stage will see us sliding quietly to Chiang Rai. From Tha Ton at the door of our bungalow we will take a pirogue on the river Nam Kok. The stage of the previous day would have probably been difficult for bodies and souls. After a restful night and a wake-up call later than usual (8am instead of 5am), we could extend our night once in the boat and let ourselves be gently rocked by the river. It would be definitely useful and enjoyable to go back into a soft and deep sleep.

After 1 hour and 30 minutes by boat, we will stop  to start running near the Akha village of Ban Chadoe. This last effort of 30k will lead us through jungles and mountains first then alongside a beautiful road to our final destination, the ultimate objective of this project, Chiang Rai. We will cross many small tribal villages. The mountains around Chiang Rai is known to house a large number of ethnic minorities. Unlike around Chiang Mai the tribes here are poor and face many health or drug problems. Creating Balance Foundation which help us in this project (assistance and photographs) acts in this area to help children. It was a pleasure and a real chance to meet them; thank to this project for giving me this opportunity.

Having met and talked with Lisu and Akha tribes, we will enjoy the last few kilometers. After more than 300k in the mountains we will continue to enjoy the beauty of the place. Here the atmosphere is more hilly than mountainous and it offers magnificent sceneries. It is also wilder and jungle parts are beautiful. We will run around 12k in such an atmosphere before joining the asphalt for the last kilos. This last part will get us through beautiful Thai villages. We will cross the west of Chiang Rai before reaching the arch of the Night Bazaar, symbol of the finish line and the success of our project. I imagine the intense moment it will be, a mix of relief and accomplishment. Anyway this is another story I will tell you in a few days.