Ten days inside the walls of the Old City in Northern Thailand!
Founded in 1296, it was the capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom until 1558.
Tha Phae Gate
The walls and moats help to retain, and draw attention to, the history, culture and religion of the city.
The crumbling city wall once acted as a fortress for the old city.
The riverside city is laid-back--nothing like the hubbub of Bangkok!
Not only are you visiting the beautiful old city of yesterday, but today it is brimming with many modern attractions--mostly the works of artists and designers.
The riverside city is known for traditional markets, beautiful temples and wats.
Wat Sai Moon Muang is the first temple on our Wat Walk! There are 75 temples in Chiang Mai's Old City.
This Wat was established in 1487 during the reign of the King Tilokarat--he was the 12th monarch of the Mantra Dynasty which ruled the Lanna Kingdom from 1292 to 1558.
According to the plaque on the grounds the temple was originally called Wat Aranbarnpa but its name was changed in 1907.
The large Buddha is said to have come from an area north of Chiang Mai, and was rescued from the invading Burmese army and transported to Chiang Mai by elephants,
Wat Muen Larn
The Chedi (Stupa) has a wide square layered base which is whitewashed (but mostly faded now) with indented corners which gives the support for the large bell structure. At each corner the Chedi is guarded by chinthe (lion like creatures) adorned with gilt.
Wat Muen Larn -- Standing Buddha image.
These colorful, most beautiful, windsocks or flag-like streamers blow in the wind and create a charming, relaxing, almost romantic environment. The windsocks are made with a solid structure that can not be folded down or collapsed. This makes them virtually impossible to bring home as souvenirs, even though they are easily purchased in the markets.
Wat Phan On
is a smaller temple in the old walled city of Chiang Mai, and was built in 1501.
This viharn (monastery for the Buddhist renunciates) contains a large sitting Buddha image facing the entrance--the image is in the subduing Mara posture.
In front of the large Buddha is a smaller Buddha statue.
Chiangmai Borsang and Samkampang Village
Samkanpang Road arts and crafts are a reflection of the Thai people's creativity and innovation.
For more than 100 years beautiful handmade umbrellas, right down to the paper (made from Saa paper, acquired from the mulberry bark) have been made on Sankampaeng Road.
In the 1940s the production grew and not only was the Saa paper used, but silk was added and images of birds, elephants and flowers were hand-painted on the umbrellas.
The Flower Market
Fresh flowers in the room every day--what a treat! The Blue Butterfly Pea is used for natural color--you may find that your sticky rice and mango has a blue color to it. It has no taste, just a beautiful color.
The Bhubing Palace or Winter Palace
located near Chiang Mai.
The Queen's Palace or Winter Palace,
Chiang Mai, Thailand located at the highest altitude outside the old city.
It is the royal residence located in the hills above Chiang Mai. The royal family stays here during visits to the people in the northern part of Thailand.
The upper floors are the royal residence while the ground floor houses the staff, bodyguards, and attendants.
The Bhubing Palace
The Residence and guesthouses are surrounded with extensive gardens and shrubs, including orchids, ferns and roses, together with water features, ponds and fountains.
The gardens are beautiful designed and landscaped into the hilly environment.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples.
Sitting high above the city looking down from its mountainous throne is the memorial to Khruba Sri Vichai (the monk-engineer) at the entrance to Wat Doi Suthep.
This wat is a beautiful example of the northern Thai architecture. There is a elevator up or there is a 306-step staircase, with nagas--divine serpents-- as railings on each side.
The legendary white elephant shrine, with the reliquary (container for holy relics) on its back containing Buddha's shoulder bone.
Wat Tung Yu
The Viharn refers to a Monastery for Buddhist renunciates (refers to living quarters for monks--open shared space or courtyard).
The entrance is guarded the whole length of the balustrade by two nagas with green scales and gilt heads.
Wat Phrasingh
The Phrathatluang Chedi - Wat Phra Singh
This main chedi dates back to the establishment of the temple in 1345. The high square base has elephants protruding from the structure at each of the four sides, the base supports the circular mid-section which rises to support the bell
Wat Mahawan
Built in the 1870's
Small temple, near the Tha Phae Gate, but small doesn't mean less beautiful!
With a breeze in the air, the sounds of the of silver/tin ornate ornaments on the Ubosot (Buddhist building used for ritual ceremonies) were mesmerizing!
Above and around the temple is the usual finial --the hti or Burmese style umbrella. The umbrella is a promising and encouraging symbol in Buddhism and Hinduism.
Kanta Elephant Sanctuary
Come and visit me, "See me, feel me, touch me"!
We are happy elephants, we have put in our time. "Walk with me, feed me, and take a bath with me!"
The elephant sanctuaries are retirement homes for the elephants who have worked hard for tourist entertainment or in the logging industry. The sanctuaries also provide homes for youngsters who are born to elephants in captivity, as opposed to those born in the wild.
The teak forests have been closed for cutting the trees, which frees the elephants from hauling the heavy loads. And many of the elephant sanctuaries have stopped letting the elephants give rides.
The mahout tends to and cares for the elephant, and the elephant even lives at the mahout's house. The mahout will raise the elephant, and teach it the things it needs to know, which takes about 5 years.
Tiger Kingdom
This is not a recommended attraction but going to see what it was all about was important to us. The place was clean and the animals were taken care of, groomed, fed and exercised, so we accepted the chance to visit the very large cats. Their enclosures were so clean, no messes, no smells, and the animals were alert and very healthy, to all appearances.
Oliver and Denny
These Big Boys are two of three triplets born in captivity.
(left)
Chicken sate with peanut sauce and cucumber
Som Tam
Green Papaya Salad
(right)
(left)
Tom Kha Kai
Chicken in Coconut Milk Soup
Tom Kha Kai
Chicken in Red Curry and Coconut Milk
(right)
(left)
Lang Nok
Dash Nest--a Cashew Nut, Pineapple and Raisin Fried Rice
Vegetable Stir-Fry served in a Crunchy Potato Basket
(right)
(right)
Phad See Iew
Famous Stir-fry noodles of Thailand
Khao Sol
Northern Thai Yellow Curry with Noodles
(left)
(left)
Sauce Makam Primo
Wan-- Crispy Chicken or Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce
Pad Thai
Stir Fried Noodles Thai Style
(right)
Mango and
Sweet Sticky Rice, Mango and Coconut Milk
(an everyday treat)
And more------ Mango and Sticky Rice
(a must-have at least once a day while in Thailand
Hey, Joe--let's meet in Chiangmai sometime!
We missed too many beautiful things!
This Wat was established in 1487 during the reign of the King Tilokarat--he was the 12th monarch of the Mantra Dynasty which ruled the Lanna Kingdom from 1292 to 1558.
According to the plaque on the grounds the temple was originally called Wat Aranbarnpa but its name was changed in 1907.
The large Buddha is said to have come from an area north of Chiang Mai, and was rescued from the invading Burmese army and transported to Chiang Mai by elephants,
Wat Muen Larn
The Chedi (Stupa) has a wide square layered base which is whitewashed (but mostly faded now) with indented corners which gives the support for the large bell structure. At each corner the Chedi is guarded by chinthe (lion like creatures) adorned with gilt.
Wat Muen Larn -- Standing Buddha image.
These colorful, most beautiful, windsocks or flag-like streamers blow in the wind and create a charming, relaxing, almost romantic environment. The windsocks are made with a solid structure that can not be folded down or collapsed. This makes them virtually impossible to bring home as souvenirs, even though they are easily purchased in the markets.
Wat Phan On
is a smaller temple in the old walled city of Chiang Mai, and was built in 1501.
This viharn (monastery for the Buddhist renunciates) contains a large sitting Buddha image facing the entrance--the image is in the subduing Mara posture.
In front of the large Buddha is a smaller Buddha statue.
Chiangmai Borsang and Samkampang Village
Samkanpang Road arts and crafts are a reflection of the Thai people's creativity and innovation.
For more than 100 years beautiful handmade umbrellas, right down to the paper (made from Saa paper, acquired from the mulberry bark) have been made on Sankampaeng Road.
In the 1940s the production grew and not only was the Saa paper used, but silk was added and images of birds, elephants and flowers were hand-painted on the umbrellas.
The Flower Market
Fresh flowers in the room every day--what a treat! The Blue Butterfly Pea is used for natural color--you may find that your sticky rice and mango has a blue color to it. It has no taste, just a beautiful color.
The Bhubing Palace or Winter Palace
located near Chiang Mai.
The Queen's Palace or Winter Palace,
Chiang Mai, Thailand located at the highest altitude outside the old city.
It is the royal residence located in the hills above Chiang Mai. The royal family stays here during visits to the people in the northern part of Thailand.
The upper floors are the royal residence while the ground floor houses the staff, bodyguards, and attendants.
The Bhubing Palace
The Residence and guesthouses are surrounded with extensive gardens and shrubs, including orchids, ferns and roses, together with water features, ponds and fountains.
The gardens are beautiful designed and landscaped into the hilly environment.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples.
Sitting high above the city looking down from its mountainous throne is the memorial to Khruba Sri Vichai (the monk-engineer) at the entrance to Wat Doi Suthep.This wat is a beautiful example of the northern Thai architecture. There is a elevator up or there is a 306-step staircase, with nagas--divine serpents-- as railings on each side.
The legendary white elephant shrine, with the reliquary (container for holy relics) on its back containing Buddha's shoulder bone.
Wat Tung Yu
The Viharn refers to a Monastery for Buddhist renunciates (refers to living quarters for monks--open shared space or courtyard).
The entrance is guarded the whole length of the balustrade by two nagas with green scales and gilt heads.
Wat Phrasingh
The Phrathatluang Chedi - Wat Phra Singh
This main chedi dates back to the establishment of the temple in 1345. The high square base has elephants protruding from the structure at each of the four sides, the base supports the circular mid-section which rises to support the bell
Wat Mahawan
Built in the 1870's
Small temple, near the Tha Phae Gate, but small doesn't mean less beautiful!
With a breeze in the air, the sounds of the of silver/tin ornate ornaments on the Ubosot (Buddhist building used for ritual ceremonies) were mesmerizing!
Above and around the temple is the usual finial --the hti or Burmese style umbrella. The umbrella is a promising and encouraging symbol in Buddhism and Hinduism.
Kanta Elephant Sanctuary
Come and visit me, "See me, feel me, touch me"!
We are happy elephants, we have put in our time. "Walk with me, feed me, and take a bath with me!"
The elephant sanctuaries are retirement homes for the elephants who have worked hard for tourist entertainment or in the logging industry. The sanctuaries also provide homes for youngsters who are born to elephants in captivity, as opposed to those born in the wild.
The teak forests have been closed for cutting the trees, which frees the elephants from hauling the heavy loads. And many of the elephant sanctuaries have stopped letting the elephants give rides.
The mahout tends to and cares for the elephant, and the elephant even lives at the mahout's house. The mahout will raise the elephant, and teach it the things it needs to know, which takes about 5 years.
Tiger Kingdom
This is not a recommended attraction but going to see what it was all about was important to us. The place was clean and the animals were taken care of, groomed, fed and exercised, so we accepted the chance to visit the very large cats. Their enclosures were so clean, no messes, no smells, and the animals were alert and very healthy, to all appearances.
Oliver and Denny
FOOD of Northern Thailand,
mostly from the wonderful Dash Restaurant in Chiangmai!
Thank you, Dash!
(left)
Chicken sate with peanut sauce and cucumber
Som Tam
Green Papaya Salad
(right)
(left)
Tom Kha Kai
Chicken in Coconut Milk Soup
Tom Kha Kai
Chicken in Red Curry and Coconut Milk
(right)
(left)
Lang Nok
Dash Nest--a Cashew Nut, Pineapple and Raisin Fried Rice
Vegetable Stir-Fry served in a Crunchy Potato Basket
(right)
(right)
Phad See Iew
Famous Stir-fry noodles of Thailand
Khao Sol
Northern Thai Yellow Curry with Noodles
(left)
(left)
Sauce Makam Primo
Wan-- Crispy Chicken or Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce
Pad Thai
Stir Fried Noodles Thai Style
(right)
Sweet Sticky Rice, Mango and Coconut Milk
(an everyday treat)
And more------
(a must-have at least once a day while in Thailand
Hey, Joe--let's meet in Chiangmai sometime!
We missed too many beautiful things!
