Having previously visited CHIANG MAI many years ago on the first trip to Thailand, this is the first return to the ‘Rose of the North’ in 26 years. Before visiting some of the many temples in the Old Town of Chiang Mai, we went to explore a few places a it further away. With local friends as guides and a car we hit the road…
Visit to the Wat Pa Dara Phirom Wat Phra-Aaraam Luang.
A very beautiful temple with a lot of unusual decorations and features. Upstairs in the main temple is a small relics museum. Wat Pa Dara pirom or Dara pirom palace is is consisting of a number of buildings and, a little outside Chiang Mai, is considered as one of the hidden treasure here. The temple located in Dara Rasamee Military camp in Maerim district, and it formerly was a princess Dara Rasmee’s residence in the 19th century. The temple received a royal permission to be raised to the monastery grade.
Monks are welcoming and offer their blessings and prayers to visitors.
Drive up north to Mon Cham, about 25km NW of Chiang Mai. A Royal project aiming to give the local communities alternatives to the opium crops they cultivated in the past. There are now large strawberry fields and other vegetables. Local hill tribes are selling their goods to (mostly local) tourists. Beautiful scenic viewpoint.
Another drive out of town, this time about 40km to the east.
The destination was the Teentok Royal Project Development Centre.
Ban Mae Kampong is a very nice, old village, but getting overrun by tourists. The roads is winding up further. We walked the last bit to the Chomnok Chommai coffee house. Further down in the valley there were again strawberry farms, up here they also grow coffee beans.
We returned to Chiang Mai, but with a visit to the Royal Park Rajapruek (Royal Flora Ratchaphruek). This is an exhibition site established for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in celebration for the 60th anniversary of His accession to the Throne and His 80th birthday. The former flower/garden show and pavilions, donated from different nations, can be seen. In the centre is a huge orchid garden display. The main attraction however is the Royal Thai Pavilion.
A 23km trip south to Lamphun for a visit to the Wat Phra That Haripunchai.
Stroll through the old market and some lunch.
Return to Chiang Mai with a trip up to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a sacred site for many Thais and one of the main tourist attraction in the north. The temple is often referred to as “Doi Suthep” although this is actually the name of the mountain where it is located, offering impressive views of Chiang Mai.
We also tried to visit the Royal Bhubing Palast just 4km further up the hill, but we were to late for admission.
We drove to the Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai luxury resort. Tourists are only allowed in some of the outer areas. Had coffee and cakes/macaroons. Mind you, 2 coffees by themselves cost more than our complete lunch for 4 yesterday with 5 mains, 4 soft drinks and 2 desserts.
Back In Chiang Mai, it’s time to visit some of the many TEMPLES to discover. There is a Wat in almost every corner, so a bit of research and a plan on what Wat to see, so you see what you came to see may be handy, unless you are happy just to ‘Wat-browsing’ a bit….
Just a short walk south of the moat to the Wat Sri Suphan is also known as the “Silver Temple” because of its impressive hand crafted silver decoration. The Wat is covered in silver, inside and outside walls, roof and all… and display some very detailed silver carvings of Buddhism legends. The Wat is serving the local silversmith villagers.
Next up we visited Wat Lok Moli just outside the Old City to the north. Old temple, less touristy, currently being renovated, but there are still so many things to discover in the garden.
From there heading south to Wat Phra Sing Waramahavihan. Missed the ‘Baby Monk’ feeding, but got to see some of the elders and a great Wat complex.
Wat Chet Lin, not many tourists but a nice temple anyway. There is a pond and monk accommodation at the back. Buddha Balls.
Quick peek at Wat Chang Taem
The biggest Wat of them all is Wat Chedi Luang. Just a pic from the outside and some in the evening for some night pictures. Whilst Wat Chedi Luang is not as grand as Wat Phra Singh, its towering, Lanna-style chedi (built in 1441) however is much taller and the sprawling compound around the stupa is especially powerfully atmospheric in the evening.
Finally to the Wat Phan Tao, the teak temple, is a beautiful wooden temple with a decorated garden area is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai. Sitting next to the famous Wat Chedi Luang, this temple is often overlooked but well worth a visit.
Wat Sadue Muang next to the Three King Monument was well enough illuminated for some pics.
Of course there is more than Wats, Chedis, Stupas, Pagodas and Temples in Chiang Mai. Enjoying a meal in some of the many night markets…discovering a curious shop or relaxing bar…just keep your eyes open when strolling through the Old Town!
Sawasdee Krub Chiang Mai.
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