Chiang Mai Zoo

Doi Suthep 1

As in so many chapters of Thai history, an elephant is closely involved in the legend surrounding the foundation of Wat Phra That, Northern Thailand’s most revered temple and one of only a few enjoying royal patronage. The elephant was dispatched from Chiang Mai carrying religious relics from Wat Suan Dok. Instead of ambling off into the open countryside, it stubbornly climbed up Doi Suthep. When the elephant came to rest at the 3,542-foot summit, the decision was made to establish a temple to contain the relics at that site. Over the centuries the temple compound grew into the glittering assembly of chedis, bots, viharns, and frescoed cloisters you see today (taken directly from my Fodor’s guidebook).

Stairs leading up to the temple. Lined with mythical snake-like rice-field-canal-protectors.

Outside the entrance to the main temple compound

Outside the entrance to the main temple compound

Inside one of the main rooms (photography is allowed as long as you're sitting).

Doi Suthep 2

Road heading up into the mountains. The archways with a picture of the king are fairly common on all roads throughout Thailand. It was about a 30-minute ride up a very curvy road in the back of a songthaew (converted pickup with 2 benches in the back, see previous post) 60 baht round-trip (less than $2).

Inside the temple

Inside the temple

Inside the temple

Doi Suthep 3

Inside the temple compound

lantern for lighting incense and candles to honor Buddha

Evening sun splashing on the tiles inside the entrance at the top of the massive stairway leading up to the temple.

Morning View

I rented an apartment in Chiang Mai for a week. Here's the view from the balcony.

In a Songthaew in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai taxi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songthaew

Going to Chiang Mai

Bangkok train station

Bangkok station

Bangkok station

Koh Samet 1

 

 

 

 

Koh Samet 2

 

 

 

 

Koh Samet 3

Roti vender

mmm...banana and egg roti (like a crispy crepe)

On the Mungkamkang family farm