Northern Thailand

Our first introduction to Thailand was Chiang Mai, a place known for temples, laid back charm, cooler weather, and good street food.  Perhaps it had been built up too much in all the travel guides or it suffered from having been in Luang Prabang first but it didn't live up to the billing for us. That said there was plenty to see and do over the five days we were there and the temples really are stunning.  I know it's a favourite stop for many travellers and also attracts a large expat community.   I suggest you visit it first and then Luang Prabang if you are looking for laid back charm.  

First surprise in Chaing Mai was when we got in the shuttle van at the airport - they drive on the right hand side of the road!  As we were never intending on driving here we hadn't looked into that detail.  

Wat Prathat Doi Suthep - a 30 minute tuk tuk ride outside of the city up a steep hill.   A favourite with locals and tourists alike. 

Emerald Buddha  - one of many beautiful statues and temple details here. 

A family gathering - a short while later we caught them proudly lining up their sons for a confirmation like  photo.  They even had a professional photographer. 

One guy seems a bit bored....

At a few of the Wats in the city centre there are tables set aside for 'monk chat'. You can ask any questions you want and in exchange monks get to practice their english. I asked about the age they joined and was told most boys will become a monk at some point in their lives but it can be for as little as a day.  

Lots of elephant statues. 

We took a day trip to a national park which involved going on a two hour hike. It's compulsory to be escorted by a local guide which gives them an additional way to earn some much needed income. This was the summit of the walk.  The air was fresh and sweet smelling and a treat after the heat and humidity of the past weeks. 

For some reason they gave me a bamboo walking stick before we headed out. 

One of the popular Wats to visit in the old city of Chiang Mai. 

Jasmine garlands and lotus flower offerrings 

There were a couple of places off limits to women.  Apparently any female presence would be disrespectful to the relics inside.  Hmmm.....

This was our favourite Wat in Chiang Mai and one we stumbled across by accident. It wasn't marked on any map nor, like at other Wats in the area, was there any signage in English.   

Graceful swan balustrade. 

 

Swan inspired lights 

Every Wat has a set of drums which are used to call monks to prayer. 

Our favourite no name Wat also had lots of dragon sculptures.  

Entrance to another Wat. 

This Wat celebrated bamboo with walkways. 

The gold leaf was dazzling in the morning sun. These chedis or stupas usually contain a relic of a buddha or ashes of a king or important monk. 

Monk's accommodation 

Sunset at the world's only silver Wat.  It had been rededicated a few days earlier after a 12 year restoration project. Another place women could only view from the outside. 

This is the only non Wat shot I took in Chiang Mai - although we did enjoy finding the many beautiful Wats in the old city the rest of it didn't cast a magic charm over us. 

Next stop was Sukhothai about 5 hours south of Chiang Mai.  It wouldn't be a blog post without a reference to being at a World UNESCO Heritage site and this is it for Thailand.  Sukhothai was the first unified Kingdom of Siam and is like a mini Angkor Wat - without the crowds. We rented bicycles from the lovely teak Thai guest house we stayed at and headed out each morning and late afternoon to explore before the temperatures soared above 40. 

The air was filled with the scent of delicious frangipani in the morning and again at sunset. 

Gold leaf is still applied to some Buddhas. 

Sunset at Sukhotahi Historical Park. 

I had to touch this orchid to see if it was real - it was!  Next stop the beaches in the south of the country.