March 15, 2016

This trip to Chiang Rai wasn't much planned, as there wasn't much time to explore. Many errands awaited my attention. But to not stop and sightsee at all? That's just not possible! It's a must! I have to clear some time, even just a little, to visit somewhere.

Actually, it's hot like March... In Chiang Rai, a must-visit tourist spot is a tourist spot near the water, by the water for freshness, but I can't choose because, as I said, I have business to clear.

It occurred to me that the "intense hatred of Chinese people" among many Thais who have been affected by Chinese tourists, as reported in the news or in direct situations, might be answered by the Sirindhorn Chinese Language and Cultural Center...
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The alarm clock woke us up early. We packed our things into the car, hoping to grab a quick bite to eat on the side of the road.
Driving from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, the Siamese rosewood trees were in full bloom in mid-March this year. Or perhaps the trees were confused by the changing weather.
Even so, the early morning air on this high mountain was fantastic. 23 degrees Celsius is quite possible, meaning it felt cooler than an air-conditioned room.

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In the late morning, we arrived in Chiang Rai and drove another 15 km or so past the city center. We were on the Chiang Rai - Mae Chan road, and just before reaching Mae Chan, Mae Fah Luang University was on our right, where the Sirindhorn Center awaited us.

Construction: The People's Republic of China government has appointed Chinese architects from Sichuan Province to design the building. The design is in the style of traditional Chinese architecture and features a Suzhou-style water garden in the center. A construction company from Yunnan Province was awarded the construction contract. All essential and unique Chinese materials, such as roof tiles, decorative roof sculptures, and marble lions guarding the front of the center, were imported from China. The total construction time was 7 months, and the construction cost was approximately 60 million baht.

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In March 1999, Mr. Prachuab Chaiyasarn, Minister of University Affairs, along with Associate Professor Dr. Wanchai Sirichana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of University Affairs, visited China to seek cooperation in education with the Chinese government and universities in China.

During this exchange of ideas, the Thai government delegation proposed that the Chinese government establish a Chinese Language and Culture Center at Mae Fah Luang University to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother, in 2543 BE (2000).

The first time with this flower, I've never seen it and never known it, but it's beautiful.
At the entrance

At the entrance, there is a book for visitors to sign.
At this point, admission is free for young children and students. However, for the general public, there is a 10 baht maintenance fee. Many people who have visited will be pleased to know that the entrance fee is not expensive. Here, you can pay tens of baht for a view that is worth thousands of baht ++++ (which is the same as flying to see it yourself in China).

Many people will remember these scenes and this walkway in The Killing of a Sacred Deer.

Heartthrob of China

Sri Trang - Ngam Aon Choi, it looks so good, it goes well with Chinese architecture.

Sri Trang on the Waterway

Just a moment…
We could hear the sound of dozens of people walking towards us,
a mix of Chinese and Thai voices.
The accents and sounds made our visit to the Sirindhorn Center even more interesting.

Close-up

Before leaving, I saw beautiful roses in the middle of the garden. How could I not take a shot?
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Before starting the car, take out the camera that was neatly tucked into the zippered bag.

I actually saw this place before I went into the center. It was so beautiful, it was right in the parking lot in front of the center. I couldn't help myself, I walked right in. Part of me was thinking about being afraid of snakes, but I would do anything to get this picture.

It's like the red leaves in Japan (here comes the imagination again)

I got the picture I wanted. Let's go get some food.
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