Visiting Temples in Chiang Mai

Continuing the trip from attending the Poi Sang Long festival in Mae Hong Son, I had time to visit temples in Chiang Mai on April 6-7, 2018.

I took a van from Mae Hong Son and arrived at Chiang Mai Arcade at 3:50 PM. Looking at the time, I wouldn't have to wait long for the bus. The next bus was at 4 PM, and I enjoyed the cool air conditioning for 15 baht.

The bus stop is located near the Thapae Inn Hotel, where we will be staying. After arriving, we put down our bags and took a few pictures of the room. We enjoy staying here because it is convenient for food and easy to get around. You can walk around easily. This is a vintage hotel with many antiques. If you like antiques, you can stay here.

After placing our bags, we ventured out to explore the Wiang. We walked along Tha Pae Road, heading straight to Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan. We visit Wat Phra Singh every chance we get, as it houses the Phra That for the year of the Goat, which is my birth year. This time, we stayed until dusk. We started at the Wihan Luang, which houses the Phra Si Sattapetch.

Approaching the golden-patterned viharn, where the revered Phra Buddha Sihing, also known as Phra Singh, resides.

Step out of the intricately decorated Wihan Lai Kham to capture a classic photograph. This angle offers a stunning view of the Wihan Lai Kham, the Phra That Luang, and the Ubosot.

Walk to pay respect to the Luang Pho Buddha statue, the Buddha statue for the year of the Horse, and take photos from your favorite angle.

The golden spire of the Great Stupa weighs 10 kilograms of pure gold. It was recently installed on Makha Bucha Day. This photo was taken with a mobile phone at maximum zoom, so the image may not be very clear.

Walking around to the library on the right side of the temple gate, the light was just right.

The front of the main temple, featuring a statue of the revered monk and serving as a roundabout for traffic.

Retracing my steps to the Great Stupa once more, the deeper the darkness, the more beautiful, majestic, and serene it became.

Leaving Wat Phra Singh, we walked back to Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan. We've liked this place ever since they started charging entrance fees for foreigners, which has helped to separate those who are genuinely interested in visiting from those who are just there to make noise and cause a disturbance. We arrived during the evening prayers, when the monks and novices were performing their rituals inside the main wihan, where the Phra Attharasa is enshrined.

Behind the main chapel is the Chedi Luang, where the Jade Buddha of Chiang Mai is enshrined. According to legend, the Emerald Buddha, now enshrined at Wat Phra Kaew within the Grand Palace, was once housed at Wat Chedi Luang. However, the Emerald Buddha's pavilion has been lost to the passage of time.

The rear of the temple features a beautifully adorned reclining Buddha statue housed in an open pavilion on three sides.

Concluding the night (April 6, 2018) by taking photos like Chinese tourists at Tha Pae Gate.

On the morning of April 7, 2018, we set out with the intention of visiting Wat Baan Den in Mae Taeng. However, before leaving the city, we took the opportunity to explore Kad Luang and the banks of the Ping River in the pleasant morning atmosphere.

A stop at Sala Mong Osot, opposite KTB Tha Pae, for a 5-baht glass of Ya Tat. We call it the "Ya Tat Parliament" because we learn about many things happening in Chiang Mai here.

Walking past a shop that was just opening, I saw a young woman standing outside, enjoying the fresh air.

Leaving our luggage at the hotel, we walked to Kad Luang and boarded a songthaew to Mae Taeng. We disembarked at the junction leading to the temple, which was the final stop for some vehicles. Others stopped earlier, allowing us to transfer to a motorbike taxi. A short ride later, we arrived at Wat Ban Den, also known as Wat Den Sa-li Sri Mueang Gan. This was our third visit to the temple, and we were surprised by the throngs of tourists from all over the world. The temple grounds were packed with tour buses, vans, and cars. Despite the large crowds, we patiently waited for photo opportunities. The looming rain clouds prompted us to take numerous photos, as the temple's beauty was captivating.

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We stopped by a noodle shop in front of the temple for lunch. The beef noodles were delicious, with tender, flavorful beef and a fragrant broth. The price was 35 baht.

After eating, I called a motorcycle taxi to pick me up. While waiting, I had some shaved ice to cool down and add some sweetness to my body. (My hands are black from the sun in Mae Hong Son, so I'm going to cover them up.)

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We originally planned to stop by Mae Rim before entering the city, but we spent more than 3 hours at Wat Ban Den. Realizing we wouldn't make it home in time, we headed straight back to Chiang Mai city. In the afternoon, we decided to stop for coffee at Fact Cafe Gallery & Cafe. The cafe is filled with artwork, and patrons can purchase pieces they admire.

After enjoying a cup of coffee, I took a stroll to Wat Duang Dee, which is situated near the Three Kings Monument and the Lanna Folklife Museum.

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Continuing on to Wat U Mong, Maha Thera Chan, this temple is very peaceful. Inside the Ubosot hall, there is a golden Buddha statue that can change its facial expression according to the light in 9 different ways. There are signs prohibiting photography inside, so there are no pictures to share. However, other parts of the temple are also very interesting.

Before retrieving my luggage, I took a stroll to Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple within Chiang Mai's city walls, dating back to 1839. This sacred site houses the revered Phra Setangkomani (White Crystal Buddha), the Phra Sila (stone Buddha) in the posture of subduing the Nalagiri elephant, and the elephant-encircled stupa, reminiscent of the architectural style during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great.

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The restrooms here are exceptionally clean, odorless, and dry.

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Time to stop fooling around, I need to hurry back to get my luggage. Walking from Thapae Inn Hotel to Wualai Walking Street, the Saturday walking street with a variety of delicious food. We ate until we were full before heading home.

The trip concluded with a visit to Wat Si Suphawan. Every Saturday, the temple hosts a cultural fair with performances and religious ceremonies. We took the opportunity to photograph the world's first silver ordination hall.

The ceremony concluded with the entrance into the old ordination hall.

It's time to move on. We walk to the airport. On the way back, we prefer to sit on the right side of the plane. When we turn back to Bangkok, we will clearly see the lights of Chiang Mai city.

One hour to Don Mueang. This time, I tried taking a picture of the descent.

Short trip to Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai. Next trip will be to Chiang Mai again for the New Year's festival.

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