Our fondness of Chiang Mai seems to keep increasing at every turn we make. This morning we were considering canceling our leg in Bangkok and staying in Chiang Mai instead. But again, maybe we'll like Bangkok, and there are sites in Bangkok that I definitely want to see.
Last night, we took a tuk tuk for the first time in Chiang Mai, well first time ever really, what an experience! They are loud, noisy and polluted, but it was a fun short ride to Wat Chedi Luang, the temple where we attended the Intakin festival. What a festival that was! It could not have been any more unique or exotic to us than attending a festival that is used to ask Buddha for peace,rain and prosperity.We bought some flowers, candles and luster water, and participated as well as we could in the festive ceremony. I will write about the festival in more details later.
This morning, we took a taxi up to Doi Suthep, the mountain in Chiang Mai, where one of the most sacred temples in Thailand was built. It is said that a relic was placed on the back of a white elephant that was set free to walk. The elephant stopped and died on the top of the mountain and that is where Wat Phrathat was built. The temple is very beautiful, and the views of Chiang Mai are gorgeous from its terrace.
After visiting the temple and the mountain, we visited couple more unique temples outside the city walls: one built in a tunnel(Wat Umong), one that is very white and open(Wat Suan Dok) ,and one that is old with rectangular(rather than circular) chedi (stupa).I will also write about these temples in more details when I get home.
We will go to the night market again this evening,and we'll be leaving tomorrow morning for our three-day trek in northern Thailand with Sam(who is a very nice and funny guy by the way). Although we are sad to be leaving Chiang Mai, we are hoping to have a great experience hiking and soaking up more of the Thai culture.
What an amazing trip so far!
Comments (8)
It just sounds so wonderful. Thanks so much for these reports and have fun!
Posted by Annie | May 21, 2009 6:30 AM
Posted on May 21, 2009 06:30
Hi Candi, I am so happy to hear that you are having an amazing trip so far. The Intakin festival sounds fascinating and your trip up to the temple sound really cool. Can't wait to hear more about this part of your trip.
I am enjoying your entries a lot Candi and I'm looking forward to reading all about your 3 day trek in Northern Thailand. Sounds so cool!
Take care and keep on having fun.
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | May 21, 2009 6:37 AM
Posted on May 21, 2009 06:37
This all sounds so beautiful and exotic, Candi. You must be collecting some wonderful photos!
Posted by sandrac | May 21, 2009 8:08 PM
Posted on May 21, 2009 20:08
Candi, wonderful to hear things are going so well. Thank you for taking the time to blog. I am enjoying being along for the ride.
Posted by Barb Cabot | May 21, 2009 10:57 PM
Posted on May 21, 2009 22:57
It all sounds great, Candy!
I am enjoying "traveling" with you.
Posted by nancyhol | May 22, 2009 11:12 PM
Posted on May 22, 2009 23:12
I can't wait to see all of your photos! It sounds like an amazing time. I hope the hike goes well.
Posted by girasoli | May 23, 2009 3:47 PM
Posted on May 23, 2009 15:47
Wow, the trek sounds incredible and so adventurous! It will be interesting to hear how different is rural Thailand from the city. Thanks for taking the time to blog while you are away, it is so wonderful to travel along with you almost in real time.
Posted by Anne | May 25, 2009 12:09 PM
Posted on May 25, 2009 12:09
Tuk Tuks! I hated them, the deafening sound and how dangerous they are but they are part of the package. I imagine they are still as noisy as I remember them, back in 1971.
I’m excited to read your next entries on the trek and Bangkok.
Posted by María I. | June 2, 2009 10:58 AM
Posted on June 2, 2009 10:58