20 Countries 2020: Thailand, Part 1

Bangkok

Made it safely to the city of temples, people and a plethora of transportation modes. Thank you so much for all your travel prayers. Temples, temples and more temples seem to dot the busy landscape of Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city and I got a chance to stay awake long enough to see a few.

The history of Bangkok dates back to at least the early 15th century, when it was a village on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. With a current country population of 67 million some 10 million, of these varied ethnic communities from China and surrounding countries, live in Bangkok. And even though the roads can handle about two million vehicles, there’s literally eight million vehicles of motorcycles, cars, taxis and tuk tuks that crowd the Bangkok streets.

I didn’t meet with my #intrepidtravel tour group and guide until 6:00 pm, but I arrived at Bangkok International Airport before 7:00 this morning and had previously arranged a tour of the temples. Even though I did not sleep on the almost 14 hour plane ride from Dallas to Doha, Qatar, or the almost six hour plane ride from Doha to Bangkok, I was ready to explore.

The temple tour was scheduled for 1:00 pm, which gave me a little time to rest, since the hotel checked me in early, but the guide arrived early so we got going at around 12:30 pm and finished with enough time to put my feet up and meet my tour group and guide.

More Bangkok tomorrow along with an evening long train ride to Chiang Mai, Thailand, tomorrow night. Here’s just a few in the spattering of temples and a little peek into Bangkok. #20countries2020

Me at Wat Arun, a Buddhist temple, in Bangkok, Thailand on the Thonburi west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, often personified as the rising sun. (Feb. 8, 2020)

The main feature of Wat Arun Buddhist temple is its central spire or prang (Khmer-style tower to the left) which is encrusted with colourful porcelain. (Feb. 8, 2020)

A close-up of the encrusted and colorful porcelain at the Buddhist temple of Wat Arun in Bangkok. (Feb. 8, 2020)

A close-up of the porcelain encrusted designs on the exterior of the Wat Arun a Buddhist temple in Bangkok. (Feb. 8, 2020)

The central spire or orang of Wat Arun, the Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 8, 2020)

A close-up of the designs encrusted with colourful porcelain at the Buddhist temple of Wat Arun in Bangkok. (Feb. 8, 2020)

The Wat Arun Buddhist temple and the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 8, 2020)

Chinatown in Bangkok is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world and was founded in 1782 when Bangkok was established. (Feb. 8, 2020)

The Chinatown Gate at Odeon Circle in Bangkok. (Feb. 8, 2020)

The new, as of 2010, Temple of Wat Traimit home to the Golden Buddha in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 8, 2020)

Me at the new, as of 2010, Temple of Wat Traimit home to the Golden Buddha in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 8, 2020)

Inside the new Wat Traimit temple is the Golden Buddha in Bangkok commonly known in Thai as Phra Sukhothai Traimit is a gold statue weighting 5.5 tons (5,500 kilograms). At one point in time the statue was covered with a layer of stucco and coloured glass to conceal its true value, and had remained concealed for almost 200 years until it was being relocated in 1955 and the plaster chipped revealing the gold. (Feb. 8, 2020)

A side view of the Golden Buddha at the Wat Traimit temple in Bangkok. (Feb. 8, 2020)

More of Chinatown in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 7, 2020)

The Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan is a Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok, Thailand. This building at the complex is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. (Feb. 8, 2020)

The yoga garden outside the Temple of the Reclining Buddha at the Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok, Thailand. The temple complex was a center of learning and the first public university in Thailand specializing in religion, science and literature. (Feb. 8, 2020)

Inside the Temple of the Reclining Buddha part of the Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 8, 2020)

The head and arm of the reclining Buddha inside the Temple of the Reclining Buddha at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 8, 2020)

The head, arm and some of the torso of the reclining inside the Temple of the Reclining Buddha at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok with its famed giant reclining Buddha that stretches about 150 feet or 46 meters long and is covered in gold leaf. (Feb. 8, 2020)

The reclining Buddha from head to toes inside the Temple of the Reclining Buddha at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 8, 2020)

The back head and shoulders of the reclining Buddha inside the Temple of the Reclining Buddha at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 8, 2020)

Me standing by one of the elegant pagodas at the Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok. The base of these pagodas are actually used for the cremated remains of individuals or families who want to be buried at the temple complex.(Feb. 8, 2020)

A close-up of the of the ceramics of the pagodas at the Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok. (Feb. 8, 2020)

A close-up of the name plaques of the cremated remains of individuals who have chosen to be buried at the base of the pagodas at the Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok. (Feb. 8, 2020)

Me with one of the various Chinese guardian figures that stand, one on each side, of the gates or doorways at the Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok. (Feb. 8, 2020)

A line of people waiting to peek in, not go inside to see the 500-year old Buddha inside tie Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok. (Feb. 8, 2020)

A peek inside at the 500-year-old Buddha at the Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok. (Feb. 8, 2020)

Lotus buds are given as offerings to Buddhas at the Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok. (Feb. 8, 2020)

People meditating and chanting by a row of buddhas at the Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok. (Feb. 8, 2020)

The standing Buddha at the Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok. (Feb. 8, 2020)

After our introductory Intrepid Travel tour group meeting about our the Thailand and Laos portion of my trip, our guide, Lalada, who goes by Katie, walked us less than two blocks around the corner from our hotel to Baan Dinso Restaurant where for less than $9 USD (280 in Thailand Baht) I had the Pad-Prik-Gaeng, fried red chili paste with shrimp, white rice, a cold beer and a desert of home made coconut ice cream.(Feb. 8, 2020)

A colorful way to end the first day of my trip and day in Bangkok, Thailand, than with an evening night show of colorful lights thanks to the Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center. Here’s to a good night’s sleep. (Feb. 8, 2020)

A nighttime view of the Democracy Monument in Bangkok, Thailand. The four skyward wing-like structures surrounding a central monument featuring was erected in 1939 and occupies a traffic circle at a a major intersection. (Feb. 8, 2020)

Our rather centrally located hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, the Siem Champs-Elyssei. (Feb. 8, 2020)

Although our group enjoyed dinner together during the first official day of our tour, it wasn’t until Sunday that we began our full day of activities. A long-tail boat ride; another trip to the Wat Pho temple, home to the reclining Buddha which was included in my previous post; and a free afternoon spent with several tour members through the Wat Phra Kaew temple of the Grand Palace; a walk to the Flower Market and then an overnight train to Chiang Mai filled our second day of activities.

Here’s to our last day in Bangkok with Chiang Mai as our next stop in Thailand for this portion of my #20countries2020 and 5th country with #intrepidtravel.

Me and a few of my Intrepid Travel members on one of two long-tail boats gliding along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand, for a ride along the Khlong (Canal) Mon. The colorful motorized boats dot the Chao Praya River, which runs through the center of the city. That’s me, Garret, Deirdre, our Intrepid Travel guide Katie whose actual name is Lalada and the long-tail boat driver. (Feb. 9, 2020)

The colorful long-tail boats coming through the lock on the Khlong (Canal) Mon off of the Chao Praya River in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 9, 2020)

The long-tail boats come in different shapes and sizes, but they have one thing in common. They all have a long tail, a pole attached to the stern of the boat with a propeller attached to it. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Homes along the Khlong (Canal) Mon in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 9, 2020)

A woman selling a variety of souvenirs along the Khlong (Canal) Mon in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 9, 2020)

A temple along the Bangkok Yai portion of the canal in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Sites along the Bangkok Yai Canal in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 9, 2020)

An extremely large Buddha being constructed at temple along the Bangkok Yai Canal in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 9, 2020)

A woman catching up with our long-tail boat along the Bangkok Yai Canal in Bangkok, Thailand, to see a variety of trinkets, snacks and drinks. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Back to a lock while the colorful long-tail boats wait to get through and onto the Chao Praya River in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 9, 2020)

A very hazy view of the city of Bangkok in the distance from the Chaw Phraya River. Bangkok is considered to be the 12th worst city for air quality in the world with an air quality index rating of unhealthy. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Various boats making their way through the Chaw Phraya River in Bangkok with the Wat Arun Buddhist temple in the distance. (Feb. 9, 2020)

A small portion of the street food market in Bangkok. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Tuk tuk taxis parked along a street in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) and Queen Suthida, his 4th wife, represent the current monarchy whose large billboard photos with, these elaborate frames, can be seen throughout Bangkok. The King of Thailand or formerly and historically, the King of Siam is the head of state and head of the ruling Royal House of Chakri. The Chakri dynasty has ruled Thailand since the city of Bangkok was founded in 1782. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Above me is the Phra Siratana Chedi, a gold stupa, erected by King Rama IV in 1855 at Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha inside the Grand Palace grounds in Bangkok. A stupa commonly houses sacred relics associated with the Buddha or other saintly persons. Relics of Lord Buddha are enshrined inside this stupa. This is considered to be the most visited of all the Bangkok temples. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Me standing on the staircase leading to the golden Phra Siratana Chedi stupa at the Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok. (Feb. 9, 2020)

The Phra Mondop with its columned behind the gardened entrance gate, at the the Wat Phra Kaew temple of the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok, serves as the Palace library. (Feb. 9, 2020)

The closed entryway to the Phra Mondop of the Wat Phra Kaew temple inside the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok. It serves as the Palace library. The sparkling building is made out of tiny green and gold glass mosaics and holds the Canon of Buddha, sacred scriptures written on palm leaf. (Feb. 9, 2020)

The Royal Pantheon, called Prasat Phra Thep Bidorn in Thai, is the largest building on the upper platform. It was built on the east end of the platform, next to the Phra Mondop, by King Rama IV. It was originally intended to house the Emerald Buddha. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Another view of Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn or Royal Pantheon at the Wat Phra Kaew or more commonly referred to as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok was constructed by Rama IV in 1856. The large gilt stupas on each side are dedicated to King Rama I’s parents. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Me standing by one of the many colorful demons at the base of the gilt stupas of Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn or Royal Pantheon at the Wat Phra Kaew temple of the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok. The stupas were constructed by King Rama I in dedication to his parents and are supported by these demons. (Feb. 9, 2020)

The Demon Guardians standing at the entrance to one of the Glory of Rama Mural galleries that surround the temple buildings at Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The walls of the gallery are painted with 178 stunning mural paintings. (Feb. 9, 2020)

One of the 178 mural wall paintings of the Glory of Rama Mural that surrounds the temple buildings at Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok. (Feb. 9, 2020)

The exterior of the Wat Phra Kaew also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha where the Emerald Buddha is enshrined in the complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Carved into a block of jade, the Emerald Buddha — who wears one of three royal robes depending on the season — is the well-known icon of this temple and to the Thai people. Entrance to the temple requires everyone to take off their shoes and no photos are allowed inside where the altar where the Emerald Buddha sits. (Feb. 9, 2020)

The inner exterior entrance to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew in the Grand Palace complex, where everyone who enters must take off their shoes to enter the temple. Actually all temples require that shoes be removed and some require certain dress codes for women. This temple requires women to wear long pants and covered shoulders. And once you enter the altar area of the Emerald Buddha, no photos can be taken. (Feb. 9, 2020)

A close-up of the colorful and beautiful inlaid pieces that decorate the columns inside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha entrance at the Wat Phra Kaew temple of the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Since photographs are not allowed inside, I was able to get a photo from just outside an open door of the tiny but iconic Emerald Buddha. Carved into a block of jade, the Emerald Buddha, was enshrined at the Wat Phra Kaew temple of the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok in 1782. The power of the Emerald Buddha gives legitimacy to the king and protection to the nation. It also marks the changing of the seasons in Thailand, with the king presiding over seasonal ceremonies. In a ritual held three times a year at the temple, the Emerald Buddha is changed into a royal robes at the start of each of the three seasons which for Thailand is hot, cool and wet. (Feb. 9, 2020)

The Chakri Maha Prasat Hall, once the royal residence of the monarchy, was built by King Rama V in 1877 at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, now used for state banquets. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Saw this wall art and a culture just before getting to the Flower Market in Bangkok…I actually liked the tile below hunky guy’s feet. (Feb. 9, 2020)

From the Grand Palace our group walked about 20 minutes to the Flower Market in Bangkok. (Feb. 9, 2020)

The colorful roses in the Flower Market at Bangkok. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Inside the rather huge Flower Market in Bangkok where even edible green vegetables are sold along with a host of gorgeous flowers. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Colorful flowers at the huge Flower Market in Bangkok. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Colorful fruits and vegetables at the huge Flower Market in Bangkok, Thailand. (Feb. 9, 2020)

My Intrepid Travel tour mates checking out the gorgeous flowers at the Flower Market in Bangkok. From left, Lauren, Sarah, Becky and Loy. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Standing across from the Hua Lamphong railway station, the main railway station in Bangkok, where we took our overnight train to Chiang Mai. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Our 13-member Intrepid Travel group waiting at the very busy Hua Lamphong railway station in Bangkok, for our 6:30 pm overnight train to Chiang Mai. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Our group and gear ready to board our overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, filling up one train car. (Feb. 9, 2020)

Chiang Mai

We arrived early Monday morning in Chiang Mai, Thailand, had breakfast across the street from the railway station then took a less than 15 minute van ride to our hotel. We had about an hour to freshen-up before taking an hour’s drive to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple located on Doi Suthep mountain. A late afternoon walk took us through Chiang Mai and its very elaborate market areas; the Wat Ket Karam temple, that does not allow women to go inside the temple, and dinner at the Riverside Bar & Restaurant before turning in. Here’s a wee bit of Chiang Mai with more to come of my #20countries2020 travels with #intrepidtravel.

Inside Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most famous temple on top of the Doi Suthep mountain north-west of the city. The tiered, gold plated Chedi or Stupa dominates the temple grounds with elaborate shrines surrounding it. The temple dates from 1383. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Inside Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most famous temple on top of the Doi Suthep mountain north-west of the city. (Feb. 10, 2020)

One of several holy shrines around the gold plated Chedi or Stupa that dominates the interior grounds of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most famous temple. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Worshippers walking clockwise around the stupa at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai as a way to be meditative along with purifying negative karma and fostering enlightenment. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Prayer cards and donations at interior Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Monks praying at one of several interior holy shrines surrounding the gold plated Chedi or Stupa at the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. (Feb. 10, 2020)

A close-up of the altar inside the holy shrine surrounding the gold plated Chedi or Stupa at the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. (Feb. 10, 2020)

A close-up of a holy shrine with Buddha statues surrounding the gold plated Chedi or Stupa at the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. (Feb. 10, 2020)

The gold plated umbrella-looking Chatra surrounds the corners of the gold plated Chedi or Stupa in the interior center at the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Me at a holy shrine on the exterior of the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai. (Feb. 10, 2020)

A garden on the exterior of the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai. I’m noticing that the temples contain such beautiful and peaceful gardens. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Although I took the tram up to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai, when exiting the temple I decided to take the more than 300 stairs down from the temple. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Looking up the 300 plus stairs entering the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai with decorative serpents or Naga’s tail as side rails. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Chiang Mai has a plethora of temples and markets with many of the markets filling the sidewalks and open in the evening. (Feb. 10, 2020)

From clothing to food, Chiang Mai, Thailand street markets seem to have it all. (Feb. 10, 2020)

This color fabric rug hanging at one of the market stalls in Chiang Mai is 250 Thai Bahts which converts to not quite $8 USD. (Feb. 10, 2020)

You can even have your clothes made specially for you at this Chiang Mai store. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Colorful change purses at a Chiang Mai market stall. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Hand dyed batiks available at a Chiang Mai market stall. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Prepared food ready to consume at an Chiang Mai indoor market stall. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Fruits and vegetables at a Chiang Mai indoor market stall. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Chiang Mai indoor food market. (Feb. 10, 2020)

An art wall of fabric strips along a street in Chiang Mai. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Walking the market street areas of Chiang Mai. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Street food vendors in Chiang Mai. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Delicious Mangoes, to make the famous Thai Mango Sticky Rice dessert being sold on the street in Chiang Mai. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Burmese noodles at a street food vendor in Chiang Mai. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Views of the traffic below from an overhead bridge in Chiang Mai. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Views of shops below from an overhead bridge in Chiang Mai. (Feb. 10, 2020)

The Chansom Memorial Bridge across the Pink River in Chiang Mai. (Feb. 10, 2020)

While walking in Chiang Mai and on our way to dinner along the Ping River, we came across the Wat Ket Karam temple in the city’s center. I don’t know the exact number of temples in Chiang Mai’s city but it could be around 120 with up to 300 temples in province of Chiang Mai. (Feb. 10, 2020)

One thing I have not seen up until now are signs at temples not allowing women to enter but that’s the case for Wat Ket Karam temple in Chiang Mai’s city center. (Feb. 10, 2020)

The gardens at Wat Ket Karam temple in Chiang Mai’s city center. (Feb. 10,2020)

A serpent lined staircase leading to the doorways of this shrine at the Wat Ket Karam temple in Chiang Mai’s city center. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Another gorgeous decorative shrine with a serpent lined staircase leading to the doorways of this shrine at the Wat Ket Karam temple in Chiang Mai’s city center. (Feb. 10, 2020)

A closer view of the gorgeous decorative shrine with a serpent lined staircase leading to the doorways of this shrine at the Wat Ket Karam temple in Chiang Mai’s city center. (Feb. 10, 2020)

And, this is the exterior of the shrine with serpent designs on the roof and the in-laid designs to the rear of the rear of the shrine at the Wat Ket Karam temple in Chiang Mai’s city center. (Feb. 10, 2020)

A close-up of in-laid designs on the exterior of the shrine with serpent designs on the roof to the rear of the rear of the shrine at the Wat Ket Karam temple in Chiang Mai’s city center. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Statues on this beautiful stand outside the shrine at the Wat Ket Karam temple in central Chiang Mai show the seven Buddha postures for the days of the week. Each of them is for a day of the week, and you would pay respect to the statue representing the day you were born. (Feb. 10, 2020)

This Meditating Buddha statue at Wat Ket Karam temple in central Chiang Mai is the Thursday Buddha image and represents the day I was born. The Thursday Buddha sits in a full lotus position with soles upward and visible, the hands resting in the lap, right above left with all fingers extended and palms upward. He made a vow that no matter what, he would not move until he reached enlightenment. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Getting ready to enjoy dinner with my Intrepid Travel tour members and guide at the Riverside Bar & Restaurant in Chiang Mai along the Ping River. That’s Sarah to my left and our guide Katie and Lauren to my right. (Feb. 10, 2020)

For some reason, I am really taking to the one dish meals so far in Thailand. And I definitely enjoyed this crispy fried Tubtim fish at the Riverside Bar & Restaurant in Chiang Mai along the Ping River. It was served with cashews, jalapeños, diced purple onions and limes along with a soy-based sauce and a green chili sauce that was exceptionally delicious and rather spicy…but I loved it. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Lanterns lighting up our evening dinner at the Riverside Bar & Restaurant in Chiang Mai along the Ping River. (Feb. 10, 2020)

Between the temples, markets and food, there’s a great deal to enjoy about Chiang Mai, Thailand, but for more it’s the introduction to Sticky Rice Mango and green chili that has me all a flutter.

Although Tuesday was a free day, several tour members and I decided to brave the heat and check out the Old City of Chiang Mai surrounded by an ancient moat, now canal, and brick walls that were once boundaries and protection. Along with Wat Chiang Mun, the oldest temple built in 1296 by the Lanna King Mengrai who laid the foundations of the city it was a slower paced day with a lot of walking and a lot of hot weather.

Wednesday was a six hour mini van travel day to the Thai border town of Chiang Khong before crossing into Laos today so I’ll have a little more Thailand travel to post for my #20countries2020 journey before my 6th country of Laos with #intrepidtravel. But for now, saying good-bye to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Editor’s Note: The definition of a Wat by Renown Travel, licensed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand: A Wat is a temple complex, consisting of several buildings like a stupa, a viharn, a bot and other structures, enclosed by a wall. A stupa, viharn and bot or Ubosot are erected first. After that, depending on financial means and the number of monks, other structures like a sala, a scripture hall and living quarters for the monks may be build. (Where I can identify the names of the buildings, I will and when I can’t then I will refer to them as a holy shrine. I am learning and when I know more, I will share more.)

Inside the red taxi, Chiang Mai’s local public transportation, heading to the Old City of Chiang Mai on our free day. From left Diedre, Gavin, Loy, Becky, Sarah and me. (Feb. 11, 2020)

The red, open back door taxis of Chiang Mai, that brought us to our first temple of the day, Wat Phra Singh. Although the cost of the taxi is usually a one way direct fare of 30 Thai Bahts (less than $1 USD) per person we negotiated, since there were six of us, for 100 Bahts but the driver came back with 120 Baht for the six of, basically .65 cents USD. (Feb. 11, 2020)

The Wat Pra Singh Buddhist temple complex in the Old City centre of Chiang Mai is inside the brick remains of the city walls and moat, which is currently a canal.It was built in 1345 to house the Phra Buddha Singh statue and it is a prime example of classical Lanna architecture characterized by steeply pitched, multi-tiered roofs. (Feb. 11, 2020)

The Wihan Lai Kham holy shrine at the Wat Phra Singh temple in Chiang Mai. (Feb. 11, 2020)

Inside the Wihan Lai Kham holy shrine at the Wat Phra Singh temple in Chiang Mai with the Buddha statue of Phra Singh. (Feb. 11, 2020)

A close-up of the Buddha statue of Prah Singh inside the Wihan Lai Kham holy shrine at the Wat Phra Singh temple in Chiang Mai. This statue of Phra Singh was brought to the temple in 1367, which led to the temple’s name. (Feb. 11, 2020)

The exterior of the Ubosot or Ordination Hall where new monks take their vows at the Wat Phra Singh in the Old City of Chiang Mai. (Feb. 11, 2020)

Inside the Ubosot or Ordination Hall built in 1806, at the Wat Phra Singh in the Old City of Chiang Mai, where new monks come to take their vows, are the meditating monks sitting in the traditional lotus position in front of a sacred Buddha statue looking rather real, except they are not. These meditating monks are statues. (Feb. 11, 2020)

The very lifelike statues of monks meditating at the altar inside the the 14th Century Wat Phra Singh in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Old City. (Feb. 11, 2020)

A lotus blossom sculpture inside the Wat Phra Singh temple in the old city of Chiang Mai. (Feb. 11, 2020)

A copy of the Emerald Buddha inside the Obosot or Ordination Hall at the Wat Phra Singh temple in the Old City of Chiang Mai. (Feb. 11, 2020)

Gorgeous large bells at temples, these at the Wat Phra Singh in the Old City of Chiang Mai are often used as a call to prayer. And the ringing bells can represent the heavenly enlightened voice of the Buddha’s teachings or as a call for protection to ward off evil spirits. (Feb. 11, 2020)

The main Chedi complex of the Wat Phra Singh temple in the Old City of Chiang Mai. Each side of the main Chedi’s square base features the golden front half of an elephant emerging from it. After it was built in 1345, the Chedi was enlarged several times. (Feb. 11, 2020)

The open square of the Three Kings Monument in the Old City of Chiang Mai was made in 1984 as a tribute to the three founders of Chiang Mai. The statue itself is made of bronze and is located in front of Chiang Mai Cultural Center. Chiang Mai was founded by King Mengrai in 1296 and fell to the Burmese in 1558 without them even putting up a fight. Multiple wars were fought back and forth to recapture Chiang Mai but it wasn’t until 1774 when Chao Kawila of Lampang and Phraya Chaban of Chiang Mai sided with the Siamese that the Burmese lost control of the city. (Feb. 11, 2020)

A close-up of the sculpture of Kings Mengrai, Ramkamhaeng and Ngam Muang, purported founding fathers of Chiang Mai. This Three Kings Monument, in the Old City of Chiang Mai, was made in 1984 as a tribute to the three founders of Chiang Mai and can be found in front of the Chiang Mai Cultural Center in the Old City of Chiang Mai. (Feb. 11, 2020)

A small sculpture garden at the Three Kings Monument Square inside the walled and moat Old City of Chiang Mai Thailand. (Feb. 11, 2020)

Me standing by one of six painted elephants outside the Lanna Folklife Museum in Chiang Mai. (Feb. 11, 2020)

It may look like this tree is sprouting breasts but these are actually Jackfruits and this is a Jack Fruit tree. The fruit actually has a nice taste to it. (Feb. 11, 2020)

The complex of the Wat Chiang Mun in the Old City of Chiang Mai was constructed around the city’s development in 1296 and is considered the oldest Buddhist temple complex in Chiang Mai. From left is the to Ubosot, Elephant Chedi and part of a Wihan building. (Feb. 11, 2020)

The Wihan or sermon hall of Wat Chiang Mun Buddhist temple complex in the Old City of Chiang Mai, Thailand. (Feb. 11, 2020)

Inside the Wihan with its mondo or pillared hall for public rituals and sermons at the Wat Chiang Mun Buddhist temple complex in the Old City of Chiang Mai, Thailand. (Feb. 11, 2020)

A close-up of the altar inside the Wihan at the Wat Chiang Mun Buddhist temple complex in the Old City of Chiang Mai, Thailand. (Feb. 11, 2020)

Smaller statue version of monks at the altar inside the Wihan at the Wat Chiang Mun Buddhist temple complex in the Old City of Chiang Mai, Thailand. (Feb. 11, 2020)

The decorated walls inside the Wihan at the Wat Chiang Mun Buddhist temple complex in the Old City of Chiang Mai, Thailand. (Feb. 11, 2020)

The Elephant Chedi at the Wat Chiang Mun Buddhist temple complex in the Old City of Chiang Mai, Thailand, is the oldest construction within the temple complex. The square base supports a second level which has the front half of 15 life-sized brick-and-stucco elephants emerging from it. The elephants seem to carry the upper levels of the building on their backs. (Feb. 11, 2020)

Another Wihan at the Wat Chiang Mun Buddhist temple complex in the Old City of Chiang Mai. (Feb. 11, 2020)

Inside the Wihan at the Wat Chiang Mun Buddhist temple complex in the Old City of Chiang Mai. (Feb. 11, 2020)

Murals inside the Wihan at the Wat Chiang Mun, the oldest Buddhist temple complex in the Old City of Chiang Mai, Thailand. (Feb. 11, 2020)

Murals inside the Wihan at the Wat Chiang Mun, the oldest Buddhist temple complex in the Old City of Chiang Mai. (Feb. 11, 2020)

I knew when I saw this on the menu that Mango Sticky Rice was what I wanted for lunch. It is a traditional Thai dessert, originating in Thailand, made with rice and coconut milk along with deliciously fresh mango. I absolutely fell in love. (Feb. 11, 2020)

The Jaeng Si Phum Corner Bastion, at the northeastern corner of the Chiang Mai’s Old City, is where these ancient walls and moat were constructed in 1296 and designed to protect it from nearby enemies and appease divine spirits. (Feb. 11, 2020)

The canal was once the moat around the Old City of Chiang Mai. (Feb. 11, 2020)

The canal, with its ornately decorated walking bridges, was once the moat around the Old City of Chiang Mai. (Feb. 11, 2020)

The Tha Phae Gate or East gate of the Old City of Chiang Mai’s city wall with the beautiful flowers from the annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival. (Feb. 11, 2020)

Me standing admits the flowers still looking and smelling beautiful from the recent annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival. (Feb. 11, 2020)

Chiang Rai

A gleaming and dreamy porcelain-esque visit to the White Temple in Chiang Rai and a night in the border town of Chiang Khong brought my stay in Thailand to a close…at least for now. I will return to Bangkok in early March to begin another tour so check out Thailand-Part 2.

Me by this gorgeous sculpture of what could be the amazingly colorful glassman at Wat Rong Khun more commonly known as the White Temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand. We stopped here for lunch on Wednesday to get a brilliant eyeful of this privately owned art exhibit by Chalermchai Kositpipat who also designed it in the style of a Buddhist temple complex. (Feb. 12, 2020)

The Purify Rower at the White Temple complex in Chiang Rai, Thailand. (Feb. 12, 2020)

The white color of the White Temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand, signifies the purity of the Buddha, while the glass symbolizes the Buddha’s wisdom and the Dhamma, the Buddhist teachings. Although looking at the gleaming ness of this temple complex initially hit me as gaudy, I actually felt a sense of calm and enjoyed the figures sculpted into the architecture. (Feb. 12, 2020)

Along “the cycle of rebirth” crossing bridge over a small lake to the the Ubosot, the main building at the White Temple complex in Chiang Rai, Thailand. In front of the bridge are hundreds of outreaching hands that symbolize unrestrained desire. (Feb. 12, 2020)

The art scattered throughout the White Temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand, is inspired by Buddhist beliefs and teachings and focus on the problems of modern society; some are the traditional mythological figures of Buddhism, while others have a rather irreverent focus. Some of the art encourages the visitor to reflect on the Buddhist teachings that show the way to escape from the worldly temptations, desires and greed and focus on the mind instead. (Feb. 12, 2020)

Me at the entrance to the temple portion of the White Temple complex in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Shoes had to come off but photos were not allowed inside this portion of the temple. (Feb. 12, 2020)

The Buddha Relics Tower at the White Temple complex in Chiang Rai, Thailand. (Feb. 12, 2020)

The White Temple complex in Chiang Rai, Thailand. (Feb. 12, 2020)

The Wishing Well at the White Temple complex in Chiang Rai, Thailand. (Feb. 12, 2020)

The Ganesha Exhibition Hall at the White Temple complex in Chiang Rai, Thailand. (Feb. 12, 2020)

Chiang Khong

Chiang Khong, a small jumping off town on the Mekong River close to the Laos border crossing, made for a perfect one night’s stay before heading into Laos. We arrived in two vans, just before dark on Wednesday, at the border town with the country of Laos in view just on the other side of the Mekong River, we saw the Wat Luang Buddhist temple and a scenic walk before quaint group dinner.

Formerly known as ‘Juon’, peaceful riverside Chiang Khong remains an important market town for the surrounding hill tribes and for trade with Laos.