Thailand - Chiang Mai - Misc Temples

Deborah says that for a person who isn’t religious I sure spend a lot of time in temples. (Or cathedrals if we happen to be in Europe.) She’s right. I just go where the art and architecture is. In Chiang Mai that is definitely at its 300 or so temples. Here are a few highlights from those I haven’t yet posted about.


Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Always mobbed with people due to its commanding view over the city from its perch on a hillside. The view didn't thrill us but the temple itself had its charms.


Halfway up the 306 steps to the Doi Suthep Temple


Don't forget to look up. Underside of a carved wooden pavilion at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Note that each panel has a different design.


Monks chanting near sunset at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. 


Wat Chiang Man. Chiang Mai's oldest temple dates back to the founding of the city in 1296.


Elephant Chedi at Wat Chiang Man.


Wat Chiang Man.



Wat Chiang Man. Colorful paintings cover the inside this temple building.


Wat Chiang Man.


Some temple structures are off-limits. This sign was written in English, probably because the locals already know better.
(photo by Deborah)


Giant Buddha at Wat Chiang Yuen


Wat Ku Tao. Multiple roof tiers are common in Thai temple architecture.


Wat Muen Ngoen Kong


Wat Sri Suphan, aka Silver Temple.
Presumably for economic reasons, it is actually mostly aluminum. It is covered inside and out with decorations handcrafted by local silversmiths. You could spend weeks studying all the scenes hammered into the metal panels, touching on everything from Buddhist imagery to geography, history, astrology and superheroes. Wild.


Silver Temple detail.


Silver Temple detail.


Unusual colorful steps lead into the Silver Temple.


Silver Temple entrance. Notice the progression of the evolution of man on the back panel. Not something you often see in a religious building.


Inside the Silver Temple, which Deborah, being a dreaded female, was of course not allowed to enter.


Silver Temple detail.


This stylized winged elephant forms the Silver Temple roof peak ornament known as a chofa.


Hanging prayer banners at Wat Lokmoli.


Wat Lokmoli
These diminutive statues are highly detailed and realistic, except for the rather notable absence of a head.


Wat Buak Krok Noi, which is currently being renovated.


Beautiful entrance gate at Wat Buak Krok Noi


Wat Jed Yod (or Ched Yot - many places have alternate spellings in English).


Wat Jed Yod. The more park-like setting is different than most.


Temple bells at Wat Jed Yod


He's either really good at silent meditation or he's wax. The latter I think.
(photo by Deborah)


 Wat Lam Chang.
According to Lonely Planet the name means "shackled elephants" because the king used to keep his transport elephants here.


Naga - mythical serpents - are often placed as temple guardians. This shows a common theme of one serpent swallowing another.
(photo by Deborah)


Yet another temple creature.
(photo by Deborah)

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