During our stay in Chiang Mai we took a few trips to the surrounding areas. One of these was a trip to the holy site of Doi Suthep. A shining temple on the mountain side. On route to the temple we spent some time at a nearby Flower Hmong hill tribe village. The Hmong canContinue reading “Hmong hill tribe”
Category Archives: Thailand
Wat Chedi Luang
Onwards on our breakneck tour of as many Chiang Mai temples as I could cram in! One of the must see temples is Wat Chedi Laung. An imposing chunk of temple where you can take part in Monk Chat! Also, apparently also frequented by “Thai gentlemen well dressed”! We considered ourselves warned! Here’s some handyContinue reading “Wat Chedi Luang”
Wat Phra Singh
Wat Phra Singh (full name Wat Phra Singh Woramahaviharn) is located in the western part of the old city centre of Chiang Mai, which is contained within the city walls and moat. The main entrance, which is guarded by Singhs (lions), is situated at the end of the main street (Rachadamnoen road) of Chiang Mai. TheContinue reading “Wat Phra Singh”
Wat Boopparam / Wat Buppharam
Next temple on the snap happy tour was Wat Boopparam / Wat Buppharam. A zany, colourful affair close to the southern side of Thapae Road. Not quite sure how Donald Duck fits in with Buddhist teachings, but he is there! Along with a veritable menagerie of animals including a camel and other mythical guardian animals.Continue reading “Wat Boopparam / Wat Buppharam”
In market heaven!!
The Chiang Mai Sunday walking market. I am in heaven, Neil may have found his own personal hell. . . . The start of the epic four hour market trek. Neil still looks chipper at this point. The market stretches the length of Th Ratchadamnoen from Pratu Tha Phae to Wat Phra Singh as wellContinue reading “In market heaven!!”
Workers, good luck and even more food
The markets are a hive of activity but without the constant, never ending efforts of a legion of workers, nothing would be done. From skinning to cleaning, steaming, frying and cooking anything that grows, crawls, slithers, walks or flops about, this army of stall holders work from dawn till dusk. Even more market pictures captureContinue reading “Workers, good luck and even more food”
Amulet market, Wat Pho
One of the things on my to do list when I returned to Bangkok was to roam through one of the charming amulet markets. I got the chance during our river cruise day when we disembarked close to Wat Pho. A long tree lined street with lots of sellers, mainly sat cross legged on theContinue reading “Amulet market, Wat Pho”
Thailand ends on a high
So after the serenity of the old capital, the mania of Chinatown, the sobering WW2 reminders and the swim down the river Kwai, we had to end our holiday in typical style, on one of Thailand’s many idyllic, gorgeous, perfect, pristine, baking hot beaches. We stayed in Ao Nang, Krabi. A nice little town thatContinue reading “Thailand ends on a high”
Bridge over the River Kwai and the fab River Rafts
Next up we took a James Bond style speed boat tour upto the iconic bridge over the River Kwai. A sobering reminder of Thailand’s part in the 2nd World War. During its construction, approximately 13,000 prisoners of war died and were buried along the railway. An estimated 80,000 to 100,000 civilians also died in theContinue reading “Bridge over the River Kwai and the fab River Rafts”
A few random pics of Bangkok streets
Tempted by a golden deity or two to pop in the back garden? An eclectic mix of things for sale, disco balls and gourds anyone? While delicate lotus blossoms form part of serene rituals in the Buddhist temples.