Wats in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Asia » Thailand » North-West Thailand » Chiang Mai
November 20th 2009

Published: November 20th 2009

Wats in Chiang Mai, Thailand - by Paul Chiang Mai. We’re still in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We like it a lot. We’re having a great time, as fun as we’ve had the whole time. Chiang Mai is a good sized city. It’s maybe the size of Raleigh, a bit bigger than Asheville, but not too much. It’s big enough to always be interesting, yet small enough to not be too chaotic or overwhelming. Chi... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 42, Displayed: 21

Inside of a Wat

The interior spaces are all a bit different, but they're often full of stuff like this one. This one had 3 spaces that were as full and interesting as this space was.

Eaves of the temple.

Lovely decorations.

Old Stupa

Many of the wats are shiny and new; others are old and charmingly ruinous.

Buddha at Base of Stupa

At the base of some of the stupas were these little mini-shrines, which were often active in some way.

Odd Net Wat Interior

This wat had a net that declined as you walked towards the central Buddha statue. I'm not sure why....

Buddha Statue

Monks - Morning Alms

Monks walking along the street with their bowls, for collecting food on their rounds of morning alms.

Smaller building

Monk Statue

Many wats have a shrine like this - a statue of a monk.

Two Monks - Morning Alms

Wat Details

The decoration is obviously striking and rich.

Chedi or Stupa

Sometimes there were several stupas, one big one and several small ones

Standing Buddha

This was a large Buddha standing in front of the main temple building at a large wat.

Wat Decoration

Many of the buildings in the wats have decorations like this one all along the outside.

Elephants Lining Stupa

Elephants are important in Thailand. Here stone elephants line the base of a stupa.

Cat on Stupa

Cat lazing in the sun high up on a stupa.

Odd Ceramic Boat

This was at the base of an elephant trunk statue on a stupa - an odd little ceramic statue of a boat with Chinese figures in it.

Buddha Statues

Main Building of a Wat

Square Chedi

Old Chedi or Stupa

Several wats have these old, ruinous-looking stupas.

20th November 2009

Jeanine
non-member comment

English lesson
Your english lesson story made me smile this morning. It reminded me of many similar lessons (minus the decompose/deteriorate one) in Japan with eager learners. what a hoot it could be. It does highlight how interesting/confusing our language can be when seen from another perspective. Thanks for the update! Love to all, Jeanine

20th November 2009

Louisa Goebel
non-member comment

English lesson
Your explanations in your English lesson were very clever. They had good questions I think. Very interesting about the wats and food shopping also. Any chance for turkey for you this week? Love, Louisa and Paul

20th November 2009

Marian
non-member comment

Wats up?
Enjoyed learning about and seeing wats. Wonder if rich people build wats to earn merit like Catholic kings used to build cathedrals? Or are the wats built and kept up by the Thai government, king, etc. It was also fun to hear about May's monk chat. Probably reminds May and Paul of English lessons in Hangchow.

21st November 2009

Sharon Fender
non-member comment

I enjoy your blogs so much
I'm learning about a part of the world I never knew much about... and will probably never visit. You are so brave to just GO! It seems so very different from what I am used to, but also very fascinating. Thank you!

21st November 2009

Lee Rice
non-member comment

English Lesson
Have enjoyed all your writings especially with the very good pictures. Especially enjoy the cultural exchanges like the English lesson, Donald Duck of all things at the wat and can picture you all enjoying the chats with young strangers and vice versa. Great stuff from all of you. Love, Lee

22nd November 2009

Megan
non-member comment

settling in
I enjoyed reading about your current locale and the pleasures of a bit more space and a chance to cook for oneself. Have you befriended a dog or cat to share your travels? I wonder if May went back to share conversation with the monks. Your teaching skills sound like they are far from rusty. take care and love, Megan

22nd November 2009

gailsherman
non-member comment

hello
MAY, Thanks for sharing such great information. I must be slow did not get the joke need a little help willhave Joy or LEIGH to explain. Give our regards to Paul, Jordan and Ella. WILL BE ANXIOUS TO HEAR THE NEXT STORY. GAIL

22nd November 2009

DeDe
non-member comment

the photos!
Dear Castelloes: how wonderful to see the photos of Thailand; I liked that country so much - the beauty of the temples and the gentle, sweet people. I took many photos (I have a funny one of monks smoking cigarettes and just "hanging out") when I was there 5+ years ago. The temples are lovely and gaudy at the same time; the food is extra good, as you describe. I was interested to learn - when I was there - that the monks do not make a lifetime commitment to monkhood. I was told that a 10 year period is typical, but I would like for you to investigate this and inform me. We miss you and cannot wait to see you again. Thank you for the blogs, and love to all Edith

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Wats in Chiang Mai, Thailand

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