Day 27 travel from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai

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Our third (and final) day of the road trip from central to northern Thailand started with a visit to Si Satchanalai Historical Park where we visited three different Wats. Each one was unique with the layout of the structure, design of architectural elements (like the Stupa, Mandapa and Vihara) and depiciton of Buddha. All of these were also functioning places of worship for the locals as we saw incense sticks and floral offerings laid out at each shrine.

We then strated our drive to Chiang Mai via Lampang and Lampoon, where we saw two more Wats. The common theme between both was the larger than life size, design and ostentatious decoration of the stupa.

We ended the day on a perfect note with a Subway sandwich and a Starbucks latte 😊

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Photos

Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Two Buddhas in the same shrine - still a mystery as to why they were placed one behind the other...

Si Satchanalai Historical Park
The Vihara (meditation hall) leading to the Buddha

Si Satchanalai Historical Park
The walls of the mandapa (or shrine) are covered with elephants

Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Elephant sculptures

Si Satchanalai Historical Park
A cat and her kittens had made their home in one of the hollow elephant sculptures

Si Satchanalai Museum
Someone (aka Chris) was not really following written instructions...

Wat Phra That at Lampang
The Stupa

Wat Phra That
Chris got a real kick out of this..

Wat Phra That
A horse "chariot" ride outside of the temple

Wat Phra That at Hariphunchai
Yes, this Stupa is plated with real gold..