A
business trip brought me to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where amidst meetings and engagements, I seized the opportunity (EXPLORING KRABI & PHUKET) to explore both Chiang Mai and
Chiang Rai. Despite my limited time, I managed to visit some sights (HANOI URBAN WONDERS) in these Thai
cities. CHIANG MAI
Wat Phra That
Doi Suthep Temple
What a
thrilling ride up the 15km winding mountain road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep!
The journey felt like ascending towards the sky, filled with excitement and
anticipation. Founded in 1383, this temple holds deep historical significance
in Thai Buddhism. Legend has it that a sacred white elephant chose the site by
circling the area and trumpeting thrice before lying down, indicating its
suitability for construction (YOGYAKARTA TEMPLES & SURAKARTA HEARBEAT).
The temple was built to enshrine a relic believed
to be a shoulder bone of the Buddha. Over the centuries, it has grown and
evolved, including the addition of its iconic golden chedi in the 16th century.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep continues to be a revered symbol of Thai Buddhism and
the natural beauty of its mountainous surroundings (BERGEN REFLECTIONS).
The cable car
ride included in the visit spared me from climbing the 300 mythical Naga
Serpent steps to the temple's summit. From there, I marveled at the pagodas,
statues, murals, bells, and museum, all set against breathtaking Chiang Mai
mountain scenery. Highlights included the temple's central golden spire, a
replica of Bangkok's Emerald Buddha statue, the White Elephant shrine, and the
world's largest gong and line of bells. It
was truly a meaningful experience.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2H2TbnuV5InZVUEifPK5Dbl_oKpqBJfWAP64LadLax6xCm5QIjgW_qDRnFyY-3H6vpqon4PrLA2Ruko9fPkDw-P55a5eTHbyVuh7wWpMrNpflD_IC1ZA8RbYUC7xDHuBp5Pe5BGcGCPu2GhH5tZGTBZDfDgKlgCxytTWRx_9EPW1aIGn26gi4xxyItN8/w446-h640-rw/Wat%20Phra%20That%20Doi%20Suthep%20Temple,%20Thailand.jpeg)
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Bai Orchid
& Butterfly Farm
I visited the Bai Orchid & Butterfly Farm, a haven of natural beauty
nestled in lush gardens. Rows upon rows of vibrant orchids greeted me, each
seeming to smile and brighten the surroundings naturally. It felt like stepping
into a paradise, and I couldn't resist capturing the moment with countless
photographs, guided graciously by the farm's staff. The farm boasts a stunning
array of orchid species in full bloom, from delicate hybrids to rare native
varieties, showcasing the diversity of Thailand's floral landscape. Amidst the
blooms, colorful butterflies fluttered gracefully, adding to the farm's serene
ambiance and further enriching my experience of Thailand's natural wonders.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArWAf-W6OUStqkmRe0fAUDk_wisixwekFrlPzwX5zgPJMhLgDt2xbi4O063ku7cB7trNQsEWMxDGhCMrEHPk8AFIEYPhhSao6EgAyFOZ395AzHMWHKm33__NaAIv0nZHEhLJ3bTm5zItVHa6yv6qpIeF1hkiLqtreZ_UV_FbdvtkVgpkaKcB3jvVXIcw/w428-h640-rw/23.jpeg)
Maetaeng
Elephant Park & Clinic
Maetaeng
Elephant Park & Clinic, I immersed myself in the joyous antics of elephants
bathing, feeding on bananas I offered, and even playing football and painting.
The elephant ride, though thrilling, included frequent stops for purchasing
sugar cane and bananas, which felt a bit commercialized. Nonetheless, it wasn't my
first encounter with elephants, yet, making it a memorable experience.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQB2B0bkLuxRINPoQWEAUqfAhPquADSAIC_5Bkj_pcNel-gbXTLxTnfPYKhqjjOjWDzhknIdA47sAoA7JSToa7szeNuAHKS8XsCBQauIct4BCLf4mo03WnyKvId1lAmH42EbHEGZW1ST7VXhgMSTmJqtnEWzbNjbQuQkROAwgzkWGgNsapQAipbmX4Bw/w482-h640-rw/37a.jpeg)
Chiang Rai
Wat Rong Khun -
White Temple
In Chiang Rai,
amidst a bustling crowd, I glimpsed the legendary Wat Rong Khun, known as the
White Temple. Its pristine white facade adorned with intricate mirror mosaics
dazzled in the sunlight, blending traditional Buddhist motifs with contemporary
influences. Inside, murals juxtaposing pop culture with Buddhist teachings
provided a thought-provoking exploration of morality and modernity, solidifying
its status as a significant architectural marvel.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhFyxZHTbuiqQiHmYDA3KDEx7CsE1rLh5LELAPsXAoFsP-oGgl54nJ5S_8P5Cw_s7vO-uPeefnowzZOQJOLST8doC2dxxDNrpenLhkAbW7CNb88oH_TjScbQ7VTSDt-OjiqU16Tx1-Hkth4hojaPoFEdOrdC7iti7_2jujuKYUaKRGwhAmY-9u0iUjD8/w426-h640-rw/White%20Temple,%20Chiang%20Rai.jpeg)
The Golden
Triangle Boat Ride (Saam Liam Thong Kham)
The boat
arrived, and three of us carefully hopped inside. As we rested back, our minds
wandered towards the river, marveling at the fact that The Golden Triangle
(Saam Liam Thong Kham) is the meeting point of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Locally known as Sop Ruak, this is where the Mekong River and Ruak River
intersect. Set high on a hillside, The Golden Triangle was historically known
for opium trading. As the boat moved, I appreciated the natural splendor and
could see the temples and daily activities in Chiang Mai from one side.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolIOFJXKlQdxNuf3dVp8I4r41dSNZtcL21D6EUpl4cYNNiO-JUHCE0EXR2PfHQt-Wuj5wKiD4Rgc8OleQDGHhuNpi5__AcVVsBtEfUsQzu4fyaRpjIfYKAF1RdaBdaX1tbtW2bK-Slkdk-VBe4Y1ML8Xtd5Uj3m50VZna9k7xHsaD7NYRxFU701_ynzI/w432-h640-rw/The%20Golden%20Triangle,%20Chiang%20Mai.jpeg)
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After enjoying
the serene boat ride, we got down at Don Sao, a small island belonging to Laos.
No visa is required to visit this island, but further travel would require one.
On Don Sao, you can indulge in cheap booze, purchase imitation goods, or simply
relax with a drink. The island's sights can be seen within about 10 minutes.
The Golden Triangle, located near Chiang Rai in northern Thailand, is renowned
for its historical significance and scenic beauty. This iconic region marks the
confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers, where the borders of Thailand,
Myanmar, and Laos converge.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrj4Z0sWZ84T6k5zmgDNrcfD76UWF0FERFsfWG3G7GQX8s8JYmoFN6YzKc89gAO7eCUoln4W3P01QwwgKs6Ldd6rPF4NobgAOggrbvvhFjuw-VIFW15HfiI5HEwfAKfId3KO6EAAPOobHLQs3-q2il9ujLWMHO7DakG7c7rMC06jJUBoPhmeNvmgt4gg/w478-h640-rw/Don%20Sao,%20Laos.jpeg)
Despite
the busy schedule, the visits were definitely worth it. The Thai lady guide was
very patient and helpful, which made the rush easier to handle. I could have
stayed in the hotel to rest, but I wasn’t sure if I’d ever return to Chiang Mai
and Chiang Rai. So, I decided to make the most of it.
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