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Day 14, Thursday 11 May
Restless…….. A third night at B2 Airport Hotel has produced probably the most restless night of this tour. It’s a combination of eating a heavy meal late last night and air conditioning that if not adjusted correctly can create breathing problems similar to having a cold. It does happen from time to time. Curiously the issue of not completing my site visit schedule day on day is also playing on my mind. Forward planning is proving so difficult in a busy city like this. However today I definitely will leave it with not too much more I can do within easy distance of the city. Inevitably I’m behind with my blog, leaving it as late as I can but not much before 11am is hardly going to light up these pages today.
For the final time hopefully, I make it around the southern wall to the west of the city past Wat Suan Dok. Turning south to the west of the airport is the first site visit of the day.
Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham…….. Wat Umong Suan Puthatham is a 700-year-old Buddhist temple in the foothills of Doi Suthep. The temple was built in 1297 by King Mangrai of the Lanna dynasty. Of particular interest is a replica of the Ashok Pillar similar to the one at Vaishali with four lions and a wheel at the base and an additional larger wheel on top that acts as an umbrella for the lions. A similar pillar is also available at Sarnath Museum. The four lion head is adopted as the National Emblem of India.
The entire Wat Umong complex consists of 37.5 rai (15 acres) of wooded grounds. You can feed the fish, turtles, and ducks in a large pond. "Talking trees" have words of wisdom in Thai and English. The temple consists of a principal chedi in an open court. In an area where you would expect the viharn to be is a larger court, the only structures being ventilation shafts for tunnels below. The tunnels were dug out and lined with brick. They contain Buddha images and mural paintings dating from the 15th century.
The temple was initially called Werukattatharam meaning a temple of eleven clumps of bamboo. A old document written after the founding on Chiang Mai at around 1297 A.D. states that the temple was built by King Mangrai for Phra Thera Chan Singkol (Lanka) monks to reside.
The tunnels were supposedly built by Phaya Kuena at a later date and painted with bush scenes so they could keep a famous but mentally deranged monk within the grounds of the monastery as he had a habit of just wandering off into the bush for days on end.
My only comment is that it’s most unusual to find a Buddhist temple underground in a purpose built structure. The temple is popular with tour groups and individuals who would expect to spend an hour at this temple.
Restless…….. A third night at B2 Airport Hotel has produced probably the most restless night of this tour. It’s a combination of eating a heavy meal late last night and air conditioning that if not adjusted correctly can create breathing problems similar to having a cold. It does happen from time to time. Curiously the issue of not completing my site visit schedule day on day is also playing on my mind. Forward planning is proving so difficult in a busy city like this. However today I definitely will leave it with not too much more I can do within easy distance of the city. Inevitably I’m behind with my blog, leaving it as late as I can but not much before 11am is hardly going to light up these pages today.
For the final time hopefully, I make it around the southern wall to the west of the city past Wat Suan Dok. Turning south to the west of the airport is the first site visit of the day.
Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham…….. Wat Umong Suan Puthatham is a 700-year-old Buddhist temple in the foothills of Doi Suthep. The temple was built in 1297 by King Mangrai of the Lanna dynasty. Of particular interest is a replica of the Ashok Pillar similar to the one at Vaishali with four lions and a wheel at the base and an additional larger wheel on top that acts as an umbrella for the lions. A similar pillar is also available at Sarnath Museum. The four lion head is adopted as the National Emblem of India.
The entire Wat Umong complex consists of 37.5 rai (15 acres) of wooded grounds. You can feed the fish, turtles, and ducks in a large pond. "Talking trees" have words of wisdom in Thai and English. The temple consists of a principal chedi in an open court. In an area where you would expect the viharn to be is a larger court, the only structures being ventilation shafts for tunnels below. The tunnels were dug out and lined with brick. They contain Buddha images and mural paintings dating from the 15th century.
The temple was initially called Werukattatharam meaning a temple of eleven clumps of bamboo. A old document written after the founding on Chiang Mai at around 1297 A.D. states that the temple was built by King Mangrai for Phra Thera Chan Singkol (Lanka) monks to reside.
The tunnels were supposedly built by Phaya Kuena at a later date and painted with bush scenes so they could keep a famous but mentally deranged monk within the grounds of the monastery as he had a habit of just wandering off into the bush for days on end.
My only comment is that it’s most unusual to find a Buddhist temple underground in a purpose built structure. The temple is popular with tour groups and individuals who would expect to spend an hour at this temple.
Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham, Mueang Chaing Mai District, Chiang Mai Province
We now continue south on highway 121 stopping for lunch. Baring in mind we may not be in a convenient position later on a stopover we order more than we presently need to save the hassle later. The next destination is further along the 121 signposted on the right.
Wat Phra That Doi Kam…….. Wat Phra That Doi Kam or (Golden Temple) is located on a small hill to the south of Doi Suthep. The views from the top of Wat Doi Kham are impressive, you can see both the city and the rolling mountains at the back of Doi Pui Mountain. The temple is mainly visited by Thai’s who come to visit the 17-metre-tall image of the sitting Buddha. The Buddha can be seen from the bottom of the hill and is decorated in gold, creating the temple’s nickname ‘the golden temple’. There are different ways to get to Wat Phra That Doi Kham but for the true experience, take the staircase. There are 300 steps from the bottom to get to the temple and the staircase is decorated with a serpent on each side winding down the mountain. The temple has an entrance fee of 30 Baht for foreigners who must make sure to cover shoulders and knees otherwise they will be asked to rent a scarf to cover up in respect of the temple and monks. If you don’t want to walk up the stairs there is parking on top of the hill.
Wat Phra That Doi Kam…….. Wat Phra That Doi Kam or (Golden Temple) is located on a small hill to the south of Doi Suthep. The views from the top of Wat Doi Kham are impressive, you can see both the city and the rolling mountains at the back of Doi Pui Mountain. The temple is mainly visited by Thai’s who come to visit the 17-metre-tall image of the sitting Buddha. The Buddha can be seen from the bottom of the hill and is decorated in gold, creating the temple’s nickname ‘the golden temple’. There are different ways to get to Wat Phra That Doi Kham but for the true experience, take the staircase. There are 300 steps from the bottom to get to the temple and the staircase is decorated with a serpent on each side winding down the mountain. The temple has an entrance fee of 30 Baht for foreigners who must make sure to cover shoulders and knees otherwise they will be asked to rent a scarf to cover up in respect of the temple and monks. If you don’t want to walk up the stairs there is parking on top of the hill.
Wat Phra That Doi Kam, Mueang Chaing Mai District, Chiang Mai Province
Royal Park Rajapruek……..
Royal Park Rajapruek was previously named as the International Exposition for His Majesty the King; Royal Flora Rajapruek. It was built for the purpose of commemorating the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Accession to the throne on June 9, 2006 as well as celebrating His Majesty’s 80th Birthday Anniversary on December 5, 2007. It is one of the most popular agro-tourism places in Chiang Mai and is counted as the center of agricultural research. You will discover countless numbers of plants and various agricultural expositions which would be advantageous to visitors of any age. Also, it is held as a meeting point for agriculturists and those who are into agriculture and cultivation. It has been said that the landscape architecture of the park is gorgeous and very delicate. Thus, Ho Kham Luang Royal Pavilion and other architectural style buildings here prove that the saying is totally true. The exposition is divided distinctly into zones which make it easier for visitors to wander around the park. There are several kinds of garden here as follows:- Thai Tropical Garden an area which showcases the diversity of Thai tropical plants. Special displays are devoted to a Marrakech and a Mars landscape. An example of Thai wooden houses from different regions is also on display. Another feature is an international garden zone represented by 24 participating nations.
The Royal Park Rajapruek welcomes visitors everyday from 8 am- 6 pm. Ticket prices are for foreigners - Adult 200 Baht - Children 150 Baht.
For this visit we used the tram which will deposit you at any of the bus stops. Tempting as it is to halt at every stop and take advantage of wonderful photo opportunities, we only stop at the orchid house. After that we don’t want to get too exposed to the strong sunshine limiting ourselves to take photos from the tram. In that respect it is all over too soon and the 200 baht didn’t seem worth the trouble. Aware that we didn’t want a repeat of yesterday we decided to press on to the next district to set us up for an important visit tomorrow.
The Royal Park Rajapruek welcomes visitors everyday from 8 am- 6 pm. Ticket prices are for foreigners - Adult 200 Baht - Children 150 Baht.
For this visit we used the tram which will deposit you at any of the bus stops. Tempting as it is to halt at every stop and take advantage of wonderful photo opportunities, we only stop at the orchid house. After that we don’t want to get too exposed to the strong sunshine limiting ourselves to take photos from the tram. In that respect it is all over too soon and the 200 baht didn’t seem worth the trouble. Aware that we didn’t want a repeat of yesterday we decided to press on to the next district to set us up for an important visit tomorrow.
Royal Park Rajapruek, Mueang Chaing Mai District, Chiang Mai Province
Chomthong Boutique……..photo.
Arriving in Chom Thong at a comfortable 5pm, there doesn’t appear to be a shortage of accommodation and resorts soon appear. Not wishing to be far from the town, we soon locate Chomthong Boutique via GPS. At first glance we’re not sure if we’re at the right place as we can’t find anyone to ask. When Katoon makes a phone call that’s soon fixed. I’m really hopeful when I see the room in a small but modern building, as the location is ideal with everything we need just across the road. It’s also good value and if I appear to be bouyed up it can only be because I’m no longer in B2 and Chiang Mai. A piece of normality has just returned. Alleluia to that! Next Page.
