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Temples of Chiang Mai: Beyond Tourist Trails – Part 2
Here is the second part of our 2 part blog on the temples of Chiang Mai. Read the first part here. Wat Sri Suphan Wat Sri Suphan is the ‘Silver Temple’ Of Chiang Mai. Over two centuries ago, silversmiths from Burma’s Kengtung area settled in the nearby Wua Lai area. Today, this neighbourhood continues to showcase the remarkable talents of silversmiths and lacquerware artists. In 1500 CE, King Mueangkaew commissioned the original wihan. The ordination hall (Ubosot) and chedi were added nine years later. The wihan and chedi underwent two major reconstructions: first between 1860-1863 CE under Kawilorot Suriyawong’s reign, and again in 1993 CE, both to repair the ravages…
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Temples of Chiang Mai: Beyond Tourist Trails – Part 1
Chiang Mai is a city steeped in spirituality and tradition. While we did see glistening golden chedis, it was the intricately carved wooden structures that we were mesmerized by. These structures actually offered a glimpse into Thailand’s rich history and deep-rooted faith. Our journey through the temples of Chiang Mai temples was a profound experience and made us love Chiang Mai even more. Thai Buddhist temple architecture In Thai, the word for temple is “Wat.” Thai Buddhist temple architecture features several signature elements that make these structures both unique and fascinating: Beyond these primary elements, you might find additional structures in Chiang Mai, that add to the temple’s charm and…
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Ayutthaya – Whispers of Yesteryears – Part 2
This is the second part of our blog on Ayutthaya. If you haven’t caught up on the first part yet, head over here. Read first part of our Ayutthaya journey here. After the idyllic time at Wat Lokkayasutha and Wat Worachettharam, it was time for us to visit the central complex of monuments, collectively called the Ayutthaya Historic Park. Wat Phra Ram Our first stop was Wat Phra Ram. This is a monastery constructed on the cremation site of King Ramathibodi I, the founder and first ruler of the Ayutthaya kingdom. Entry to the monument costs 50 THB per person and is free for Thai citizens and children. The monument is open from 8:00 AM until…
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Ayutthaya – Whispers of Yesteryears – Part 1
Ayutthaya, a radiant kingdom in Southeast Asia, thrived for over 400 years. Ayutthaya’s rulers fostered art, engineering marvels, and a strong military. The last king, a solitary figure, witnessed his legacy turn to ash. Ayutthaya’s fall echoed a harsh truth: empires crumble, leaving only a smoky lesson for all to see. Join us on a captivating journey through Ayutthaya, where we’ll delve into its glorious past and contemplate the impermanence of even the mightiest empires. Ever since we planned a trip to Thailand, Ayutthaya remained a constant in our itinerary, amidst other changes to plans. So, we pored over Google Maps and other references to figure out a path that…