Wats in Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai (population ~ 1.7 million) is a large city, although when compared to Bangkok (population ~ 16 million) it doesn't sound quite as big as it is. Yet, because our hotel in Chiang Mai was close to the main tourist sights and services, it felt smaller and, to Phil, more manageable.

We spent our first day in Chiang Mai walking around the old town visiting some famous wats and just getting ourselves oriented. We first visited Wat Phra Singh, one of the most popular temple complexes in Chiang Mai.









The grounds of the temple contained teachings of various sorts. For some reason Gail found this one worth capturing!



After walking a few blocks in search of Wat Chedi Luang, we discovered Wat Phan Tao. A temple constructed from teak panels. Phil liked it's beautiful wood construction and Gail found the activities of the monks interesting.



One of the interesting sights inside was this collection of monks alms bowls.



Leaving Wat Phan Tao, we discovered that Wat Chedi Luang was next door. It is famous because of this chedi, or stupa, built around 1441. What remains now is just a remnant of the original.



While wandering the grounds Phil was shocked to see this sign in front of a small building.



He recognized it as the name of the founder of the Thai Forest Tradition within Thai Buddhism. Acharn or Ajahn (respected teacher) Mun is also the "grandfather" of some of Phil's Theravada Buddhist and Insight Meditation teachers in the US. It turns out he was very briefly abbot of Wat Chedi Luang, before he left for the forests of northern and northeastern Thailand so that he could continue with his practice. Ajahn Mun is regarded as a fully enlightened being which may explain why they've created his image in wax!



As we were leaving one of the wats, Gail noticed a travel agency offering eco-tours of the surrounding countryside. After exploring the options, and after an extensive discussion between us over cool drinks, we made our plan for our next day in Chiang Mai.