Chiang Mai, nestled in the hill country in northern Thailand, is an ancient city of almost 800 years. At one time a great wall and moat surrounded and protected the city. Today only remnants of the wall and moat exist, but still intact are close to 300 Buddhist temples (Wats in Thai), the oldest dating back to 1296.

I visited about 25 of the temples. They are all works of art…most built from old teak and all hold a treasured Buddha. Many are working temples where monks live and learn and teach. People come from all over to worship and meditate.

You are on holy ground upon entering the temple. You leave your shoes at the entrance. You practice quiet and respect. You cover yourself…shorts at least down to the knees, bare shoulders not allowed. Refrain from public affection, from patting Buddha on the head, from pointing toward Buddha with your feet. (you may go to hell if you do the later…not right away, but eventually!!!!)

Here are some images of the temples of Chiang Mai

Wat Umong
My favorite Wat was one I had to work at to find. Wat Umong is unique in that there is no large temple, instead, below the Chedi is a series of tunnels holding the Buddha and places for prayer. It is north of town, down a labyrinth of roads, in the middle of a jungle. I rented a trusty little one speed bike and pedaled my way north…of course I had to stop several times to look at Wats along the way, but finally made it to CMU (Chiang Mai University). The map shows Wat Umong to the west down a road…no name given to the road, just a road. The trouble was, there were many roads leading west, tiny little one lane roads. We went past four or five and none of them had the right “feel”…the sixth road I came to was it, at least I hoped it was it. Off I pedaled, one kilometer, two kilometer…where is it? Should I turn around? And then, around the corner, tah dah, WAT UMONG. It is always rewarding to find a place on your own. I parked and locked up my bike and went exploring. This Wat is truly unique. Far enough away from town so there are very few tourists. It is in the middle of a jungle, birds singing, breeze rustling the leaves above….truly a spot of serenity and peace.

Pics of Wat Umong

EATING IN CHIANG MAI

The food is always delicious in Thailand. Mostly I ate at stalls…a full meal for only a few dollars. Bar-b-que pork, chicken and noodles, spring rolls, soooo good. But sometimes I go for a little more refinement. Two spots I found were worth noting.

Kalapela Japanese Tea House
One of our teachers, Yuka, is Japanese and she LOVES Chiang Mai. She told me about this place owned by a lovely Japanese man, TOMO, and his partner. Tomo is like the sweetest man in the world and takes such pride in his food. I would order and then he would send me “complimentary dishes” for me to try. When I shared how much I enjoyed the food he would beam with such pride. A must stop for food, tea and wine.

Din Dee Mudhouse Cafe
I found this place on the campus of CWU…made entirely out of mud, it serves vegetarian fare and amazing smoothies. Also owned by a Japanese woman, she promotes sustainable living and even has workshops on the building of a mud house. Full of college students studying and just chatting away like college students do, it is a spot full of energy.

Hotel
Yuka recommended Tamarind Village, a Lanna style boutique hotel right smack in the middle of the old town. Across the street was the bike rental spot and foot massages for 5 dollars (an hour). A lovely hotel, full amenities and so peaceful….except that rooster in the morning!!!!

I could easily live in Chiang Mai. Good food, good weather, affordable, and just down right beautiful. If you get the chance to come to Thailand, skip Bangkok and come straight to Chiang Mai….you won’t regret it.

Final pics from Chiang Mai…