Northen Thailand : Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai the old city

The Wat Chedi Luang : Dating from 1441. In the early 1990s the chedi was reconstructed by the UNESCO and the Japanese governement.

Phaya Yakkharaj or two guardian Yaksha were built in 1800 by Prince Kawla in front of Wat Jotikaran (Wat Chedi Luang). They are destined to protect Inthakin, the city pillar of Chiang Mai

The Wat Chiang Man :

The oldest temple of Chiang Mai. The construction began shortly after the city in 1296. It’s one of the most beautiful temple in Chiang Mai in my opinion. The temple was built in the time of the Mang Rai Dynasty and it was well maintained and restored in 1571.

You will see the sacred elephant encircled stupa. In 1296 the King Mrngrai, King Ngam Muang and King Ruang built a royal residence and sleeping quarters at this site and began construction of Wat Chiang Man . When they fully completed the construction of the temple and the cuty, then they decided to built this chedi (stupa) where the royal residence and sleeping quarters had been had been and enshrined a sacred hair relic of the buddha inside the chedi (stupa).

The Warorot Market, open from 6 am to 5 pm is a hudge one. You will find everything you are looking for in it. From the basic tourist souvenirs to the flowers market including of course the local food market and clothes. It’s easy to lose yourself in this small streets and a pleasure for sure.

Where to stay : Julie’s Guesthouse. Located in the old city center this is a clean and nice guesthouse with good prices for backpackers. 90 Bahts for dorms and 120 Bahts for a double room. If you stay at Julie’s Guesthouse don’t miss the rooftop to chill out.

On the corner of the street The Funky Monkey restaurant is a good place for enjoying a nice meal. The vegetarian pad thai is sold for 40 Bahts.

On the evening, few street away, at the border of the old city center you have a food night market which is my favorite place to eat when I am hungry at night.