Chiang Mai Panoramas
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Wat Puak Hong Wiharn 2017 Panorama
Wat Puak Hong is a neat little temple within the old walls of Chiang Mai, built in the 17th century. Puak Hong means "Flock of Swans". The temple's viharn is an attractive Lanna style building with a three tiered roof, the ends of the barge boards adorned with golden stylized Naga serpents. At the roof top are chofah, a bird like ornamental element representing Garuda, a creature half man, half bird from Hindu mythology.
The rectangular wooden panels on the front gable carved with Lanna style flower motifs are similar in style as those of the Viharn Lai Kham of the Wat Phra Singh temple. The entrance door is adorned with intricate wood carvings of Vishnu, the Hindu God in the typical Lanna gold and ochre colors. Over the door is a Dhamma wheel, which represents the Buddha’s teachings. Likewise, the wooden window panels are adorned with intricate carvings of several Buddhist depictions, with a Dhamma wheel over it.
Wat Puak Hong Chedi 2017 Panorama
This circular chedi is named Chedi Si Phuak Hong. It was built in the 16th or 17th century, the exact date is unknon. The chedi's circular design is unique in Northern Thailand. It was either influenced by Yunnanese architecture or it is a circular version of the stepped Mon chedi of the Wat Ku Kut in Lamphun.
The circular base of the chedi contains several niches in the vase-like shape of Kalasas that are Hindu symbols of the sun and are often found on the top of Hindu temples.
The chedi comprises of seven circular tiers of diminishing size. Each tier contains niches in which are enshrined images of the Buddha, 52 in total. The arches over the niches are adorned with intricate stucco decorations.
Prem Tinsulanonda International School Sports Stadium 2017 Panorama
Prem Tinsulanonda International School is one of the leading international schools in Chiang Mai with a staff of 60 for 420 students. It also has a boarding school for girls and boys up to grade 12. PTIS is very popular with students from SE Asia and beyond. The grounds and facilities such as a full-size sports stadium seen here are impressive and the staff is highly qualified, justifying the considerable tuition cost. The scene here is after the awards ceremony of the Chiang Mai Athletic Conference (CMAC) competition January 2017. Note: The panorama was taken rapidly and freehand, so there a many stitching errors.
Prem Tinsulanonda International School 2017 Panorama
Prem Tinsulanonda International School is one of the leading international schools in Chiang Mai with a staff of 60 for 420 students. It also has a boarding school for girls and boys up to grade 12. PTIS is very popular with students from SE Asia and beyond. The grounds and facilities are impressive and the staff is highly qualified, justifying the considerable tuition cost. Note: The issues with the roofs in the image are stitching errors, not construction faults!
Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2017 Panorama
The Chiang Mai Flower Festival takes place every February.
This year many flowers remembered Thailand's beloved and revered King Bhumiphol, who had sadly passed away in October 2016.
Large flower-bedecked floats are created by communities, temples, schools and companies. They are paraded through town and the usual sideshows like beauty pageants are held. The festival is centered around Suan Buak Had Park at the South-Western corner of the moat. There will be many stands selling food and trinkets as well as a traditional children's fun fair inside the park.
Wat Ku Tao Chiang Mai
Wat Ku Tao is a large and wealthy Shan-style temple not far from central Chiang Mai.
It's notable for its chedi that sports the design of five stacked watermelons with diminishing size. It was built in the early 17th century and holds the remains of a Burmese prince and son of the local ruler (Chiang Mai was under Burmese rule at that time). The chedi gave the temple its name as "Tao" means water-melon in the northern Thai dialects.
Other buildings in the temple grounds are recent, but the huge main hall with its shining white paneling herald the temple's wealth and importance.
The temple grounds have several more buildings and feels quite crammed. But the lush tree canopy and its shining chedi make this a temple with a serene atmosphere that is well worth visiting.
Chiang Mai Railway Station 2017
Chiang Mai Railway Station (Thai: สถานีรถไฟเชียงใหม่) is the terminus of the Northern Line of the State Railway of Thailand's network. It was opened in 1922, destroyed by Allied Bombs against the then occupying Japanese forces in 1943, and rebuilt in 1945. The trip to and from Bangkok has been possible since 1933.
As most railway stations in Thailand, the service is excellent, security is high and there aren't even many touts anymore (they concentrate on the busy airport now). A first class trip on the sleeper to Bangkok is still one of the most affordable such experience in the world.
Chiang Mai Railway Station Platform 2017
Chiang Mai Railway Station is a very pleasant place and gives good first impression of the Northern Thai capital. The station has four tracks and seven platforms. In 2016 new rolling stock has been introduced with much improved furniture and features on the trains, including the 2nd class sleepers.
Doi Suthep Virtual Tour
A virtual tour of Doi Suthep mountain, including the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple, the Hmong village of Doi Pui and the San Ku ancient chedi.
San Ku Forest Chedi May 2015 Panorama
The western side of the San Ku ancient forest chedi.
San Ku is an ancient chedi in the forest. A very mysterious place that is recommended to visit. It's on the way to the peak of Doi Suthep and there are no road signs pointing to it. The chedi is now over 700 years old. The inscription reads: " In 1983, the Fine Arts Department began excavation and renovation work at San Ku at the wish of H.R.H. Maha Chakri Sirindhorn who had learned that this ancient historical site had been looted and savaged for a long time.
Before restoration, San Ku was an ancient earth mound densely covered by trees. When earth and soil were removed, remains of chedi and wihan bases appeared. Exploration of the pit in the middle of the chedi base revealed many important historical artifacts. It was estimated that San Ku dates from 13th century A.D."
San Ku Forest Chedi Southern Side May 2015 Panorama
The southern side of the San Ku ancient forest chedi. There are still worshippers coming to the chedi to make merit more than 700 years after it was constructed.
San Ku is an ancient chedi in the forest. A very mysterious place that is recommended to visit. It's on the way to the peak of Doi Suthep and there are no road signs pointing to it. The chedi is now over 700 years old. The inscription reads: " In 1983, the Fine Arts Department began excavation and renovation work at San Ku at the wish of H.R.H. Maha Chakri Sirindhorn who had learned that this ancient historical site had been looted and savaged for a long time.
Before restoration, San Ku was an ancient earth mound densely covered by trees. When earth and soil were removed, remains of chedi and wihan bases appeared. Exploration of the pit in the middle of the chedi base revealed many important historical artifacts. It was estimated that San Ku dates from 13th century A.D."
San Ku Forest Temple Wihan May 2015 Panorama
An ancient chedi in the dark forest. A very mysterious place that is recommended to visit. It's on the way to the peak of Doi Suthep and there are no road signs pointing to it. The chedi is now over 700 years old.
This panorama shows what was the wihan (วิหาร), Sanskir Vihara, the monk's meditation and dwelling place. Amazing to think there were orange robed monks sitting here in meditation 700 years ago, in the 1800s of the Buddhist era.
Flower Garden at the Hmong Village of Doi Pui May 2015 Panorama
The Hmong village of Doi Pui has become a tourist attraction in the few decades of its existence. It is just a short trip from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, so a visit is recommended. The townspeople sell the now popular embroidered fabrics and other trinkets and souvenirs.
There's also a flower garden further up the hill that has some opium poppies. It could be that these Hmong traditional costumes are for rent somewhere. A couple taking pictures is visible in the panorama.
Back Down from Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep 2015 Panorama
Back down from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Now off further up the mountain to Doi Pui.
Going Down from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep 2015
Going down from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Much easier than going up and a nice way to wrap up an unforgettable visit.
Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Chedi in Sunny Weather Panorama 2015
A final view of the splendor of the Wat Phratat Chedi in sunshine.
Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Chedi with Butterfly
Another place to worship under an awning to protect the faithful from the sun. And another selection of revered Buddha statues. The panorama also contains the lucky shot of a butterfly exactly over the tip of the chedi.
Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Chedi in Sunny Weather Panorama 2015
The splendor of the golden chedi of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep really only comes out in the sunshine. In the foreground a selection of seven Buddha statues can be seen. Each statue's posture denotes a day of the week and worshippers pay merit to the statue that represents the weekday they were born.
It starts with the statue for Sunday on the left. The reclining Buddha (colloquially known as Phra Norn) represents Tuesday.
There is also a miniature version of the chedi, another way to make merit by throwing coins into the water.
Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Viewing Terrace May 2015
On the newly constructed viewing platform, standing close to the railing for a better view of Chiang Mai. For a really good view, be sure to check out our gigapixel panoramas that would be impossible to photograph today for reasons of obstruction.
Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Viewing Terrace May 2015
On the newly constructed viewing platform. As the erstwhile main view from the main terrace is blocked by construction and ever growing trees, the temple decided to undertake another construction project and construct a viewing platform with a garishly decorated sala-abstraction. The view is stunning anyway.
Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Chedi Sermon Hall May 2015
A newly constructed sermon hall on the terrace of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. A solid teak construction that may become interesting in a few hundred years time.
Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Chedi South-Western Corner May 2015
Another perspective of the Golden Stupa (Chedi) Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Temple. The chedi is surrounde by several prayer halls where monks recite sermons and sprinkle holy water on worshippers. It also has four additional Htis on each corner, whose base is adorned with elephants, perhaps reminiscing of the Legend of Doi Suthep.
Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Chedi May 2015
This panorama shows the Golden Stupa (Chedi) Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Temple. The chedi used to be copper-plated but the temple's wealth has allowed it to go for a gold plating. The mountain and the temple are named after the hermit Sudeva who used to live on the mountain slopes for many years. The Wat Prathat Doi Suthep was established in 1383 under King Keu Naone. It is one of Northern Thailand's most sacred temples and definitely a must-visit when in Chiang Mai.
Worshippers and merit-makers walk around the chedi in a clockwise direction, holding a single lotus flower and some incense in their hands, while reciting prayers.
Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Arrival Area May 2015
Arrival Area of Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Temple
After paying the entrance fee, here's it's time to take off your shoes and to cover up for those who are 'improperly' dressed, such as with hot pants or short skirts. Then it's time to climb the stair to the chedi area.
Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Stairs Up May 2015
Going up to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Temple
A panorama taken in about a minute, on the naga staircase going up to Doi Suthep temple, at about the half-way point.
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep at the Bottom of the Stairs 2015 Panorama
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep at the Bottom of the Stairs 2015 Panorama
It's 309 steps to the temple. The naga (mythical serpent) staircase is shady and the altitude of about 1500 meters lowers temperatures. Alas, all but the fittest will get slightly out of breath at the end of the climb. Bring water and wear a hat.
If for any reason, the merit-bestowing activity of climbing up to the temple is beyond you, you can take a tram train that goes up to the temple and down again for a fee of a few baht.
At the top, an entrance fee of 30 Baht (stable for many years) has to be paid by foreigners. The temple hasn't been able to raise the fee because of public pushback.
Phra Thep Statue Doi Suthep Panorama
Phra Thep Statue Doi Suthep 2015 Panorama
The sitting statue of a famous monk, Pra Thep Worasittajan who was once the abbot of Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. This gigantomanic reverence of Buddhist monks is a rather new phenomenon and is certainly not commensurate with Buddhist principles. It's probably meant to impress tourists and reflects the ever increasing wealth of the temple.
A Sluice Gate and Bridge over the Ping River
Sluice Gate and Bridge over the Ping River
South of Chiang Mai in Hang Dong district is this metal bridge and sluice gate over the ping river. It can be crossed with motorbikes and on foot.
The panorama was taken in the hot season, when the water was low so that the lower level has fallen dry.
Rainbow over a Cloud in Ban Tawai Chiang May 2015
A Rainbow over a Cloud South of Chiang Mai May 2015
Even a nondescript area can make for a watchable panorama. Stopped to get a picture of the rainbow over a cloud. This is hardly visible in the panorama.
Then did some Photoshop editing to keep the dramatic sky and replace the surroundings with brighter ones, especially the impressive bamboo hedge that possibly belongs to some handicrafts business.
The location is on the road from the main Chiang Mai-Hang Dong road to Ban Tawai, Chiang Mai's famed handicrafts center.
Chang Peuak (White Elephant) Gate 2015
Chang Peuak Gate 2015
Chang Peuak (also, inexplicably spelled "Chang Phuak" meaning Chang = Elephant, Peuak = Northern Thai for White, Thai: ช้างเผือก) Gate is the Northern gate of Chiang Mai's city moat. It was the main gateway to the city from the North and a very important gate over the centuries. It is believed that the city spirit enters and leaves the city through this gate. The gate was decorated with a fountain in the 20th century. This fountain was then stolen by a local official who put it in his garden.
In the early 2000s the fountain was rebuilt by then-mayor, only to be torn down again after it was considered bad luck to block the path of the city's guardian spirit with a fountain that also contained scary dragon images.
After the 2014 coup troops were stationed here as this used to be a major protest venue, besides the more built-up Tapae gate. In April 2015 the troops were finally pulled to make way for Songkran celebrations. The gate area is now nondescript and without any decoration.
Wat Chedi Luang Stupa 2015 Panorama
Wat Chedi Luang Chedi 2015 Panorama
The eastern side of Chiang Mai's most important temple taken during the 2015 Inthakin festival. The niche used to house the Phra Kaew for many year, until it got its own temple, the world-famous Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.
Wat Chedi Luang Inside Chedi 2015 Panorama
Wat Chedi Luang Chedi Inside 2015 Panorama
The bot (main sermon hall) of Wat Chedi Luang during the Inthakin festival 2015.
Inthakin Merit Making Wat Chedi Luang 2015 Panorama
Inthakin Festival Merit Making 2015 Panorama
This panorama shows the actual Chiang Mai City Pillar, covered in offerings in the form of flowers and money bills. This building is forbidden for women.
Inthakin Merit Making Wat Chedi Luang 2015 Panorama
Inthakin Festival Merit Making 2015 Panorama
This panorama shows the actual Chiang Mai City Pillar, covered in offerings in the form of flowers and money bills. Worshippers will bow down before the pillar and say prayers.
Inthakin Meri Making Wat Chedi Luang 2015 Panorama
Inthakin Festival Merit Making 2015 Panorama
Another panorama showing merit making for the Inthakin (City Pillar) festival at Wat Chedi Luang on May 20, 2015. The building houses the city pillar and, as the sign shows, is forbidden for women.
Inthakin Merit Making Wat Chedi Luang 2015 Panorama
Inthakin Festival Merit Making 2015 Panorama
This panorama show merit making for the Inthakin (City Pillar) festival at Wat Chedi Luang on May 20, 2015. To the left of the altar is a miniature version of the Inthakin (city pillar). This facility is made especially for women, who are barred from the building (here seen in the background with the open doors) housing the actual pillar.
Wat Chedi Luang Chedi 2015 Panorama
Wat Chedi Luang Chedi 2015 Panorama
The northern side of Chiang Mai's most important temple taken during the 2015 Inthakin festival. Students are coming from far and wide to witness these important and unique festivities.
Wat Saen Mueang Ma Luang
Wat Saen Muang Ma Luang or Wat Hua Kuang TH วัดแสนเมืองมาหลวง (หัวข่วง)
Wat Saen Muang Ma Luang or Wat Hua Kuang, วัดแสนเมืองมาหลวง หรือ วัดหัวข่วง is towards the Nothern moat that delimits the historical center of Chiang Mai. The temple has recently been splenditly rebuilt. The Wihan and Ubosot have been razed and rebuilt from the ground up. The Ho Trai is also recently constructed.
Wat Umong Maha Thera Chang Garden
Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan is in the center of Chiang Mai, not far from the more important Wat Chiang Man, and almost as old. It's famous for the ancient Monk's Cave, a cavern inside the old chedi where monks used to meditate.This panorama is taken standing at the pedestal of this chedi.
Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan Ubosot January 2015 Panorama
Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan is in the center of Chiang Mai, not far from the more important Wat Chiang Man, and almost as old. It's famous for the ancient Monk's Cave, a cavern inside the old chedi where monks used to meditate. This panorama shows the the ubosot, the ordination hall that is not publically accessible. It is demarcatd by sacred boundary stones, the so-called sima (or sema). They are the white flat reliefs visible in this panorama. The ubosot is protected by fearsome dragons, who looks more like lions, as often happens in Chiang Mai.
Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan Wihan January 2015 Panorama
Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan is in the center of Chiang Mai, not far from the more important Wat Chiang Man, and almost as old. It's famous for the ancient Monk's Cave, a cavern inside the old chedi where monks used to meditate. This panorama shows the inside of the Wihan, the main, publicly accessible prayer hall.
Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan January 2014 Panorama
Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan is in the center of Chiang Mai, not far from the more important Wat Chiang Man, and almost as old. It's famous for the ancient Monk's Cave, a cavern inside the old chedi where monks used to meditate. This panorama show the bells of Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan. The bells can be rung for merit making.
Wat Ban Ping Wihan Panorama
Wat Ban Ping, วัดป้านปิง (sometimes spelled Wat Pan Ping, while Wat Bpan Bping with sounds between B and P would probably most correct ), is located opposite the more famous and far more interesting Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan on Ratchapakinai Road in central Chiang Mai, in the area with the highest density of ancient temples. The Wihan pictured here was destroyed by a fire late 2002. The reconstruction was completed in 2008. Today's splendid condition is proof that traditional temple construction skills and artisanship are alive and well in Chiang Mai.
Wat Ban Ping Outside Panorama
Wat Ban Ping, วัดป้านปิง (sometimes spelled Wat Pan Ping, while Wat Bpan Bping with sounds between B and P would probably most correct ), is located opposite the more famous and far more interesting Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan on Ratchapakinai Road in central Chiang Mai, in the area with the highest density of ancient temples. The Wihan pictured here was destroyed by a fire late 2002. The reconstruction was completed in 2008. Today's splendid condition is proof that traditional temple construction skills and artisanship are alive and well in Chiang Mai.
Christliche Deutsche Schule Chiang Mai (CDSC) - Christian German School Chiang Mai
The Christian German School Chiang Mai was founded in 1995 by German missionaries. Today it provides a German curriculum to an ever growing student body from all around the world, preparing them to one day study in Germany. A German school in the rice fields is something to behold, and Thai and German cultural mores come together in a unique way.
Mae Salong from Sabai Dee Guesthouse
View of Mae Salong from the balcony of Sabai Dee GH that opened in 2014.
Wat Tung Yu Outside February 2014
Wat Tung Yu has a display of two monks separated by a Buddha footprint covered by a Hti (umbrella). The golden statue on the left is Kruba Srivichai (1878-1938), one of the most revered monks of the Lanna Kingdom, whose monument is on the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain. Kruba Srivichai oversaw the construction of many wats (temples) around Chiang Mai. He initiated and oversaw the construction of the road that leads up to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. His popularity attracted many volunteers and the road was completed in only 5 months. Kruba commenced his studies at Wat Ban Pang in Lamphun aged eighteen. His modesty, good deeds and charisma made him very popular. Today he's considered the Nak Bun Haeng Lanna, the Saint of Lanna.
Wat Lok Moli Chiang Mai in February 2014
Wat Lok Moli has been called "topknot" of the world as it sits north of the northern moat, and in addition has a north-south orientation, which is very unusual for Buddhist temples that are usually oriented towards the east. The temple has recently undergone some renovations that are quite tasteful and leave the original atmosphere very much in tact. Untouched is also the bare chedi that is over 650 years old and one of the most impressive structures in Chiang Mai.
Wat Lok Moli on Makha Bucha Day 2014
A panorama taken on February 14th, 2014, Makha Bucha Day (มาฆบูชา in Thai). Many Chiang Mai citizens go to the temples to make merit on this day of personal purification and spiritual renewal. More info on Wikipedia.
Wat Tung Yu Abbot Hall 2014
Wat Tung Yu has an interesting hall with life-like statues of prior abbots and other famous monks from Chiang Mai.
Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan
Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan is located in central Chiang Mai. It's famous for the Monks' Cave, a niche in the main chedi where monks used to meditate.
Central Airport Plaza Shopping Mall
An impression from the top floor of the Central Airport Plaza, one of the largest shopping malls in Chiang Mai. The mall has many IT shops and fashion outlets as well as restaurants and fast food joints. The mall is especially popular as a cool refuge in the hot season, when it can be hard to find a parking spot on weekends.
Wat Chedi Luang Chiang Mai New Year 2014 Merit Making
This panorama shows a large gathering at Wat Chedi Luang to make merit for the New Year 2014.
Wat Chedi Luang marks the historical center of Chiang Mai. The temple was founded in the 14th century and took many decades to complete. The main chedi was originally 82 meters high on a 54 meter base, by far the highest building in Northern Thailand for many centuries. The eastern niche of the chedi was home of the Emerald Buddha from 1468 to 1551, when it was moved to Luang Prabang after an earthquake that had the main chedi collapse to its present height of 54 meters. Today the Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew) has its own temple, the world-famous Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. Wat Chedi Luang is also home to the city pillar (Lak Meuang) named Sao Inthakin that is worshipped with a large festival each May.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival February 2013
Another panorama showing the Chiang Mai Flower Festival in February 2013. Clearly visible here that it's not so much about the flowers, but rather about commerce and tourism. Update: In 2015 the volume has much increased and the Suan Prung Corner is clearly getting overwhelmed. It may be time to move the flower festival to another location in the future.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival February 2013
The Chiang Mai Flower Festival takes place every February. Large flower-bedecked floats are created by communities, temples, schools and companies. They are paraded through town and the usual sideshows like beauty pageants are held. The festival is centered around Suan Buak Had Park at the South-Western corner of the moat. There will be many stands selling food and trinkets as well as a traditional children's fun fair inside the park.
Wat Suan Dok Chedi Panorama February 2013
The large 48 meter high bell shaped chedi - built in a Sri Lankan style - can be seen from far. It used to be white washed stucco as the rest of the temple, but has been gold plated in recent years.The chedi is said to contain a relic of the Buddha. Stairs on all four sides originally led up to the narrow terrace encircling the chedi but these have since been replaced by ramps, the balusters of which are decorated with seven-headed nāgas emerging from the mouths of makaras, as is typical for the classic Lanna style.
Wat Suan Dok Sermon Hall Panorama February 2013
The large sala kan prian (Thai: ศาลาการเปรียญ, sermon hall) is located directly east of the main chedi. It was built in 1932 by the famous monk Phra Krubra Srivichai, who also had an ubosot built as well as the main chedi restored. The main Buddha statues inside the sala kan prian are placed so that they look out at opposite directions. The statue of the Buddha seated in meditation (Bhumisparsha Mudrā) looks towards the east, whereas the other statue, a standing Buddha holding a bundle of straw, faces west towards the chedi. Placed in front of the seated statue one finds a smaller Buddha in the Lanna style, created during King Kue Na's time. The feet of this statue are unusual in that the toes are - influenced by Sri Lanka - individually formed. Flanking the images are more statues of the Buddha, some of which are from the 1930s.
Wat Suan Dok Mausoleums Panorama February 2013
Another view of the mausoleums. Just over a hundred years old and very well maintained, like the rest of the temple grounds and buildings.
Wat Chiang Yuen Wihan Panorama February 2013
The bot of Wat Chiang Yuen with typical Shan-style murals and decorations.
Wat Chiang Yuen Chedi Panorama February 2013
The chedi of Wat Chiang Yuen. The structures around the chedi are quite recent and the chedi itself is one of the finest examples of Shan architecture in Chiang Mai city.
Wat Suan Dok Temple Grounds Panorama February 2013
As impressive as ever: Wat Suan Dok temple grounds in February 2013.
Wat Chiang Yuen Sitting Buddha Panorama February 2013
Another panorama of the impressive but rather recent sitting Buddha image at Wat Chiang Yuen.
Wat Suan Dok Mausoleums Panorama February 2013
The mausoleums house the cremation ashes of members of the royal family of Chiang Mai. At the beginning of the 20th century, Princess Dara Rasmi, one of the wives of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and daughter of the Lanna king Inthawichayanon, had the ashes collected from around Chiang Mai to be interred at their present setting.
Wat Chiang Yuen Sitting Buddha February Panorama 2013
Wat Chiang Yuen is a prominent Shan temple near the Northern Moat of Chiang Mai. The temple was one of the few maintained by the Burmese during their 200 year occupation of Chiang Mai. Today it serves as a site for many Shan festivals throughout the year.
Ob Khan National Park 2013
Ob Khan National Park is a great getway about 20km from Chiang Mai. After swimming in the cool stream that cuts through a veritable canyon your can have a picnic on the rocks in verdant nature.
Wat Chiang Man Chiang Mai 2012 Inside Panorama
A view of the inside of Wat Chiang Man's main wiharn, renovated in the 1920s by the famous monk Khru Ba Srivichai. One of the standing Buddha statues is engraved with the year 1465 at its base, which would make it the oldes Buddha statue in the Lanna Kingsdom.
Wat Buak Krok Neua
Large but rather nondescript temple near the Christian German School Chiang Mai (Christliche Deutsche Schule Chiang Mai).
Suan Bua Resort 2012
The Suan Bua Resort is located in the Samoeng Valley, next to American Pacific International School (this school may have changed its name since). The resort really is a special place, built in the Thailand boom of the nineties with loads of money. It's beautiful with many teak fittings and carvings, such splendor would be unaffordable today. The resort is fully staffed but quite underutilized, due to its distance from Chiang Mai (about 50 km/30 miles or so). It's therefore great for conferences, as you'll really all be away from it all with no outside entertainment options.
Wat Chiang Man Chiang Mai 2012 Outside Panorama
Wat Chiang Man is one of the oldest and most important temples in Chiang Mai. Build in 1297, it was the home of King Mengrai while he constructed the city of Chiang Mai. The temple possesses one of the most famous and auspicious Buddha images in Thailand, the Phra Sae Tang Kamani (Crystal Buddha). The Elephant Chedi (Chedi Chang Lom) is the oldest structure of the temple. Fifteen life-sized brick-and-stucko elephants appear to support the upper structure that houses a relic chamber at the top.
Wat Chedi Luang Chiang Mai in 2008
Wat Chedi Luang marks the historical center of Chiang Mai. The temple was founded in the 14th century and took many decades to complete. The main chedi was originally 82 meters high on a 54 meter base, by far the higest building in Northern Thailand for many centuries. The eastern niche of the chedi was home of the Emerald Buddha from 1468 to 1551, when it was moved to Luang Prabang after an earthquake that had the main chedi collapse to its present height of 54 meters. Today the Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew) has its own temple, the world-famous Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. Wat Chedi Luang is also home to the city pillar (Lak Meuang) named Sao Inthakin that is worshipped with a large festival each May.
Wat Phra Singh 2008
Wat Phra Singh is one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai.
Construction was started in 1345 by King Phayu, the fifth king of the Mengrai dynasty, to house the ashes of his father. In 1367 the Phra Buddha Singh statue originating from Bodh Gaya (India) was brought to the temple and the temple received its present name.
Samoeng Viewpoint 2007
Samoeng is a small town South-West of Chiang Mai that lends its name to the famous "Samoeng Loop", a 85 km (55 mile) motorbike ride in the vicinity of Chiang Mai. Sunsets can never be observed in Chiang Mai as Doi Suthep Mountain blocks the view to the West. The Samoeng viewpoint is a spot for observing sunsets and also for astronomical observations at night.
Thaton in Chiang Rai Province in 2007
Thaton is a scenic spot on the road from Fang to Chiang Rai on the Mae Kok river. The river is a very popular weekend getaway as its shallow waters are a great splashing ground for kids. The hotel in the panorama is the famous Thaton Chalet.
Huay Tueng Tao Lake Chiang Mai in 2005
Huay Tueng Tao is a recreational area about 10 km north of municipal Chiang Mai. It's a great getaway with thatched huts around a lake serving delicious food and cold drinks that can be enjoyed between swims.
Wat Suan Dok in 2005
Wat Suan Dok was founded in 1370 by King Kue Na of Lanna for the monk Sumana Thera. The Sri-Lankan-style chedi is 48 meters high and one of the landmarks of Chiang Mai. The temple is located on Suthep Road, about 1 kilometer west of Suan Dok gate.
Huay Tueng Tao Lake in 2005
The Huay Tueng Tao lake is surrounded by thatched huts serving delicious Thai food and cold drinks.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Terrace 2004
The large terrace of Doi Suthep temple in 2004.