"Wat" You Say!

The Beattie Clan and I set out on Sunday to explore a few of the 300 Wats (temples) in Chiang Mai.

"WAT CHEDI LUANG" The original chedi (pagoda) of Wat Chedi Luang was built in 1391 during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, 8th ruler of the Mengrai dynasty.


The already-massive chedi was progressively expanded until it reached it 280 feet (84 meters) in height in 1475, when King Tilokarat made it the home of the Emerald Buddha, the most important cultural treasure in Thailand (now in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo).



The pagoda was heavily damaged in 1545 in a major earthquake, just 11 years before Chiang Mai fell to the Burmese. It was never rebuilt, but a new worship hall has been added next to the ruined pagoda.



Monks on there way to school. These are young Monks and a lot of young Thai boys go to the Monastery to study but not to become Monks.




Hmmm, I wonder if this is in a Monk's "job" description?



Buddha & the Bird! I just had to take this pic..






After exploring the "Wats", we headed for the Thae Phae Gate looking for lunch. Lots of food stalls to choose from.....



Kim & Siena sampling lunch. It's great you just walk around sampling different Thai food. It's like a giant outdoor smorgasbord with servings starting from 10 Bhat (30 cents)!






You know you have to try the "Pork Leg"!



Comments

Pahnda Bear said…
I want to hear more about the food! Whats the weirdest thing youve eaten?

I could eat food and still pay my tuition lol :)

Cath
March 13, 2009 at 12:05 PM
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