Thailand - My Chiang Mai Life

About 1 hour drive up Doi Suthep (5,100 ft high) is a Hmong Hill Tribe Village. The road up to one of the Queen's Summer palaces is not too bad. But once you past the the palace the road gets pretty narrow, especially on the way to the camp site. Sign saying "2 lane road' must of had motorbikes in mind, as NO WAY that 2 cars could pass. The only 2 lanes I saw were going around this tree! It was a nice sunny morning in the "city" but soon drove into the clouds about 1/2 way up the mountain. Clouds at top of mountain and the camp grounds... The local "bus stop" outside the village. The village is mainly a market for tourists. Picture of entrance to the Mall.... Kids in the village. Tops are favorite toys for the kids! Who needs video games? Street in the market - local dress - The Hmong's are noted for their elaborate costumes! It takes weeks to complete just one outfit. Seamstress with some of her creations! Typical village restaurant! Time to eat so

8 A.M. - PARKED THE CAR- HEADED OUT ON A "WALK-ABOUT"! Met this "colorful" Monk in front of the Wat waiting for a "tuk-tuk"! You can't walk the city without encountering Monks. Most like to talk to "farangs" as they want to practice their English. At first look you think that all Wats look the same but spend a little time exploring them and they are all unique. The "Naga" guards almost all Wats. Proper dress is always appropriate to enter the Wats but today was extra special as the head Monk in the area had passed away! The Wats equivalent to the "confessional" - only open air... A meditation garden inside the Wat compound. A way of making merit to the Buddha is to buy gold leaf and apply it to statuary in the Wat. Wats are always going under restoration. Here a Buddha at Aod's Wat is getting a new home. There are Wats down many of the "Sois" (alley ways) in the city. Old archway to enter Wat. A Spirit House