Monday, January 05, 2009

Doi Suthep, Doi Pui and Wiang Kum Kam

We headed to Chiang Mai early morning on December 29th. The flight was at 8.50 AM, means we have to be at the airport around 7 AM [at least], so we left home at 5.30 AM [slept at 2 AM!]. Air Asia airport was crowded as usual and the flight was delayed for 15 minutes or so [what’s new?]. We landed in Chiang Mai International Airport at 12 noon local time. Pascal was already waiting at the airport. It was nice to be in a relatively sunny but cool weather. KL is too polluted.



The next day, we went to Doi Suthep mountain where Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is located. We drove almost an hour, after having breakfast at Café Mong Pearl. The view along the way was

incredible. The air was fresh and cool, the sun shone down beautifully and the trip to the

temple was fun. This temple was built in the 16th century and visitors have to climb 306 steps, which they call “Naga

Steps” [naga = dragon]. The steps were beautifully bordered by Naga ornament. The main area of this temple is the golden stupa

pagoda [golden chedi], too bad it was under renovation when we were there, but it doesn’t decrease the beauty of it. The golden chedi is 79 feet high and covered by engraved gold plate. Hmmm…


This temple also has a large terrace with the view to Chiang Mai city. Fi was pointing where her house was. I’m sure the view would be excellent in the evening when all the lights are on.







The next destination is Doi Pui, village where poppies were grown. Doi Pui is located about 10 km from Doi Suthep. This village is famous with its traditional clothing which

is very interesting. Another thing about this village is poppies. I love poppy flowers as flowers, not as opium flower. Hahaha! We also took this opportunity to try out our archery skills, turned out none was good… =P








After we finished visiting Doi Pui, we headed back to Chiang Mai to visit Wiang Kum Kam, the ruins of old Chiang Mai city. There were more than 10 ruins all over the village. We took horse carriage to take us around and visit 9 ruins.










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