Chiang Mai is full of temples - or wats. Many are very old and the most famous is the Wat Chedi Luang on Phrapokklao Road - the construction of which started in the 14th century. There are in fact several buildings in the complex, some much more recent.
Buddha, of course, was everywhere.
The chedi itself is a magnificent structure. It's incredible to think that construction began 700 years ago. We were particularly fond of the large stone elephants that adorn its walls, but sad that tourists aren't permitted to climb it.
We were keen to soak up the history of the place and think what it must have been like when it was the centre of Chiang Mai.
We were keen to soak up the history of the place and think what it must have been like when it was the centre of Chiang Mai.
The more modern structures were well-kept and full of locals, as well as visitors.
As in other parts of Thailand, the authorities put up helpful signs to let the tourists know what you should and shouldn't do in the temples.
It boils down to treating the wat with respect, as you would any other place of worship - but in the heat of the day, Mr Herbivore was wishing he could have worn shorts.
It boils down to treating the wat with respect, as you would any other place of worship - but in the heat of the day, Mr Herbivore was wishing he could have worn shorts.
We didn't meet any overly friendly strangers who offered to show us around town!
At Wat Chedi Luang, each sign of the Chinese Zodiac was represented with a statue. Mrs Herbivore sign was represented by this cute wee thing.
These monks were amazing. They sat so still in the evening at prayer time that they could have been statues. The chanting made the atmosphere here vibrant but relaxing at the same time. The cute dog was an added extra!.
Some of the temples are really dog friendly. The Monks take care and allow the dogs to stay inside the temple, two thumbs up for them.
The wat above was a little off the beaten track. Close to Wat Chedi Luang, but without the crowds. It was a good place for a selfie!
At the older sites around Chiang Mai, there was an interesting mix of building materials. As at Chedi Luang, we liked the elephants here.
We were glad that the Thais let you take photos inside the wats. There were some great shots of Mrs Herbivores and Buddha.
The history of Chiang Mai's many wats continued to amaze us as we toured the city. We loved the traditional architecture of the wats.
Chiang Mai is an amazing place to visit. If you visit the wats, your trip to the city can be an intensely spiritual one. Most wats are free to visit, although donations are sought at some. As elsewhere in Thailand, the Thais are a very helpful and friendly people (at many of the wats, the Monks even make themselves for Monk Chat on a regular basis!).
Mrs Herbivore has visited many temples in India and Nepal, and found the experience of visiting Chiang Mai's temples to be much easier and friendlier. We rate the wats 9/10 and strongly urge visitors to Chiang Mai to tour as many as possible.
Chiang Mai, we miss you.
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