Divine SERENITY
Discover India's Northeast|January - February 2020
A JOURNEY INTO THE REALM OF BUDDHIST TEMPLES IN CHIANG MAI.
Divine SERENITY

MOST TOURISTS visiting Thailand restrict themselves to the beaches in the south and the capital city of Bangkok. However, I believe that nature’s best kept secrets lie hidden in the north of the country. Chiang Mai in North Thailand is a traveller’s paradise that very few are aware of. The attractions in Chiang Mai—meaning “New City”—are embedded in the shape of a rectangle passing through various gates and bordered by perennial moats decorated with fountains and surrounded by large shady trees. Chiang Mai is a food paradise where Thai cuisine (with its signature dish, Pad Thai, is very popular) besides a plethora of dedicated cuisines from Italy, Mexico, Israel, Japan, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Indonesia, Spain and America. The main city holds an enviable cluster of Buddhist temples at almost every nook and corner with Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Buppharam being the most well-known.

Wat Phra Singh, also known as the gold temple, houses three main structures. The main attraction is the elegantly decorated Viharn Lai Kam Assembly Hall with its restored murals depicting the lives of locals hundreds of years ago. Besides the Viharn Lai Kam, the larger main assembly hall (Viharn Luang) houses a 15th century Buddha cast from copper and gold. A visit to Wat Phra Singh gives one a rich glimpse of the Lanna temple’s art and architecture.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a Theravada Buddhist temple situated about 15 km from the city of Chiang Mai. Regular songthaews (covered pickup trucks) ply this route from the main centre till Chiang Mai University and then further on from the Chiang Mai University to the main temple. A piece of bone said to be from the shoulder of the Buddha is enshrined in the temple. Doi Suthep is the name of the mountain where the temple is located.

This story is from the January - February 2020 edition of Discover India's Northeast.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January - February 2020 edition of Discover India's Northeast.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DISCOVER INDIA'S NORTHEASTView All
Meghalaya Of Beauty And Mysticism
Discover India's Northeast

Meghalaya Of Beauty And Mysticism

Besides the breathtaking landscape, it’s the fascinating tales, taboos, and traditional practices of the indigenous people that are memorable takeaways.

time-read
9 mins  |
January - February 2020
THE RICE BOWL OF MIZORAM
Discover India's Northeast

THE RICE BOWL OF MIZORAM

A MEMORABLE TOUR OF CHAMPHAI AND THE ROMANTIC RIH DIL LAKE.

time-read
5 mins  |
January - February 2020
The Uncommon SALT
Discover India's Northeast

The Uncommon SALT

THE HUMBLE SALT TAKES ON A SACRED AVATAR TO GRACE THE RITES AND RITUALS OF THE MEITEIS.

time-read
5 mins  |
January - February 2020
NAGALAND The Last of the Headhunters
Discover India's Northeast

NAGALAND The Last of the Headhunters

A VISIT TO LONGWA VILLAGE CAPTURES VIGNETTES OF POSSIBLY THE LAST GENERATION OF TATTOOED HEADHUNTERS.

time-read
6 mins  |
January - February 2020
TREKKING WITH THE TUSKERS
Discover India's Northeast

TREKKING WITH THE TUSKERS

A UNIQUE AND AMAZING TREK THROUGH THE NAMDAPHA RAINFOREST OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH.

time-read
10+ mins  |
January - February 2020
The Ties that Bind the Tai Phakes
Discover India's Northeast

The Ties that Bind the Tai Phakes

A GLIMPSE OF ASSAM’S TAI PHAKE BUDDHIST COMMUNITY.

time-read
7 mins  |
January - February 2020
Divine SERENITY
Discover India's Northeast

Divine SERENITY

A JOURNEY INTO THE REALM OF BUDDHIST TEMPLES IN CHIANG MAI.

time-read
4 mins  |
January - February 2020
STARK BEAUTY
Discover India's Northeast

STARK BEAUTY

THE RUGGED TERRAIN IN THE UPPER REACHES OF NORTH SIKKIM NEVER FAILS TO AMAZE VISITORS.

time-read
6 mins  |
January - February 2020
Assam - The Islanders Of Majuli
Discover India's Northeast

Assam - The Islanders Of Majuli

Their zeal to stay connected to their roots and preserve their unique traditions, even in adverse circumstances, is remarkable

time-read
5 mins  |
September -December 2019
Manipur Wuyawon - Caressed By The Clouds
Discover India's Northeast

Manipur Wuyawon - Caressed By The Clouds

VISITING THE EXQUISITELY BEAUTIFUL WUYAWON OF THE MISTY WUYA KACHUI PEAK

time-read
2 mins  |
September -December 2019