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| Wat Bubparam |
Phuket may be an international destination for those seeking a beach paradise and respite from the chill of winter, but it isn't quite the authentic Thai culture and experience we were anticipating. So after spending months in and around Phuket Island, we ventured inland to Chiang Mai and the surrounds in northern Thailand, followed by a short visit to Bangkok on the return trip.
Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand after Bangkok, but it feels more quaint. The old city is surrounded by a moat, and we stayed just outside the east side. Just a quick scamper across the traffic on the roads either side of the moat and we were at the local market, an assortment of restaurants and many lovely temples well within walking distance.
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| Mr Egg and Tuk-Tuk at Wat Champoo |
We hired Mr. Egg and his "tuk-tuk" (sort of a motor-scooter-like taxi for two plus driver, think motorized rickshaw) to see some of the local temples, or "wats" as well as the requisite handicraft centers. Despite the fact that it was a tourist attraction, we were delighted with our visit to the Thai Silk Village. We saw the silk worms in action, munching voraciously on mulberry leaves, saw them spinning cocoons, and then learned about the entire silk-making process. Their retail shop had hundreds of luscious fabrics and 24-hour custom tailoring. We had shirts made which are exquisite. Hmmm... but when will we have an opportunity to wear beautiful dressy silk shirts?
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| Wat Phra Singh |
We spent several days exploring locally, including visits to the major temples, the three cultural museums, the Saturday and Sunday walking street markets, getting a massage, and then headed to the Elephant Nature Park for a two-day adventure! See Beyond Phuket... A Taste of Thailand - part II: Elephants, yippee!
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| Wat Chedi Luang |
with Equanimity and Joy
