The comparisons between Chiang Mai (North West Thailand) and Chester (North West England) are manifold. Both are historic walled cities, with only tantalising fragments of these walls and gates remaining in the present day. Okay, that's about it. So they have about as much in common as Edinburgh and Athens then.
I like Chiang Mai. Its one square mile (literally square) historic centre is a lot easier to get my head around than historic Bangkok, and at 300 metres above sea level in the fresh Himalayan air, the heat is a lot more bearable too. IT EVEN HAS A MOAT. But if you're allergic to temples, you probably shouldn't click here
Next episode: 'That's Brother Dave To You!'
I like Chiang Mai. Its one square mile (literally square) historic centre is a lot easier to get my head around than historic Bangkok, and at 300 metres above sea level in the fresh Himalayan air, the heat is a lot more bearable too. IT EVEN HAS A MOAT. But if you're allergic to temples, you probably shouldn't click here
Chiang Mai:
The Walled City
Stone elephants guard Wat Chiang Mun, the city's oldest temple (1296)
Wat Chiang Mun interior
Wat Phra Singh
Phra Singh Buddha in Lai Kam Chapel
(with 1922 replacement head)
Buak Haad Park
Crumbly Jenga fun, Wat Jedlin
Creaky bamboo bridge fun, Wat Jedlin
Leonardo Da Vinci's Vitruvian Dave, Wat Jedlin
Yeah, I know it isn't aligned correctly, but I didn't get a second chance. A friendly monk came over asking if I wanted him to take my photo, and I would have felt too stupid explaining what I was doing. So I ran away
Three Kings Monument
Wat Chedi Luang. This impressive bastard's seen its share of earthquakes
(1401, reconstructed 1992)
Wat Chedi Luang chapel
Another lazy Buddha, Wat Chedi Luang
Talk about an offer you can't refuse!
Next episode: 'That's Brother Dave To You!'
