Chiang Mai - Day two

So after a goodnight....out I got up earlish and rented another motorbike. Deciding to take a trip up the mountain to Wat That Doi Suthep now this is apparently the specticle of tourism in Chiang Mai a must they say....and it is. It was overcast and knowing the weather in Thailand I decided to go past the temple and head toward the village at the end of the road (20km and the bottom of the mountain. Now it had started to spit and the mist was coming in which made things interesting. Arriving at the village it was pretty average, although the surroundings in which they lived in were magic. Dense bush covered the hills as far as the eye could see. Simple living.




After the village I headed back up the mountain to the Royal Winter Palace. Luckily the King was not in residence (January-Late March) so I was able to walk around the grounds and visit the palace itself and also the many other buildings. Not allowed to enter however close enough to them. Scattered with rose, fern and bamboo gardens. It is a good look if you have time. There are Giant Bamboo which stand over 100M.









After the Palace it was back to Doi Suthep, the sun was out at this stage and blistering. Now this temple has the biggest chedi which is covered in gold it is rather spectacular. Not only the Chedi the whole temple and surroundings are great. Dating back to the fourteenth century. They say taht the building site for the chedi was determined by elephant. Budist relics were loaded onto the beast of burden and where it stopped on the mountain the chedi would be built. Not only budist relics but the temple has the best view over Chaing Mai. Like all temples there are steps....this one however boasts over 300 so if your not in great shape take the chair lift.