Chapter 27. TOUR DE GOLDEN TRIANGLE (2nd STOP - TEMPLE)

Chiang Saen Map

We finally arrived in the city of the Golden Triangle after 4 hrs of driving up north. But before we set foot on the Golden Triangle, Mr. guide brought us to a temple.

Entrance

Apparently Chiang Saen is the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom. (old kingdom in Thailand)

Ancient ruins

Mini Pagoda (Unsure why its draped in yellow cloth)

Giant Pagoda

Mr. guide was giving a lecture about how different the architecture of temples/pagodas are in the North compared to other regions of Thailand. I can't really recall what he said, something about influences from neighbouring countries.

Huge Bodhi Tree

Entrance to Giant Buddha

Mini Buddha (Probably his son) ;p

I think this is where you put your donations.

The 3 buddhas

We just went around taking photos. But the americans and british sat down and even had a short chanting session with the resident monk. I guess they really liked having a first hand experience and found it really fascinating.

For me I'd prefer to take more photographs, as it can be kept in the computer's hard disc to refresh my own memory lest I forget.

Another guide explaining use of Gong

Alas, it started to pour after a while

Our kind guide rushed back to the van to get each of us a pair of umbrellas

Pagoda

Not much to write about in this post, just pictures. It's because there is nothing to write about. ;p Actually there's nothing much here to see here that hasn't been seen at the Ancient City. They all look remarkably similar.

The main highlight of the trip is right ahead .... the Golden Triangle. Coming right up!


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