The Chedi at Wat Chang Kong in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is little known, despite its very accessible location at the intersection of Loi Kroh and Kampaengdin Road, near the night market and just west of the Mae Ping River. Pictured here is the white Chedi, however the complex also includes a Viharn (meeting hall) built … Read more
Buddhists earn merit by dropping 108 coins of small denomination in each of the 108 black bowls at Wat Pan Tao in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This area of town is rife with old wats, mostly because at least four were build to serve Wat Chedi Luang, which sits next door and is arguably the most … Read more
Brick Chedi constructed in the Mondop style (left) and Viharn (worship hall) at Wat Jet Lin in Chiang Mai, Thailand, dates back to the 16th century. But the real surprise of this temple complex is found behind the Viharn. Here, a bridge covered in woven bamboo mats leads across a pond, where humongous lily pads … Read more
Exquisite views of of the city unfurled as I climbed the Golden Mount in Bangkok on New Year’s Eve. To the west, the multi-tiered pagodas of the Grand Palace were visible. Modern skyscrapers of dazzling glass and steel dominated the skyline to the east. In other directions I spied the cables of the Rama IV … Read more
On New Year’s Day, Thais make offerings at the Golden Mount in Bangkok, Thailand. The Golden Mount is part of the Wat Saket complex, which includes a Viharn (worship hall), consecration hall, and and convocation hall, along with a myriad of smaller temples and stupas (chedis). Most structures surround the hillside upon which the Golden … Read more
