I visited many historic buddhist temples in Thailand, although I’m not a student from architecture neither someone who majors in Southeast Asian culture. I’m interested in visiting them since they’re precious, well-decorated, valuable and the first attractive point is “colorful”.
KHAKI-Wat Chedi Luang
In Chiangmai, we can find a lot of temples or buddhist museums. Here is a famous one called Wat Chedi Luang. It’s a buddist temple in the historic center of Chiangmai, built in the 15th century, but unfortunately, the upper structure collapsed after an earthquake in 1545.
This is the panoramic view, this pic with a fantastic sunset background might be better attractive. 40 baht for the adult ticket.
It is said that the gold figure of Buddha was exposed after the earthquake.
When I was visiting the temple, I heard some Spanishes talking about the origins of buddhist. One of them seemed knowledgeable and mentioned China. 
Google shows that only one elephant at the corner was a original one, and others all be repaired by cement. Obviously, elephants are recognized as a highly honorable animal in Thai.
I don’t think they look like dragons, but I’m not sure as this temple built hundreds years ago. Some are still keep complete, but some are broken. Other reason, such as naturally rain erosion.
The Thai people are well known for their love of the old king. After the old king died in 2016, Thais wore black clothes and hung portraits of the old king. Bhumibol Adulyadej (1927/12/05-2016/10/13) was respected by the people with good reputation. Now his only son…it’s not suitable to talk about royal issues here, the same as people are not supposed to discuss the royal family on the street in Thai.
This is king Maha and his wife (empress). However, several months ago, he got married with another young woman.
RED-Wat Rajamontean (Red Temple)
This is a refurbished temple, located in the north of the old town, and it’s in fresh red color which is very beautiful in my eyes.
There is a huge buddhist in the open air.
Inside looks new, while the space is not so big compared with others.
I didn’t find any historical story about this temple, but it’s worth visiting for taking pictures.
When you’re taking pics, someone is also shooting you…
Wat Lok Molee
Across the street, you can see another temple with two statues standing in the entrance.
This should be a historical one.
Weekday night market and bar area are located in the east of the old town, so the north is relatively sparsely visited. At night, there is also a small-scale night market near the north gate.
Wat Phra Singh
This is a representative of traditional art and culture in northern Thai, it is said to be the largest and most popular temple. A few Spanish tourists had asked me where this temple was when I worked as a hostel receptionist.
I saw a lovely child.
Beautifully decorated…
I went in a hot sunny day, the sunshine on these golden appearances was a bit harsh.
And elephants are always the protagonists.
For someone who is interested in those temples, I really recommend to visit Chiang Mai. It’s good choice to walk around the old town or with bicycle (50 baht/day with deposit or passport, don’t forget to bring your passport with yourself).
There will be some monks in the streets, but I have never talked with them. In this photo, my focus was on this massive banyan tree blending into the wall. 🙂
All right, this article is about temples in Chiang Mai and the next one is about the historic in Chiang Rai.
Graciela’s Travel Blog 