Lacquer Factory
Station at the Silver Factory
Motorcycle
Now, understand, most of the "motorcycles" in thailand are really those little tiny things, barely bigger than scooters. So this one is notable for being a reasonably sized bike. Also note the heels that girl is wearing...
Chedi
Phra That Chedi Luang
Phra That Chedi Luang was the biggest and highest stupa in the old Lan Na Kingdom (for which Chiang Mai was the capital). It was built by Saen Muangma, the 7th monarch of the Mangrai dynasty in 1391. At present, the stupa stands 42m high and 60m wide at the base.
Phra That Chedi Luang
Combining the elephants with a temple like this is actually somewhat rare.
New Monks
New Monks gather for a picture in Chiang Mai, for some kind of summer program. There were about 250 in total.
Cambodian Chedi
These next few pictures are from Ayutthaya, the capital previous to Bangkok. These examples have survived several burnings.
Style Mix
You see the Thai style there in the front, with the Cambodian in the back.
Perspective
I think I actually like the Cambodian style better.
Headless Buddhas
Some of the results of the pillaging.
Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Phra Mongkhon Bophit
The strings are for some kind of ceremony. Touristy info: Phra Mongkhon Bophit is one of the largest bronze Buddha images in Thailand The image measures 9.55 meters at the widest point across the lap, and 12.45 meters high without the base. Believed to have been constructed in the early Ayutthaya period between 1448 to 1602 AD. Originally situated at the east side of the old palace compound, but it was moved to the west side, where it sits now.
Chedi - Old Palace Grounds
These are on the old palace grounds, as are the next couple.
Old Palace Grounds
Old Palace Grounds
Reclining Buddha
This is the symbol of the Buddha's death, where he's at one with the earth and ready to step into Nirvana. Chedi Chaya Mongkhol is in the backgound.
Chedi Chaya Mongkhol
The Great Chedi Chaya Mongkhol was built by the command of King Naresuan the Great, to commemorate his decisive victory over the Burmese invasion in 1592AD. The event reached its climax in the momentous elephant combat between the King and the Burmese crown prince Maha Uparaja, in the province of Suparnburi. The renown of King Naresuan was such that there were no invasions for two hundred years.
Chedi Chaya Mongkhol area
View From Chedi Chaya Mongkhol
View from Chedi Chaya Mongkhol
Chedi Chaya Mongkhol
Bang Pa In Palace Grounds
They were doing some kind of crew-style races that day.
Bang Pa In Palace Grounds
The interesting thing about this palace area is the mix of styles. There's Thai on the left, western on the right. Western is kind of used to tie everything together. Also, Cambodian and Chinese
Bang Pa In Palace Grounds
Bang Pa In Palace Grounds
I love that curved glass.
Bang Pa In Palace Grounds
Hey, let's go check out the elephants!
Bang Pa In Palace Grounds
Views from a tower in the middle of the grounds.
Bang Pa In Palace Grounds
Bang Pa In Palace Grounds
This is actually very cool. This particular section was made as a gift to one of the kings, and not only were all the materials imported from China, so were all the laborers.