Commonly known as “Doi Suthep”, for the mountain it is located on, Wat Phra That is one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai, as well as one of the most revered in Thailand. This site has long been considered a holy place. The temple is a major pilgrimage destinations during the important Buddhist holidays of Makha Buja and Visak. Continue reading Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Tag Archives: Buddhism
Wat Phrathat Haripunchai in Lamphun
A couple of our Thai friends offered to take us on day trip. We visited the beautiful Wat Phrathat Haripunchai in Lamphun, just outside of Chiang Mai. This temple is one of the most famous temples in Northern Thailand. The chedi is said to be built on the site of Queen Chamadevi’s palace. Construction on the chedi probably began in the late ninth century, but it was enlarged at the beginning of the 12th century. Continue reading Wat Phrathat Haripunchai in Lamphun
Thailand’s Songkran Festival
We arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand two weeks before the Songkran festival began. As traveling Farang (foreigners), we had heard about the soaking we were soon to receive. Songkran has become known in the contemporary world, especially to travelers and tourists, as a giant water fight or celebration where everyone is drenching everyone else with water guns, water cannons, hoses and buckets. We were certainly excited and curious to see what it would be in reality.
Being the curious travelers that we are, we wanted to learn more about what the tradition was behind Songkran. We wanted to know things like why it was celebrated? Where did it originally come from? Was it still celebrated in a traditional way? How did the traditional fit in with the contemporary images of a giant water-pocalypse? Continue reading Thailand’s Songkran Festival
Meandering Family: Beyond the Nest 