Doi Inthanon National Park

Also known as “the roof of Thailand”, Doi Inthanon national park in Chiang Mai is part of the Himalayan mountain range with elevations ranging between 800 and 2565 meters.
The photos were taken for the twin pagodas of the King and Queen with lovely gardens right after a heavy rain day.
Enjoy!

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai is a city filled with temples.  As you explore the old city, you cant walk more than a few feet without seeing one.  But one of the  Thailand's most scared temples, the one that crowns the Doi Suthep mountain on the western outskirts of Chiang Mai is this one you can't miss.

Chiang Mia's most scared temple, Wat Phar that Doi Suthep is an ancient temple with gold spire  crowns that can be seen for miles.  The shrines, pagodas that illustrate Tai history.
This temple is considered a great example of the grandeur and power of the Lanna Kingdon.
Over here hundred steps lead from the parking area to the temple grounds, a staircase bordered by the longest nag (water serpent).  We were told that Nagas are sacred water serpents which bring good luck as well as bridging the earth and sky.

Once you reached the ground, you can see the golden Chedi dominates the area with its gilded, 24 meter tall body. Ceremonial parasols make merit by sticking gold leaf to the parasol shafts.
At the rear of the temple a long promenade provides a spectacular view of the city spreads out below.

Bhubing Palace

Built in 1061, the Bhubing Palace is located in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  Its the royal winter residence where the royal family stays during seasonal visits to northern part of Thailand.
The palace is also the royal guesthouse for prominent state visitors from abroad.


This palace is rather small compare to the other royal palaces I've visited in other counties.  Here are the photos taken from walking around the gardens.

Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai

At Chiang Mai's Tiger Kingdom, you can purchase  different price packages that allow you to be up close to different sized animals.  More you pay, bigger the animal!  The lions and tigers in these photos are all domestically trained that used to be around the tourist to be up close and taking photos with them.  However, you must be cautious to never to touch front parts of the lions.  These lions are still young lines who are very playful.  You are allowed about 5-10 min spent with them under staff supervision.  This was the first time, I got to be with these animals so close!  I must say it was bit scary but at the same time exciting.

Elephant Kingom, Chiang Mai

Elephant Kingdom tour is another stop specially designed for tourists visiting Chiang Mai. There, you have chance to see and interact with domestically trained elephants. You will receive lectures about local elephants, how to make their food where supplement were added and how to feed them, giving them bath in a small stream, and ride them for short moments, taking photos with them. To me, it was the mostly memorable and meaningful tourist activities in Thailand. After visited these elephants, you got to know how lovely and warm and intelligent these giants animals can be! How as human, we have obligations to preserve and protect them.