Sunday, February 27, 2022

Chiang Rai

The Clock Tower, Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai, founded in 1262 by King Mengrai (hence the name City of (Meng)Rai) is the northernmost city in Thailand and was formerly the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Under Burmese rule for hundreds of years, the territory finally became part of Siam in 1786. We visited the famous Wat Rung Khun (The White Temple) and the lesser-known Wat Rong Suea Ten (The Blue Temple) which is also known as the Temple of the Dancing Tiger. The temples are totally different but both are magnificent in their own way. The excitement for Ann was yet to come as Saturday evening is when the city holds its Walking Street Market. Apart from the food stalls(there is always food wherever you go in Thailand!), there are many stalls selling clothes, plants, handicrafts, jewellery and many other items. On previous visits, it has been difficult to negotiate the street as there have been so many people, but this time, although there were just as many stalls, it was much quieter. Needless to say, Ann made several purchases!

Wat Rung Khun (The White Temple)