Wednesday, November 20th

Travel day from Sukhothai to Chiang Rai.  Our day started out with a spiritual moment of giving alms to one of the monks.  I wrote about how moved I was by this experience before we left this morning.  It you did not see that post and would like to take a peak, please click here.

Our first stop was to view another reclining Buddha.  There are several enormous monuments throughout Thailand, and this was another that is hard to realize the scope from a distance.

Reclining Buddha at Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkhon Khiri, Phrae, Thailand

Ordination Hall at reclining Buddha Monument

This was a short photo stop before we continued on to the lake (Kwan Phayao) for lunch and time to walk and explore.

Naga – On the lake, Phayao

Can you guess what my unusual snack was today?

Fried Bamboo worms

Fried Bamboo Worms!  Believe it or not, I really liked them.  They are crispy, nicely seasoned and reminded me of eating shoestring potatoes.

The cultural highlight of the afternoon was a visit to Wat Rong Kuhn, also known as the White Temple.  Designed by the Thai Buddhist artist Chalermchai Kositpipat.

Wat Rong Khun, ” The White Temple”

White Temple

White Temple

Most Thai monuments are ablaze with color.  The lack of color in this case makes a bolder statement.

Our hotel for the next two nights is the Dusit Island in Chiang Rai.  A five star resort with an impressive lobby and comfortable room.

Lobby Dusit Island Resort Hotel

Dusit Island Resort Hotel

A short rest and then we headed to the night bizarre for a couple of hours.  I picked up a pink t-shirt with a picture of a camera on the front for around $6.

We have a very full schedule tomorrow, so ready to get some sleep.