So back in ‘84 a Thai Princess studies archeology and uncovers the remains of an ancient city. Multiple flooding and the Ping River changing courses caused this city of Wiang Kum Kam to be buried underground. And then after some 700 years you suddenly discover there’s a whole town underneath you all along. Pretty exciting stuff.
We go around the place in this horse-drawn mini carriage (Uncle Richard and I can barely fit!) expecting to be oooohhing and aaaahhing all the way.
But that doesn’t happen.
I guess the excitement lies more in the “discovering” part than in the “viewing of the discoveries” part.
Most of what remains from the 9 temples unearthed are just low piles of bricks that look like… well, low piles of bricks.
Wat Kuu Par Dom. See what I mean?
Here’s another one. Wat Nan Chang.
Wat E-Kang. Okay, this one’s actually got a Wat.
Wat That Khao. And this one’s even got a Buddha.
The only working temple is Wat Chedi Liam. Built in 1286, this Haripunchai style
chedi has the image of Buddha in every niche in every tier. If my multiplication skills are still trustworthy, there’s 60 in all.
And that’s the real thing behind us (Auntie Susan, Sam, Uncle Richard, Me). Our tour guide explains that the hair and shoulders of buddha is kept in the very peak of this temple while his other body parts are stored in other different temples. When people get sick, they go to the appropriate Wat to pray for cure. For instance, people with tonsillitis go to the temple with the throat. Interesting, no? So remember, guys, when suffering from a bad hair day, come worship at Wat Chedi Liam.
The Vihara (or Assembly Hall) at Wat Chedi Liam
Coconut break!!!
I can never get enough of my favorite Thailand drink!
A traditional Lanna house in the Wat Chang Kham compound
This area is already 3/4 of the house
Every household must have these earthenware pots to hold water for guests
A shrine for the ancestors
Living/dining area
Bedroom
Kitchen at the back of the house
Deep well
Shoes are not allowed in the public restrooms. In-house slippers are provided.
Take a pair, PLREASE!
Thai massage. The perfect way to end the day.
Wiang Kum Kam: Wang Tan, Sarapee District, outside Chiang Mai City, Thailand.
Tel: 05327 7322
