Volcanoes, Mountains, & Temples..Oh My!!

Day two in Chiang Mai started out as a rainy one.  Our plans of going to the zoo were spoiled and I wasn't really sure how to fill the time.  I went out and asked the manager at our hotel and she suggested trying out a new art museum that had just opened a couple months earlier.  I wasn't overly excited to go, but decided to Google the place anyway and after one look I knew we had to take the boys.  This whole museum was dedicated to 3-D artwork.

Art in Paradise

This place was great!  I am so glad we had space in our schedule to check this out.  We spent around 2 1/2 hours at Art in Paradise looking at all the 3-D art displays.  It was amazing how these paintings really did play tricks on your eyes.  We have over 200 pictures just from here alone because the boys wanted pictures of themselves at every.single.paintng!  My favorites are the paintings that looks like you might fall into a deep dark hole.  There was even a nice coffee shop and a restaurant serving Thai food.  

When we left Art in Paradise, the sun was shining and was turning into a beautiful day.  We decided to walk to the nearby Anusarn Market for lunch.  We found a great Indian restaurant to eat at.  I was so excited because I have not had Indian food in almost 3 years!!  This market is where the Night Bazaar takes place and they were setting up when we were there for lunch.   No one was there at all and we were able to get our lunch really fast.  Now, I have been craving Indian food since we have been back to Bangkok!

Doi Suthep

Every trip we go on we try and see a temple or Buddha.  I love all the detail that the Thais put into their temples.  The are all so beautiful.  I had heard about the temple on the mountain, Doi Suthep, and the amazing views of the city, so after dinner we decided to catch a songthaew and head up the mountain.  Here is a little about Doi Suthep:  

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the most important and visible landmark, and overlooks the city from its forested mountain backdrop. This temple is 15 kilometres from town , 3,520 feet above sea level, and dates from 1383. The temple is approached on foot by climbing a steep Naga staircase comprising 290 steps. The less energetic may ascend by railcars. The temple’s pagoda contains holy Buddha relics, and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world throughout the year. The temple compound offers an exhilarating view of Chiang Mai city and surrounding countryside.

We decided to take the rail car up the mountain.  That was an interesting experience especially for someone who is scared of heights in a glass rail car.  Thankfully, we made it to the top and we filed out of the packed car to see the whole city of Chiang Mai.  When you are in the city of Chiang Mai, it doesn't feel very big, but looking out over the whole city I was surprised at how large the city of Chiang Mai was.  I love being at Buddhist Temples.  The peace you feel while visiting leaves you with an overwhelming feeling of calm.  There was a lot under construction while we were there, but what we could see was beautiful.  

Once we were done at the temple we headed down the 300 stairs to find some handicrafts we had not seen before.  Be careful if trying to buy at the temple as they mark the prices up a ton.  I wanted a small singing bowl and was told it was 2000 Baht ($60) and after living here we knew that was outrageous.  We ended up buying it for 250 Baht ($8).  Do some research before you go to make sure you are not being taken advantage of!  I really enjoyed Doi Suthep.  It was not my favorite temple we have been to in Thailand, but check this one out for the views alone.  

 The view from the elevator going up the mountain