This is the first of at least two Chiang Mai journals. This one features some temples I saw in the old city including two important ones. We had a free day on the tour, which was a Sunday, so with camera & map in hand, I set off on a walking tour of the old city (only about one square mile) which is within a surrounding moat. Unfortunately, I didn't keep notes on the temples I saw, thinking I'd remember... but I didn't, so some temples here are unnamed. If someone reading this can identify them, please let me know.

Chiang Mai is rightly famous for its many ancient temples, some of which date from the founding of the city in the late 13th century. Of the 373 ornately decorated Buddhist temples within the city district, the most famous, all within the old city walls, are Wat Phra Singh (with its Sinhalese Buddha), Wat Chiang Man (the oldest one), and Wat Chedi Luang (with its enormous landmark chedi). Temple tours are a good way to familiarize yourself with the city's past and are highly recommended. The temples within the old city walls can easily be done on foot.

Some good Chiang Mai & temple links:

http://thailandforvisitors.com/north/chiangmai/cm-temps.html

http://www.chiangmaiinfo.com/articles/09cmtemples.html

gallery:http://community.webshots.com/album/51859049Wvnida/1

http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/7153/cmai.htm

http://www.track-of-the-tiger.com/html/temples.html