With my new bicycle, EW and I have been exploring life in the 'Rai on my days off.
With my new bicycle, I have been exploring life in the ‘Rai on my days off.

I've been wanting to go to Wat Chetuphon (the transliteration is horrible, should be more like "Chaidtupon").
I’ve been wanting to go to Wat Chetuphon (the transliteration is horrible, should be more like “Chaidtupon”)…
You're greeted by a grand archway...
You’re greeted by a grand archway…
and surprises like the pig head offering...
and surprises like the pig head offering…
I've also never seen a wheel sculpture before, yet the image is common in Thai astrology.
I’ve also never seen a wheel sculpture before, yet the image is common in Thai astrology.
Loved the body and tail being so long on this naga, so I wanted to show most of it.
Loved the body and tail being so long on this naga, so I wanted to show more of it.
Visiting temples in Thailand are a 360° experience...details on the roof.
Visiting temples in Thailand are a 360° experience…details on the roof.
I liked these bird-duck creatures around the chedi.
I liked these bird-duck creatures around the chedi.
You could say there was a bit of a bird theme there.
You could say there was a bit of a bird theme there.
bird-and-chedi
I believe this mythical bird is a take on the garuda or āļ„āļĢāļļāļ‘ “krut”.
Then there was the great 4-eyed cat creature...
Then there was the great 4-eyed with “opened 3rd eye” cat creature…
complete with hiding kitty ^ ^
complete with hiding kitty ^ ^

I don’t know why, but I was surprised this temple wasn’t on the the wiki or wiki-travel list for Chiang Rai. Now, I do realize there are A LOT of temples here and they can’t all possibly listed – it’s just sometimes I feel like Thailand is so well-traveled and trodden, it was nice to see that there are still little gems out there to be discovered. I mean, really, where else have you seen this climb-aboard flying bird?

Until next time! ;)
Until next time! 😉

14 replies on “Wat Chetuphon in Chiang Rai”

  2. I love the first and last photos. The first one because you look so happy riding that bicycle. I’ve never been able to cycle, maybe I should try it and I will be smiling as wide as you 🙂 The last photo, is simply magnificent in it’s own right as you’re flying 😀

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  3. Your enchanting e-mail pictures and stories are delicious invitations to get off my behind and get to Thailand. If I see enough of them, maybe I will actually do that. Until then I look forward to seeing more of Thailand through your eyes. Thanks.

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  4. Such beautiful pictures! I have wondered about the wheel decorations… we live next to a Wat here in Chalong Phuket and the fence around the Wat is full of golden wheels. It is interesting to see them in your pictures… they always make me think of the American Wild West haha

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  6. I loved that photoshopped finale shot. 🙂 And love your new bike. Incredible temple detail and artistry.

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    1. Thanks. I like riding my bicycle around to do errands or go to a restaurant. We live in a nice area for that. And glad you enjoyed the photoshop! Hahahaha. It’s not everyday you see a big gold bird to climb into!

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  7. Beautiful tour, Lani! I love the Thai design, very beautiful and exotic!
    I really can’t wait to see it up close some day ~ maybe I’ll be able to catch a ride on that bird as well! Looks pretty fun!! 😀
    ~ Andrea âĪ

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