Monday, 20 February 2023 -
A long drive from Chiang Mai to the top of Doi Inthanon Mountain - we did not have to hike far as the road
goes all the way to the top.
There is a shrine with many elephants near the summit.
Cal and Virginia Ann at the top of Thailand.
Many elephants in the forest.
The moss and jungle are taking over the elephants.
Lichen and moss cover the trees - there is a lot of moisture in the air.
Tree orchid.
Just down from the top of the mountain are two chedis. This one is Naphamethinidon, meaning "by the strength of
the land and air" was built in 1987 to honor the 60th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The Buddha inside Phra Mahathat Naphamethinidon.
The second chedi is Phra Mahathat Naphaphonphumisiri meaning "being the strength of the air and the grace of the
land" was built in 1992 to honor the 60th birthday of Queen Sirikit.
The Buddha inside Phra Mahathat Naphaphonphumisiri.
Virginia Ann and Cal in front of Phra Mahathat Naphaphonphumisiri.
The flowers were beautiful as the base of Phra Mahathat Naphaphonphumisiri.
On the way down the mountain we stopped at a roadside stand selling fruit - strawberries are the main crop.
Honey in a jar with the comb.
The strawberries are sold by how many days until they are ripe. Here are berries ripe in 4, 3, and 2 days.
Virginia Ann looking over the strawberries.
We purchased a few cups of strawberries - they were delicious. Probably the best we have ever tasted.
The royal family eradicated poppy cultivation and taught/funded a transition to strawberries and other
fruits/vegetables called the Royal Project. We ate at a restaurant serving food from the gardens.
There was a large park near the restaurant with many beautiful flowers like these fuchsias.
Rose from a rose garden.
A view of the fields and the protective covers over the strawberries.
Pretty yellow rose.
A scout troop headed on a hike.
Wachirathan Falls from a height of 250 feet of granite.
Virginia Ann at Wachirathan Falls.
Wachirathan Falls flowing out of Doi Inthanon mountain.
Back in Chiang Mai we walked around the town - Virginia Ann wanted to return to an antique shop we visited the
day before.
We stopped to walk around Wat Upakhut built over 125 years ago.
A woman with a small Naga at her feet.
We liked the dog in the statue.
Best friends - Virginia Ann had just made a purchase in the market from this woman.
Wat Chai Mongkhon was right next to our hotel - beautiful chedi.
Wat Chai Mongkhon is a Buddhist temple. Beautiful buildings.
Mean looking Naga at the entrance.
Beautiful doors into the temple.
We had a great dinner at the hotel outside overlooking the river.