July 23rd: Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is the northern most province of Thailand, bordered to the east by Laos and the west by Burma. It is famous (or infamous) for the golden triangle and opium production. Chiang Rai was founded by King Meng Rai in 1262, and it became the capitol of the Meng Rai Dynasty. 34 years later he also founded Chiang Mai, and moved the capitol there. The Lanna Thai Kingdom lasted from 1262 to 1558, when it was conquered by Burma. Chiang Rai remained part of the Burmese empire for several hundred years. In 1774 Chiang Rai was taken back by King Taksin of Siam. 

I spent the day walking around town and exploring the wats.

Wat Jed Yod, near my guest house

really big Buddha inside Wat Jed Yod

statue of King Meng Rai at Wat Doi Ngam Muang, which is one of the oldest wats in Chiang Rai, and also contains the ashes of King Meng Rai. 

part of a wood sculptured pillar at Wat Doi Ngam Muang

As I approached Wat Pra Kaew, maybe a hundreds young monks marched in.

Wat Pra Kaew is famous for originally housing the Emerald Buddha, which now resides in the Royal Chapel in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Legend has it that lightning struck the wooden temple's octagonal chedi in 1434, revealing the Emerald Buddha hidden inside.

I stayed for about an hour listening to the chanting and prayers

A couple of dogs wandered in as well. No one seemed to mind.

Wat Mung Muang

The area all around the wat was destroyed by bombing during WWII, but the wat was untouched. It is believed that the wat was protected by the holy guardian of the temple.