Inside the Palace of Winds

One of the most impressive architectural highlights of our trip to Rajasthan was a visit to the prominent Hawa Mahal, centrally located within the old city walls of Jaipur.  In 1799, the Rajput ruler – Sawai Pratap Singh – commissioned Lal Chand Usta to design the Hawa Mahal (which literally translates to “Palace of Winds”) in the form of Krishna’s crown.

Diwali Festivities in Jaipur

During a visit to India in October 2011, we were most fortunate to arrive in Jaipur, Rajasthan just in time for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. The origin of this festival can be traced back to the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana, when Rama and Sita return to the kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.

Binge Drinking Elephants and other Tales of Lampang’s Bygone Days

Before the 1916 introduction of rail to Lampang in northern Thailand, the old commercial district of the city was located directly on the bank of the Wang River along the road known today as Thanon Talad Kaow (“Old Market Road”). It lies between the present post office and the municipality office, where the former palace of the last tributary ruler of Lampang—Chao Bunyawat Wongmanit—used to be. In former times, this area was called Kad Kongta in the local dialect, translated “the market on the road by the pier.”

In Photos: Wat Montien

A short photo tour of Wat Montien – a beautiful Lanna Thai temple located within the old city walls of Chiang Mai, on the northern corner.

Enchanting Elephants at Wat Pha Lat

About half way up Doi Suthep mountain,  just west of Chiang Mai, is a serene temple built on top of a sloping rock surrounded by trickling streams and waterfalls called Wat Pha Lat. Amongst the various temple buildings is lush greenery, colourful native flowers and numerous statues embellished with moss. Here is only a small sample of the photos I took, highlighting the elephants that have found their way to this tranquil setting.

Dancing with Elephants

One of the best sanuk activities to do when visiting northern Thailand is to go to one of the elephant training camps. There are two main parks in the region: the first is very close to Chiang Mai called Mae Taeng Elephant Park and the second is located just before the city of Lampang, about 1.5 hours drive south of Chiang Mai called the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC), founded in 1993 under Royal Patronage. TECC is  known for its pioneering work in conservation and science. The TECC also proudly houses six of HM King Bhumibol’s ten white elephants in the Royal Elephant Stables.

Wat Ket Temple and Museum

Wat Ket is located directly across the Ping River from the Flower Market in Chiang Mai’s central market area. A small walking bridge across the river makes easy access to this peaceful and atmospheric ancient temple. The date of its construction is unknown but it is believed to be between 500 – 600 years old.

Chiang Mai’s Chinese Muslim Market

Known by the local name of Kad Chin Haw, the Chinese Muslim farmers’ market comes alive every Friday morning between 6 am and lunch time. It’s located in an empty lot next to an old northern Thai teak house, opposite the oldest mosque in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Salsa: Nam Prik Num

Sanuk

One of my favourite Northern Thai dishes is Nam Prik Num (น้ำพริกหนุ่ม). This is a popular chili paste dip, made from young chilies called prik num (Northern Thai dialect).

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Hue’s Heavenly Lady Pagoda

The national symbol of Hue is the Thien Mu Pagoda (“Heavenly Lady Pagoda”). Built in 1601, it is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. Located on the north bank of the Perfume River in Hue, a few miles SW of the Imperial Citadel, the pagoda stands 7 storeys high making it the tallest in country.