{"id":25081,"date":"2026-07-24T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/?p=25081"},"modified":"2026-07-12T16:10:11","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T22:10:11","slug":"exploring-wat-pha-lat-mountain-temple-in-chiang-mai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/?p=25081","title":{"rendered":"EXPLORING WAT PHA LAT MOUNTAIN TEMPLE IN CHIANG MAI"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Waiting for our guide &#8220;Nop&#8221; to take us on our tour of temples on Doi Suthep and a visit to see the elephants.<\/strong> <strong>He was our guide with the grandsons in 2023.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Our guide &quot;Nop&quot; explains about Lanna culture and Buddhism at Wat Phalat.\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Ng3jHi2Vngc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Our guide, &#8220;Nop&#8221;, explains about Lanna culture and Buddhism.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"469\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3_result-2.jpg?resize=469%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25085\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3_result-2.jpg?w=469&amp;ssl=1 469w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3_result-2.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 469px) 100vw, 469px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Vibrant, Lanna flags, known as &#8220;Tung&#8221;, commonly used in ceremonies and festivals around Chiang Mai.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"417\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4_result-2.jpg?resize=417%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25086\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4_result-2.jpg?w=417&amp;ssl=1 417w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4_result-2.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 417px) 100vw, 417px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Woven bamboo animistic Lanna decoration.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"833\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/5_result-1.jpg?resize=833%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25087\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/5_result-1.jpg?w=833&amp;ssl=1 833w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/5_result-1.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/5_result-1.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 833px) 100vw, 833px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A temple building richly decorated with Nagas and a Chofa sculpture at the roof top. The Chofa is the distinctive, horn-like architectural finial that adorns the apex of temples and palace roofs in Thailand. In Chiang Mai temples, these ornate, bird-like spires traditionally symbolize the mystical creature, Garuda. It is the vehicle of the Hindu god Vishnu, and acts as a protector for the sacred building. In the middle is a triangular pediment decorated with glass mirrors.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"833\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6_result-1.jpg?resize=833%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25088\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6_result-1.jpg?w=833&amp;ssl=1 833w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6_result-1.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6_result-1.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 833px) 100vw, 833px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The intrepid temple explorers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"417\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/10_result-2.jpg?resize=417%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25091\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/10_result-2.jpg?w=417&amp;ssl=1 417w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/10_result-2.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 417px) 100vw, 417px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"417\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/9_result-1.jpg?resize=417%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25090\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/9_result-1.jpg?w=417&amp;ssl=1 417w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/9_result-1.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 417px) 100vw, 417px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Buddha sculptures.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"833\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/11_result-2.jpg?resize=833%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25092\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/11_result-2.jpg?w=833&amp;ssl=1 833w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/11_result-2.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/11_result-2.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 833px) 100vw, 833px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>We are next to the temple steps surrounded by Singha lion guardian statues.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"469\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/11a_result.jpg?resize=469%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25093\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/11a_result.jpg?w=469&amp;ssl=1 469w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/11a_result.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 469px) 100vw, 469px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A weathered, multi-armed temple deity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"833\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/12_result-1.jpg?resize=833%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25094\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/12_result-1.jpg?w=833&amp;ssl=1 833w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/12_result-1.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/12_result-1.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 833px) 100vw, 833px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The path led us to this wonderful spot to see the city of Chiang Mai far below.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"469\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/14_result-1.jpg?resize=469%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25095\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/14_result-1.jpg?w=469&amp;ssl=1 469w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/14_result-1.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 469px) 100vw, 469px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Wat Pha Lat, also known as Wat Sakadagami, is a Buddhist temple located on the slopes of Doi Suthep, above Chiang Mai. Founded by King Kuena of Lanna in the 14th century, Wat Pha Lat served originally as a resting place for pilgrims making the journey up to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/15_result-2.jpg?resize=676%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25096\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/15_result-2.jpg?w=676&amp;ssl=1 676w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/15_result-2.jpg?resize=300%2C277&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Buddha sculptures inside one of the temple buildings.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"469\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/16_result-2.jpg?resize=469%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25097\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/16_result-2.jpg?w=469&amp;ssl=1 469w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/16_result-2.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 469px) 100vw, 469px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Walking up a trail surrounded by jungle is this atmospheric brick stupa with Singha lions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"469\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/17_result.jpg?resize=469%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25098\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/17_result.jpg?w=469&amp;ssl=1 469w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/17_result.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 469px) 100vw, 469px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A gilded, seated, Buddha sculpture.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"454\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/17a_result.jpg?resize=454%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25099\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/17a_result.jpg?w=454&amp;ssl=1 454w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/17a_result.jpg?resize=218%2C300&amp;ssl=1 218w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 454px) 100vw, 454px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Wat Pha Lat is a serene and wonderful temple to visit<\/strong>, <strong>and often has fewer visitors.<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/19.jpg?resize=768%2C1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25100\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/19-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/19-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/19-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/19-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/19-scaled.jpg?resize=1320%2C1760&amp;ssl=1 1320w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/19-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:19px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Girls loved the temple grounds.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"833\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/21_result.jpg?resize=833%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25101\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/21_result.jpg?w=833&amp;ssl=1 833w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/21_result.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/21_result.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 833px) 100vw, 833px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A pavilion was set up for a ceremony and decorated with pictures of Thai Royalty.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"833\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/22_result.jpg?resize=833%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25102\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/22_result.jpg?w=833&amp;ssl=1 833w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/22_result.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/22_result.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 833px) 100vw, 833px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Naga steps down the hill.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"469\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/23_result.jpg?resize=469%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25103\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/23_result.jpg?w=469&amp;ssl=1 469w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/23_result.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 469px) 100vw, 469px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The plant surrounding the door is known as &#8220;Angel&#8217;s Trumpet&#8221; and is highly toxic.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"833\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/24_result.jpg?resize=833%2C625\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/24_result.jpg?w=833&amp;ssl=1 833w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/24_result.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/gentryconnects.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/24_result.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 833px) 100vw, 833px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>&#8220;Ok, are we ready for lunch and the ride to Elephant EcoValley?&#8221;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Waiting for our guide &#8220;Nop&#8221; to take us on our tour of temples on Doi Suthep and a visit to see the elephants. He was our guide with the grandsons in 2023. Our guide, &#8220;Nop&#8221;, explains about Lanna culture and Buddhism. Vibrant, Lanna flags, known as &#8220;Tung&#8221;, commonly used in ceremonies and festivals around Chiang Mai. Woven bamboo animistic Lanna decoration. A temple building richly decorated with Nagas and a Chofa sculpture at the roof top. The Chofa is the distinctive, horn-like architectural finial that adorns the apex of temples and palace roofs in Thailand. In Chiang Mai temples, these ornate, bird-like spires traditionally symbolize the mystical creature, Garuda. It is the vehicle of the Hindu god Vishnu, and acts as a protector for the sacred building. In the middle is a triangular pediment decorated with glass mirrors. The intrepid temple explorers. Buddha sculptures. We are next to the temple steps surrounded by Singha lion guardian statues. A weathered, multi-armed temple deity. The path led us to this wonderful spot to see the city of Chiang Mai far below. Wat Pha Lat, also known as Wat Sakadagami, is a Buddhist temple located on the slopes of Doi Suthep, above Chiang Mai. Founded by King Kuena of Lanna in the 14th century, Wat Pha Lat served originally as a resting place for pilgrims making the journey up to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Buddha sculptures inside one of the temple buildings. Walking up a trail surrounded by jungle is this atmospheric brick stupa with Singha lions. A gilded, seated, Buddha sculpture. Wat Pha Lat is a serene and wonderful temple to visit, and often has fewer visitors. The Girls loved the temple grounds. A pavilion was set up for a ceremony and decorated with pictures of Thai Royalty. Naga steps down the hill. The plant surrounding the door is known as &#8220;Angel&#8217;s Trumpet&#8221; and is highly toxic. &#8220;Ok, are we ready for lunch and the ride to Elephant EcoValley?&#8221; Photos: Dick Gentry. 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