Good morning Travel Feeders and Hivers! I've been AWOL for a while, but have a few days off and would like to contribute a little something to the community.
View of Grand Canyon Water Park
While most people were flooding the most popular tourist destinations this weekend, we decided to do some mini-food trips and local site-seeing in the sub-district of Hang Dong, not to far outside the city limits of Chiang Mai.
First Stop: Wat Intharawat
After a 20 minute ride west on 121, we reached an old temple called Wat Intharawat, locally known as Wat Ton Kwen. It's a simple wooden structure built around 1858 during the reign of King Kawilorot who ruled over Chiang Mai between 1856 and 1870.
Wat Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen) built in 1858
What makes this building special, is that it's one of just a few wooden temples in the 'Lanna' style (northern style) that still retains most of its original structure. Due to the completeness of this this temple, it serves as a beautiful example of the art and architecture of the 'Lanna' style. One of the defining characteristics of Lanna architecture is the three-tiered roof, which symbolizes the three aspects of the Triple Gem: The Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.
Second Stop: Tuang Thong Canyon View Restaurant
Tuang Thong Canyon View Restaurant
Battered Shrimp in Tamarind Sauce
Cashew Chicken
Morning Glory in a Soybean Sauce
We found this place, because we wanted to see the canyon and possibly do some hiking around the area, but all we found was the water park, which we weren't really into, plus the admission was quite expensive. Just by chance, we zoomed in on the map and found this restaurant with an unobstructed view of the park; a great place to take a rest and chill for a bit; so it all worked out.
As a bonus, the food was great! I want to make this point, because a lot of times restaurants that have some sort of view that is only accessible if you eat there, often ends up being over-priced slop, especially if it's a buffet and not worth it in the end.
Thankfully, this place is the exception.
Stay tuned, I have a couple more posts in my backpack! :)
