Temple and Church

Wat Phra Singh

We visited Wat Phra Singh, the biggest temple in Chiang Mai.

Wat Phra Singh Wihan

We left our apartment and walked west on Huaykaew Road, turned south on Siri Mangkalajarn and then left (east) on Suthep Road to the Old City.

We arrived about 45 minutes later at the temple. We paid the foreigners's fee of 20 Baht (about $.60) for entrance to the main wihan (sanctuary). Admission for Thais is free.

Golden Structure on Wat Phra Singh
grounds

Even though construction on this complex dates back to the 1300's, the temple still attracts contemporary devotees.

We maintained a respectful distance as individuals prayed and mediated before the array of golden Buddhas in this holy place.  Monks were in the wihan providing blessings to those that made an offering to the temple or the monks who support the temple.

The grounds of this complex are dominated by striking gold-gilded structures. We also watched a young woman who successfully made a hanging large metal gong hum. There were many others who attempted but failed to achieve the serene humming of the gong.

One can only imagine how this humming gong was integrated into centuries of monk chatting.

Watch this short video of the humming gong.


                                                 Singing Gong

After our visit to this ancient temple we walked north out of the Old City to an electronics plaza composed of several small stores selling all sorts of gadgets.  Our mission was to purchase a Bluetooth enabled speaker to amplify the sound from our computer.

After a little searching, we purchased a Charge2+ speaker for 690 baht (a bit less than $20.00).  We did a quick Google review on the speaker and found excellent reviews and a retail price of $99.00.

These electronic shops are where local Thais purchase their gadgets. We found the same Charge2+ speaker on sale by a vendor at the Night Bazaar near Le Meridien for 2,000 baht.  Hm mm.....beware of "foreigner prices."

Sunday Church Service

Service at CMCC

After a rest at the apartment, we hailed an Uber and we headed to the Chiang Mai Community Church (CMCC).  For Uber purposes, the church is known as the First Church of Chiang Mai.

At the service there was lots of singing and praising of Jesus. Our Unitarian Universalist principles compel us to continue a free and responsible search of truth and meaning. Teachings from all religions are respected.

Just as we held with respect the outward devotion of Thais at the temple earlier today, we were honored to participate in this Christian ceremony on a cool Sunday evening.

The sermon with its stress on doing good and encouraging people spoke to our UU hearts.

After the service we attended the meal (100 baht/ person), which allows people the opportunity to socialize. We sat at different tables to meet and talk with new people.

Le Meridien

Le Meridien

After the meal at the church, we walked to the Le Méridien, a lovely, upscale hotel with a bar and restaurant, and discovered it was “happy hour,” (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm everyday) and took advantage of a two-for-one deal.

The total bill was 250 baht (about $7.00).

We Uber’d home for less than $2.

Travel Tips

• If you are interested in electronics, shop at stores frequented by local Thais (see store just north of the Old City. We are sure there a many more in the city)
• The Chiang Mai Community Church is a most welcoming church.  If you are seeking a religious experience and wish to make new friends this church should be on your Chiang Mai punch list.