Frank Michel Cycling - Touring Discovery and Adventure in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand

 Discovering Nam Phrae region in Hang Dong - Chiang Mai And Wat Nam Phrae Temple YouTube video  Nestled within the tranquil agricultural landscape of Ban Tha Mai Lung in the Hang Dong district of Chiang Mai, Wat Nam Phrae Temple—also known locally as Wat Tha Mai Lung—stands as a serene testament to Lanna heritage and spiritual devotion. Officially founded in 2412 B.E. (Buddhist era) or (1869 CE Gregorian Calendar). During the late Rattanakosin period and later receiving its formal land boundary recognition (Wisung Kham Sima) in 1975 CE / 2518 BE, the temple takes its name from the surrounding Nam Phrae subdistrict, an area traditionally celebrated for its abundant, flowing water resources. This serene temple stands as a welcoming sanctuary, far removed from the clamor of the world. Its architecture speaks a quiet language, celebrating simplicity and imperfection, humility and the transient nature of things. Weathered by time, the structure evokes wonder through exquisite...

  Frank Michel Cycling discovering Wat Thung Fa Ham Temple in Nam Bo Luang - San Pa Tong - Chiang Mai in the wonderful Northern Thailand Video in YouTube Wat Thung Fa Ham is a community-focused Buddhist temple located in the rural Nam Bo Luang  sub-district of San Pa Tong, Chiang Mai. It serves as a spiritual and cultural hub for the local Lanna community, offering merit-making activities, traditional celebrations, and a peaceful glimpse into village life. The community surrounding the temple was established around 1931 by early settlers who migrated to the fertile area near the Nam Bo Luang and Mae Wang districts. The name Thung Fa Ham, reflects the region's agricultural past and natural landscape. The temple began as a humble community worship space established by devout Buddhist villagers. Because these early settlements were agricultural, the initial structures were simple and heavily utilized local wood and natural materials. Wat Thung Fa Ham is situated in a highly...

Discovering Wat Chaimongkol (San Pong) Temple  in Don Pao - Mae Wang - Chiang Mai Northern Thailand  Video - YouTube Nestled in this pleasant and quiet area right on the border of Tambon Ban Kat and Tambon Don Pao in Chiang Mai’s Mae Wang District. Wat Chaimongkol San Pong stands as a vital spiritual and cultural anchor for the rural village of Ban San Pong. Established to serve the surrounding agricultural community, the temple is deeply rooted in local Buddhist history and daily village life. Standing as a harmonious bridge between the sacred past and the contemporary present, the temple’s Viharn (assembly hall) and surrounding structures showcase a breathtaking evolution of regional design. They proudly exhibit a distinct applied Lanna architectural style, where classic northern Thai tiered roofs, with their sweeping, multi-tiered gables and ornate, upward-pointing chofah finials, are seamlessly integrated with modern concrete and reinforced woodwork. This thoughtfu...

 Today very nice morning bike ride in the plains of San Pa Tong  to discover the Wat Puang Sanuk Temple.  below link for the video in YouTube Wat Puang Sanuk Temple - Ban Klang – San Pa Tong – Chiang Mai Nestled in the Ban Klang subdistrict of San Pa Tong, Chiang Mai, Wat Puang Sanuk Temple stands as a profound testament to the region’s storied past. Its spiritual heritage is inextricably linked to the nearby ruins of Wiang Tha Kan, an ancient, fortified settlement of the Hariphunchai Kingdom that has thrived for over a millennium. As a pillar of this historic landscape, the temple served as a sanctuary for those dwelling within the walls of the ancient city, maintaining its significance through the subsequent Lanna era and into the present day. Like many historic community temples in the region, the temple’s name, steeped in the unique dialect and cultural nuances of the local village, reflects a deep-seated connection to the identity of the Ban Klang community. ...

 Discovering Wat Si Lom Temple, in Hang Dong - Chiang Mai Northern Thailand Here below Video in YouTube Wat Si Lom Temple is a quiet, local Buddhist temple located in Han Kaeo, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai offering a peaceful escape from the bustling pace of everyday life. This temple is defined by its quiet, contemplative atmosphere and beautifully maintained grounds. Visitors are greeted by the gentle rustle of trees and the graceful architecture that reflects a deep sense of historical tranquility. While there is no single, heavily documented manuscript detailing its exact founding date and,  because it is a community-focused neighborhood monastery rather than a major tourist attraction. Its formal historical texts remain part of the oral and village traditions of the Hang Dong region,  rather than being widely published. The temple is a living artifact of the region’s storied heritage, showcasing classic Lanna and Shan architectural elements that reflect the district...

  video in YouTube here below Nestled in the tranquil landscapes of San Pa Tong, Chiang Mai, Wat Makham Luang stands as a timeless sanctuary rooted in the ancient glory of the Lanna Kingdom. The exact foundation of the temple predates modern records, dating back centuries, during the prosperous times of the Lanna Kingdom. Wat Makham Luang has long been a spiritual center for the surrounding San Pa Tong community. Originally known as Wat Thaen Phra Ngam, this historic site has served for centuries as a vital spiritual pillar and cultural anchor for the local community, which includes a significant population of Pa Phlu, Thai Yong (often called Kon Yong), an ethnic group tracing its heritage back to Muang Yong in Shan State, Myanmar. This ethnic group migrated to northern Thailand more than 200 years ago. Stepping onto the temple grounds, visitors are immediately enveloped in a profound sense of peace, as if transported to another dimension where the modern world fades into a s...

From my morning ride discovering Wat Ubost Temple in Nam Phrae - Hang Dong - Chiang Mai in the Northern Thailand. here below the video in YouTube as always, ... always happy ride frankmichel.cycling@gmail.com