Thailand

Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. The city is along the Ping River, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River. Chiang Mai means "new city" and was so-named because it was the new capital, founded in 1296.

In recent years, Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern.  While officially the city has a population of 160,000, the urban sprawl of the city now extends into several neighboring districts has a population of nearly one million people.  There are over 300 Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a Theravada Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai and was built in 1383. The temple is often referred to as "Doi Suthep" although this is actually the name of the mountain it is located on. The temple is a sacred site to many Thai people. From the temple, impressive views of Chiang Mai can be seen.  Visitors must take off their shoes and be appropriately dressed. The original copper plated chedi is the most holy area of the temple grounds. Within the site are pagodas, statues, bells and shrines. Aspects of the Wat draw from both Buddhism and Hinduism.

Wat Sri Soda is a monastery and school in the jungle outside of Chiang Mai.