Thailand Trip 2016 - Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon National Park - King and Queen Pagodas

One of the main attractions in Doi Inthanon National Park is the King and Queen Pagodas, Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Naphapholphumisiri.

The two chedi were built by the Royal Thai Air Force to commemorate the king’s and queen’s 60th birthdays in 1987 and 1992, respectively.

Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Bhumisiri

Naphaphonphumisiri, meaning 'being the strength of the air and the grace of the land' was built in 1992 to honour 60th birthday anniversary of Queen Sirikit. It's lavender and surrounded by a beautiful garden blooming with flowers.

Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon

Naphamethinidon, meaning 'by the strength of the land and air' was built in 1987 to honour 60th birthday anniversary of King Bhumibol. It's brown and has a garden too but I felt that the one at the queen's is much more beautiful.

Some buddha wall

Some random shot of the surroundings. This beautiful buddha wall caught my attention. I love the textures it has and the beautiful mix of brown and dirty green. I bet there's a story behind this wall but I didn't probe further.

Flowers

The garden around the pagodas is filled with colourful and beautiful flowers. I noticed a number of workers (mostly females) are watering and maintaining the garden. It sure seems sunny but in actual fact, it's cooling (compared to the humid weather here in Singapore).

Gardeners mending the flowers

Below is the flower that intrigues me. I like the pink in the flowers and the way it illuminates when backlit. The tiger-spots adds character to the flower. This flower has a long stem shooting upwards to the sun. When the wind blows, they started to sway as if they were dancing.

The flower that I like

Lastly, that's a spot where you could view the distant Himalayan mountain. The winds are strong. A couple of tourist had their caps and hats blown away. Do have a sweater with you in case it gets too cold.

Beautiful view across the mountains

Do stop by at Doi Inthanon National Park during your tour in Chiang Mai. Enjoy folks =)

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Thailand Trip 2016 - Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon National Park - Wachirathan Waterfall

Wachirathan Waterfall is one of the major waterfalls along the way to the summit of Doi Inthanon.

There are plenty of walkways to experience the waterfall. However, do be careful as the walkways tends to be slippery. Given the ease of access, Wachirathan Waterfall is favourited by the locals and of course, tourists like me!

It took me quite an effort to get this shot. I slung my camera onto my back, made a few hops and nearly fall into the rushing waters. I crawled on all fours and struggled my way up like a frog trying to get on land. Suffered some scratches and insect bites but the shot was worth it!

Meet Gilbert from Spain! A fellow tourist from my tour group. He's very shy and quiet! Like me, we are both solo travellers and he loves taking photos. It's his first time in Thailand! I still remember his trademark pose of spreading up his arms with palms facing the sky. It's just right in this context of the majestic Wachirathan Waterfall!

*random singing: "With arms wide open..."
~Creed - With Arms Wide Open

I was making my last few shots before heading over to the meeting point for lunch. I saw this couple relaxing by the rocks. The husband stopped to tighten his shoelaces and they sat down for a rest. They were making conversations and soft laughters floated over.

I felt that they're so sweet and was always longing for a moment like this. Therefore, I crouched down and took a shot of them reminding of that moment.

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