Saturday 25 January 2025
Moving from The 3-Sis to See You Soon

After leaving Wat Phan Tao, I walked north to Chang Phuak Gate, the gate on the north side of the wall. Part of the wall by the gate collapsed after being undermined by heavy rains about three years ago. When the damage was assessed, more of the ancient gate foundation was discovered which led to the entire area of the gate and road over the moat having been closed while an archeological study and excavation was made. When I arrived last November, the area had been filled in and was in the process of being restored. But not to what it was. It appears that a very narrow pedestrian walkway has been paved, and the road is still closed. Around the pedestrian walkway, large gardens have been planted. Here is a photo of me at one of those gardens at Chang Phuak Gate. In the background on the left, part of the old wall connected to Chang Phuak Gate can be seen, but dominating the background is a beautiful large tree.

From Chang Phuak Gate, I walked to Sri Phum Corner, the northeast corner of the wall. Here is a view of Sri Phum Corner in the distance as I approached from the south walking along the moat.

Still a little early for my Chi Nei Tsang session with Khun Ohm, I wandered into Wat Chai Sri Phum for another look. Although I am in the general area fairly frequently, I seldom visit this temple.

Wat Chai Sri Phum

According to a plaque near the entrance, “Sri Phum” means “prosperous land,” from which the temple Wat Chai Sri Phum (or Si Phum) takes its name. King Phra Muang Kaeo established the temple in 1519 next to a Bodhi tree, which he saw as an auspicious sign. It is situated beside the moat just outside the northeast corner (Sri Phum Corner).

I read that the temple was renovated in 1837 by King Phuthawong of Chiang Mai and is popularly known as Wat Phan Ta Koen, but I have never read nor heard of it referred to by that name other than that one reference.

At the entrance is a rather nice Buddha statue in front of what appears to be the abbot’s house. The abbot is the head monk at a Buddhist temple.

To the left is the viharn (assembly or worship hall), large and impressive with a two-tiered steeply sloping roof in the typical Lanna style, a portico supported by four massive teak columns, and Naga serpents protecting the entrance. The viharn has always been closed when I have visited, so I have never seen inside.

To the left of the viharn is a very modern-looking chedi. This chedi was being renovated several years ago when I was here. The current look is stark and modern which does not appeal to me as much as the more rustic-looking brick chedis. The stark white and shiny gold chedi look seems to be the modern trend.

Walking back to the entrance I liked the look of the line of thewada (angels) with the plants, worthy of photo.

Wat Chai Sri Phum is a nice, peaceful temple. It does not connect with me as much as several other temples. I continued on to Omsala for my Chi Nei Tsang session with Khun Ohm. “Chi Nei Tsang is an abdominal massage therapy that originated in China over 3,000 years ago. The name itself means ‘working the energy of the innermost organs.’ This type of massage therapy focuses on the detoxification and balancing of the internal organs in order to allow for the free flow of chi or life energy.” A Chi Nei Tsang can be uncomfortable, but when I walk away, I get a sense that my body liked it.

I walked to Chouquette, a French bistro right at Sri Phum Corner for a brie and apple baguette sandwich, then I walked back to The 3-Sis to collect my bags and walk the 120 meters to See You Soon, the photo is from 2021.

I am now in my new home for the last 12 days of my 12th winter in Chiang Mai.

Next: Walk to Wat Umong and Wat Suan Dok along the way