Outside, the World Rushes Past. Inside Temple Grounds, Time Moves Slowly … Chiang Mai – Cityscape Photography

This small but magnificent Buddhist temple (known as “Wat Pansao”), stands on some quiet grounds just off one of the main roads circling Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand.  

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Tourists welcome – even one lone tourist 

In Chiang Mai, there are more than 300 Buddhist temples (called “wat” in Thai). Some of them are major tourists attractions, and are therefore not the most quiet or serene spots.    

“Wat Pansao,” on the other hand, is virtually secluded. Many tourist busses drive by this “wat,” but there are no parking space for busses, so none of them stop here.

Moreover, there’s not even a sidewalk running along the front of the grounds, so only a few pedestrians might walk by. And even fewer will come inside the “wat” grounds. I've been there twice, and both days, I was virtually alone, apart from a few temple personnel.  

Curve upwards, rise upwards, gaze upwards 

As soon as a visitor enters the gate, s/he will see the well-maintained temple (see above photo), with the sleek lines of its roof curving gently upwards. Behind the temple, there’s a lush garden with various statues.

As a centerpiece, a weather-beaten but firm stupa rises proudly through the greenery. The stupa is said to be over 500 years old – much older than the temple and the outbuildings. 

And while the temple has clearly been renovated over the years, the stupa sits unchanged, just as it was when it was erected, centuries ago. 

_{[Right-Click Here to Enlarge Photo]} Location – Chiang Mai, on Google Maps

This is my entry in @juliank’s Cityscape Photography contest.