Thailand: Buddha image in viharn, Wat Yang Luang, Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai Province

Wat Yang Luang (วัดยางหลวง) is said to have been established in 1483, though in its present form in would appear to date from the mid-19th century. An exception to this is the obviously ancient brick ku or reliquary, partly concealed behind a gilded Buddha image in the bhumiparsa (‘Calling the Earth to Witness’) mudra in the darkly shadowed viharn.

Tucked away in a narrow valley, Mae Chaem (แม่แจ่ม) must rank as one of the least accessible corners of Chiang Mai. Located on the westernmost frontier of the province, it is isolated from the main Chiang Mai valley by the East Thanon Thongchai Range dominated by Doi Inthanon (ดอยอินทนนท์; at 2,565m Thailand’s highest mountain), and from neighbouring Mae Hong Son province to the west by the Central Thanon Thongchai Range, including Doi Khun Bong (ดอยขุนบง; 1,772m).

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia