My sister-in-law, who is an architect in US, is coming for her first ever visit to S.E. Asia and is interested in seeing some of the areas best architecture. She mentioned temples, as if that isn't a loaded request (she is planning a side trip to Angor Wat). Looking for suggestions of favorites and must sees of any buildings etc. that can be seen in a few days here.

One of my favourites is Wat Ton Kwen on the way to Hang Dong / Samoeng.

Also the chedi at Wat Jed Yot.

Wat Haripunchai another favourite.

Also the temple next to Wat Chedi Luang - can't remember name (begins with a "p" ?)

Everything pales alongside Angkor Wat ... an amazing place! Photo of Angkor Thom >

Chedi Luang is my favourite temple site in CM.

Some people like the Marble temple of Chiang Rai although I think it's over-the-top touristy.

CM's newest hospital is a pretty good example of modern architecture with it's wave-form roof >

I would recommend a visit to CM's Mandarin Oriental - http://www.mandarinoriental.com/chiangmai/

Built in old Lanna style the architecture is superb and workmanship quite extraordinary. Spread over 60 acres of manicured gardens it is worth a visit and if you ask nicely, they'll give a guided tour by horse and buggy.

Wiang Kum Kam? You will probably be showing her some temples... (which can be quite nice for a first time visitor.)

Seriously now, Europe would be a much better place to discover architectural wonders.

Edit: If I was an architect I would enjoy seeing some of the Sino - Portuguese architecture found in old Phuket Town. I love seeing them when I go there. But I would NOT recommend a visit to Phuket to anyone! 20 years ago the place was wonderful. It is a shame what it has become.

Edited June 30, 201214 yr by elektrified

One of my favourites is Wat Ton Kwen on the way to Hang Dong / Samoeng.

Also the chedi at Wat Jed Yot.

Wat Haripunchai another favourite.

Also the temple next to Wat Chedi Luang - can't remember name (begins with a "p" ?)

Wat Pun Tao.

Wiang Kum Kam? You will probably be showing her some temples... (which can be quite nice for a first time visitor.)

Seriously now, Europe would be a much better place to discover architectural wonders.

Edit: If I was an architect I would enjoy seeing some of the Sino - Portuguese architecture found in old Phuket Town. I love seeing them when I go there. But I would NOT recommend a visit to Phuket to anyone! 20 years ago the place was wonderful. It is a shame what it has become.

Penang is an architectural gem of Malaysia and South East Asia.

Wiang Kum Kam? You will probably be showing her some temples... (which can be quite nice for a first time visitor.)

Seriously now, Europe would be a much better place to discover architectural wonders.

Edit: If I was an architect I would enjoy seeing some of the Sino - Portuguese architecture found in old Phuket Town. I love seeing them when I go there. But I would NOT recommend a visit to Phuket to anyone! 20 years ago the place was wonderful. It is a shame what it has become.

Penang is an architectural gem of Malaysia and South East Asia.

I've not been but would enjoy seeing it one of these days.

I guess you're mostly looking at temples, as they're the most interesting/different architecturally. There are some other buildings that I like, some larger wooden commercial and residential ones, and I also like the architecture of the old Provincial Hall, wich is now the Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Museum at the Three King's monument. It has a nice design with breeze corridors, and an inside courtyard.

Most nice older buildings aren't kept in a state to fully appreciate them, but there are some exceptions, like the Raming Tea House:

There are many like that, but few that you can easily appreciate, especially on the inside.

One of my favorites is this one:

But there are several more; mostly along Thapae Road, along the river downtown, and some inside the moat. And some of the hotel architecture is impressive, the Oriental Dhara Dhevi has been mentioned (see if you can do the tour around the grounds), I think The Chedi deserves a mention for modern architecture, and blending the old with the new, and some boutique hotels inside the moat area are nice too, like Tamarind Village, and several others.

And U-Chiang Mai: http://www.pantip.co.../E11301613.html

But it's not only the extreme high-end; I see funky designs appear all over, take this Bed & Breakfast place, which is around the 1000 Baht / night mark:

And the coffee shop next door:

So these are actually really exciting times for Chiang Mai, and another example of how the city just keeps improving also through new and interesting takes on style and architecture, and mixing the old with the new.

Edited June 30, 201214 yr by WinnieTheKhwai

Good one. I forgot about Raming Tea House. I too was impressed by the architecture.

BTW I would be interested to read your sister in law's take on architecture in Chiang Mai after she visits. Perhaps you do a bit of a summary of her thoughts, or perhaps even some pictures of things she found interesting? It's not like visiting Venice and finding amazing architecture all over the place (mild understatement. ), you have to hunt for it a bit and explore, but then I'm interested to hear what she finds.

Good pics Winnie.

I stumbled upon Raming Tea House by accident just recently. A beaut spot!

I guess you're mostly looking at temples, as they're the most interesting/different architecturally. There are some other buildings that I like, some larger wooden commercial and residential ones, and I also like the architecture of the old Provincial Hall, wich is now the Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Museum at the Three King's monument. It has a nice design with breeze corridors, and an inside courtyard.

Most nice older buildings aren't kept in a state to fully appreciate them, but there are some exceptions, like the Raming Tea House:

There are many like that, but few that you can easily appreciate, especially on the inside.

One of my favorites is this one:

But there are several more; mostly along Thapae Road, along the river downtown, and some inside the moat. And some of the hotel architecture is impressive, the Oriental Dhara Dhevi has been mentioned (see if you can do the tour around the grounds), I think The Chedi deserves a mention for modern architecture, and blending the old with the new, and some boutique hotels inside the moat area are nice too, like Tamarind Village, and several others.

And U-Chiang Mai: http://www.pantip.co.../E11301613.html

But it's not only the extreme high-end; I see funky designs appear all over, take this Bed & Breakfast place, which is around the 1000 Baht / night mark:

And the coffee shop next door:

So these are actually really exciting times for Chiang Mai, and another example of how the city just keeps improving also through new and interesting takes on style and architecture, and mixing the old with the new.

I believe the Raming Tea House: is over 100 years old.

Can't say much for the food but it is a delightful garden to have a spot of tea or a bite to eat in. A very refreshing hide away

on Thai Pai road.

If going to Angkor Wat allow at least two days for touring.

It is a area 70 square Kilometers in size with temples all over it.

Of course there is the big one that is the largest religious building in the world.

CM's newest hospital is a pretty good example of modern architecture with it's wave-form roof >

Curious which hospital this is?

CM's newest hospital is a pretty good example of modern architecture with it's wave-form roof >

Curious which hospital this is?

And where is it?

Southern side of Suthep Road/corner of Sirorot Road opposite Suan Dok Hospital.

If going to Angkor Wat allow at least two days for touring.

It is a area 70 square Kilometers in size with temples all over it.

Of course there is the big one that is the largest religious building in the world.

Borobudur in Central Java, Indonesia is the biggest buddhist temple in the world.. and Angkor Wat is the biggest buddhist estate in the world.. with a lot of temples in one huge area.. Borobudur is just one temple..

Parking Structure @ Kad Suan Kaew: Most amazing giant puzzling hunk of cement in Chiang Mai. IEvery time I'm in awe of it's turns, low ceilings, lack of signage for which way you're really headed. It feels heavy just being inside there. It's like being in the bowels of the Earth. The cement Earth Only a true genius could imagine, let alone construct such a structure. It should be studied worldwide.

LOL, yes. I especially like it when you exit towards the soi alongside Ram. Would be even better to first exit on the front, come back down in and then exit on the side. They should have races in there.

Hi. I am quite new to this forum but have been following it for some years.

How about the new building being built on canal rd. Close to the turn to go to Huaey Tung Tao. Seems to have an interesting roof. Anyone knows what that is going to be?

Sent from my GT-S5830 using Thaivisa Connect App

Shaped to look like a piano it's going to be a child development institute

http://www.chiangmaicitynews.com/news.php?id=159

Le Spice always looks good in the early hours

Not really structural architecture, but this is also what I mean when I say that Chiang Mai is getting more and more awesome and vibrant.

"I hate sea food" - bold statement in this country.

"I hate Som Tam" would be worse. Maybe they can make one for me, will go overthere today or tomorrow.