Thailand: Chiang Mai – Wat Chedi Liam

Before there was the city of Chiang Mai, there was an ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam along the Ping River. 700 years ago it got flooded and the king at the time moved the capital north to higher grounds creating Chiang Mai. Wiang Kum Kam is mostly an spread out archeological site nowadays, but one ancient structure remains intact – an absolutely stunning temple of Wat Chedi Liam. The Chedi (or stupa) is a five tier tower with Buddha sculptures in each level and dragons or tigers of some sort guiding it from four corners. A stunning sight and absolutely zero tourists and most flock to old Chiang Mai center or up to the mountain of Doi Suthep, both akin to a zoo of people.