Although we only visited 5 or 6 temples while here, it did seem that there were a lot more - almost one on every corner. However our guide today was quite sure of his figures.
We spent yesterday morning on the temple trail and managed to see Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Pan Tao and Wat Phra Singh before a bottle of Chang beer dragged my attention away. While there are many differences between them, they all adhere to the same basic principles and the architecture is as stunning as the decoration. While the major Wats are on a grand scale, some of the smaller buildings are - in my view - much more pleasing to the eye.
We missed out on the Monk Chat - on offer at many Wats - but did have a conversation with an older monk at Wat Kat Karam today - after our Ping river trip on a scorpion-tailed boat - where our guide, who claimed 67 years but looked older, admitted to having been a mercenary in the Vietnam war - assume on the US side.
One more Wat to visit tomorrow - Doi Sutthep - before we head for the airport and our flight to Luang Prabang. Travelling over the Chinese New Year holiday -Kong Hay Fat Choy to all - has made hotel bookings hard to find. However Jinty's recommendation came up trumps and we have at least got a bed for our first few nights.
It will be interesting to see what differences there are between Thailand and Laos - we have enjoyed the friendly helpful Thai people we have met and are told that the Lao are even more friendly and laid back - watch this space!
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