Birdwatching at the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) with the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines and WOMA was a rewarding experience. The wetlands provide an important habitat for many bird species despite being located within Metro Manila, and the mix of open mudflats, shallow water, and mangrove edges makes it a productive site for observing both resident and migratory birds.
Category: Wandering
Thai Sakura in Doi Inthanon
We visited the Khun Wang Royal Agricultural Research Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand, specifically to see the famous Thai Sakura in bloom. Located in the highlands near Doi Inthanon, Khun Wang is one of the best-known places in Northern Thailand for viewing these seasonal cherry blossoms.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is considered the largest market in the city, with more than a hundred stalls offering everything from food and souvenirs to handcrafted jewelry and clothing. It is located east of the old city and extends for about one kilometer along Chang Khlan Road, near the intersection of Tha Phae and Sridonchai streets. The market has been famous for hundreds of years thanks to its location along historic trade routes linking Myanmar, Laos, and China. In the past, this area served as a hub for caravans trading silk, wood, cigarettes, and even opium. Today, it remains a crossroads of cultures, now known for its distinctive artistry and craftsmanship that continues to attract travelers from across the region.
The Royal Twin Chedis of Doi Inthanon
Perched high above the clouds and surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, the twin Royal Pagodas of Doi Inthanon are among the most iconic and photogenic landmarks in Northern Thailand. Officially known as Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphonphumisiri, these striking structures stand proudly near the summit of Thailand’s tallest mountain, rising more than 2,500 meters above sea level. Their dramatic setting, with mist drifting through the valleys below, makes the visit feel both peaceful and awe-inspiring.
Doi Inthanon Summit
The Doi Inthanon summit is located at kilometer 48 at the end of Highway 1009 and sits at 2,565 meters above sea level, making it the highest point in Thailand. Despite its elevation, reaching the summit does not require a strenuous hike. The road leads all the way to the top, and from the parking area, visitors walk only a few hundred meters along a short path to reach the summit marker. There are no longer long trails leading directly to the peak, and the experience is less about panoramic views and more about the atmosphere of standing at Thailand’s highest elevation, often surrounded by mist and dense forest.
Wachirathan Waterfall
Wachirathan Waterfall is a prominent natural attraction in Chiang Mai and one of the most visited sites within Doi Inthanon National Park. It was our first stop when we visited Doi Inthanon, and it provided a clear introduction to the park’s landscape and climate. The waterfall drops from a height of about 80 meters, with a strong, continuous flow of water cascading over a rocky cliff into the basin below. Fine mist rises from the impact, cooling the surrounding area and occasionally limiting visibility near the base.
Pha Chor Canyon
Pha Chor Canyon is located in Mae Wang National Park in northern Thailand and is the result of long-term geological processes. The site was formed after the Ping River changed its course many years ago. When the river shifted, sediment was left behind, creating a raised area that was gradually shaped by erosion. Over time, wind and rain wore down the soft soil, transforming the former hill into steep cliffs and tall soil pillars.
Wat Suan Dok and the Royal Mausoleum
Wat Suan Dok was founded in 1370 CE by King Kue Na of the Lanna Kingdom for the monk Maha Sumana Thera. It was built at the centre of Wiang Suan Dok, a walled settlement of the Lawa people that predates the establishment of Chiang Mai itself. Traces of this earlier settlement are still visible today: the outlines of the fortifications can be identified on satellite images, and remnants of earthen walls remain north of Suthep Road. The area had once been King Kue Na’s flower garden (suan dok mai), from which the temple derived its original name, Wat Buppharam.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham: Temple of the Golden Mountain
Perched on a quiet hill just outside the city, Wat Phra That Doi Kham is one of Chiang Mai’s lesser-known yet deeply revered temples. The name is commonly translated as the “Temple of the Golden Mountain,” a reference to its sacred hilltop setting and the gleaming chedi that anchors the complex. Despite its relatively tranquil atmosphere today, the temple has a long and significant history that spans more than 1,300 years.
Wat Ton Kwen: Temple of the Coffee Plum Tree
Wat Ton Kwen dates to around 1852, during the reign of King Kawilorot Suriyawong, the sixth ruler of Chiang Mai. It was established as a resting place for the procession of the Phra Borommathat Si Chom Thong relic during the Hae Phra Chao Khao Wiang ceremony, linking the site closely to local ritual life. The name “Ton Kwen” refers to the coffee plum tree (Muntingia calabura) associated with the area, while the alternative name, Wat Inthrawat, honors Kruba In, a master craftsman involved in the construction of the main hall.
Wat Chet Yot: The Seven-Spired Temple
Wat Chet Yot was commissioned in 1455 CE by King Tilokarat of the Lanna Kingdom. Before construction began, the king sent monks to Bagan in present-day Myanmar to study the design of the Mahabodhi Temple there, which itself was modeled after the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, the site traditionally associated with the Buddha’s enlightenment. Drawing from these influences, Wat Chet Yot was conceived as a Lanna interpretation of this important Indian Buddhist prototype.
Norzagaray Church
Located at the town proper, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish Church serves as the main Roman Catholic church of Norzagaray, Bulacan. The parish traces its establishment to 1787, placing it among the older churches founded during the Spanish colonial period in Bulacan. The church is dedicated to Saint Andrew the Apostle, who is also the patron saint of Norzagaray. Each year, the parish and town celebrate his feast on November 30, a date that coincides with the local town fiesta.
Amoj In Wanderland 