Chiang Mai - Temple Architecture (and Guardians)

While there is a wealth of touristy activities to do just outside of Chiang Mai, I also really loved just walking around the downtown area, where wats (aka temples) abound, seemingly on every street corner. Here's one of my favorite wats.

The roof is trimmed

with snakes!

Even the tiles look like scales.

The entrance is guarded by fierce creatures

taunting tourists

and water towers.

Some windows are framed in gold.

Can you see the dragon-snakes?

Other windows are framed in red,

and if you open one...

you can see more red inside

and paintings.

Outside, near the main golden spire sits a mini golden spire

and two buddhas.

Behind the temple, more creatures guard the doors.

Upon closer inspection,

can you see the teeth at the bottom?

Behind the main temple is a smaller structure, also guarded by scaly creatures

Upon closer inspection...

can you see the snake eating the snake?

or see the snake eating...
(I'm not sure what this is)?

Temple guardian
bares its many teeth, rendered
useless by offerings.

Next Stop: The amazing ruins of Angkor Wat!