Although there are many stylistic similarities in the temples of Chiang Mai, it was fun to see the variety as well. In addition to the classic Lanna style, elements from Buddhist architecture from Burma, Sri Lanka, and Mon temples were present. The flowing, flamboyant serpentine Naga figures of the staircases never ceased to fascinate me. Some of the temples were built with steep angles and dark brown wood, embellished by ornamental lattice windows and carved awnings. Others were bejeweled and had lavish golden decorations. In one temple, a devotee lovingly brushed on layers of gold leaf onto a standing Buddha. In another, a shiny golden Buddha reclined, similar but much smaller than the one in Bangkok. Construction was a common sight at many temples, leading me to wonder how the temples were being funded.
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