Wat Ban Den Temple

Nestled in the lush mountains of Chiang Mai's Mae Taeng district, Wat Ban Den isn't just another blip on the temple radar. This place is a visual symphony of intricate hand-carved doors, walls adorned with meticulously placed tiny mirrors, and a color palette that would make a rainbow jealous.

Entry is absolutely free. However, donations for the upkeep of the temple are highly appreciated.

Dress to Impress (or at Least Not to Offend)

Now, before you strut in wearing your favourite tank top and shorts, a word to the wise: temples in Thailand have a dress code. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered.

Yes, that means no see-through outfits or beachwear. If you show up looking like you're ready for a pool party, expect to be handed a cover-up or, worse, denied entry.

Hot Feet and Holy Grounds

As is temple tradition, shoes are a no-go inside. So, there we were, tiptoeing on sun-baked tiles, doing the "hot foot hustle" from one shaded spot to the next.

Pro tip: pack some socks or practice your levitation skills.

Meanwhile, Jaeden was in his element, snapping away with his camera like a pro. He was absolutely obsessed with the textures around him, the intricate carvings on the temple doors, the smooth sheen of the golden Buddha, and the way the sunlight reflected off the mirrored tiles.

It’s safe to say he was basically living his best life in photographer heaven, capturing every detail. I’m pretty sure we’ve got enough photos to create a whole new gallery just of textures.

The Reclining Buddha and the Equality of Toes

One of the temple's showstoppers is a massive reclining Buddha. Fun fact: its fingers and toes are all the same length, symbolising equality in life and death. It's a profound message wrapped in a golden, serene package.

Construction: A Never-Ending Story

Building temples here isn't a weekend DIY project. Each structure can take up to 50 years to complete. During our visit, three new temples were still in the works. Looks like we'll have to swing by when we're octogenarians to see the final product.

See You in 50 Years

So, if you're templed-out and think you've seen it all, give Wat Ban Den a shot. It's a feast for the eyes, a workout for the feet, and a reminder that even in the world of temples, there's always something unique waiting to be discovered.

Stay tuned for more adventures, and remember: always check the ground temperature before going barefoot.