Floating temples of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn in Lampang province, Thailand

The Land of Smiles

Greetings from the mountain peaks of northern Thailand, near the city of Lampang, where these golden and white 'floating' stupas and pagodas have majestically transformed the landscape. Constructing them was a massive effort, with materials hauled up in pieces by around 50 workers under the direction of a Lampang monk over two years. The resulting temple complex of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn is off the beaten path and requires an 800-metre stair climb in what can be punishing heat.