Pagoda Noppamethanedon & Pagoda Nopphonphusiri: The Royal Pagodas of Mount Inthanon Summit

This guide to the twin royal pagodas atop Mount Inthanon near Chiang Mai traces how the Royal Thai Air Force built one square pagoda for King Bhumibol's sixtieth birthday in 1987, then its round twin for Queen Sirikit's sixtieth five years later. It follows the different symbolism built into each, the four tiers of one and the seven of the other, and the giant bronze bell hauled to the mountain's crown. You'll also hear about the Buddha images inside each tower, facing one another across the plaza between them.