Chiang Mai, Temples

To date, there have been some 300 temples constructed in Chiang Mai and its outskirts. Visitors should take the time to visit the most revered temples in the city, built during the noble Lanna Thai dynasty. The largest ones draw crowds, but it’s well worth wandering off the beaten path and finding a temple not on the tour bus circuit.

The Thai patrons of Chiang Mai’s temples are pleased to see that visitors take an interest in the images and traditions of Lord Buddha’s teachings.

Wat Phra Singh is located in the centre of the city at the intersection ofSingharaj and Rajdamnern Road (west end) and is probably Chiang Mai’s best-known temple, housing the Phra Singh image, completed between 1385 and 1400. Of particular note historically                                                                                                                        Chiang Mai, Temples Wat Chaiseepoom Wat Chaiseepoom stands where construction of the city of Chiang Mai began. It is not in  many guidebooks but is well worth a visit just to wander the grounds and be enchanted to come upon a secluded outside terrace where you can sit and contemplate the wonderful surroundings From Chiang Mai.

A paved road snakes up the hillside of  Doi Suthep to a small village (a few restaurants and souvenir shops), and from there one can hike up a steep stairway or take a funicular to Wat Doi Suthep.

The wat, founded in the 14th century, enshrines sacred relics and is regarded as the symbol of Lanna Thailand.

The gold-plated Lanna chedi is from the 16th century. The four multi-tiered gold umbrellas around it, onto which pilgrims apply gold leaf, are adorned with intricate filigree.

You may chose to reach the wat via the 300 steps, which are flanked by impressive nagas (mythical, protective serpents) and, fortunately, well shaded by trees. At the top of the climb we were rewarded with a beautiful temple compound.

Bhuping Palace is located on the same road beyond Doi Suthep (2km’s from town). This royal winter palace has lavishly landscaped gardens and is open to the public 08:30-11:30 & 13:00-15:00 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and official holidays when the Thai royal family is not in residence
50 baht, 10 baht for children.

Wat Phra Jao Mengrai off Ratchamankha Road (near Heuan Phen) is an atmospheric wooden temple away from the beaten track, quiet and gently crumbling in the absence of tourist hordes Buddhist Temples or ‘Wat‘s’ Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai show off a mixture of architectural styles that reflect the varied heritage of Northern Thailand.

Elements from Lanna Thai, Burmese, Sri Lankan and Mon temples have all been used in one form or another. Intricate woodcarvings and protective Naga serpent staircases add a flamboyance that reflects an awesome reverence for the Buddhist religion.

Gilded umbrellas, guardian figures from the tales of the Ramayana and stupas trimmed with gold filigree combine to heighten the overall effect.

All thatthey ask is that temple visitors show respect by wearing appropriate attire (long pants for men, modest tops and skirts for women, no bare shoulders and women must wear a brassier) so that monks and worshippers will not be offended within the sacred temple grounds.

Wat Chiang Mun is located within the walled city onRajpakinai Road, and is the oldest temple in the city. Presumed to date from the year Chiang Mai was founded (1296), it is famed for two Buddha images, which according to legend are 1800 and 2500 years old. King Mengrai allegedly lived here while the city ofChiang Mai was being constructed.

Enshrined in Wat Chiang Mun is a tiny crystal Buddha called Pra Seh-Taang Kamaneeee, which is thought to have the power to bring rain. Another image, called Phra Sila Khoa, reflects the fine workmanship of Indian craftsmen from thousands of years ago Wihaan Lai Kham featuring Lanna-style temple murals and intricate gold patterns on red lacquer behind the altar.

The large chedi was built in 1345 by King Pha Yu to house the remains of his father King Kam Fu. A typical scripture repository is located at this temple as well. These repositories were designed to keep and protect the delicate sa or mulberry paper sheets used by monks and scribes to keep records and write down folklore.

The high stucco-covered stone base of the repository protected the delicate scriptures from the rain, floods and pests. The walls of the chapel are covered with murals illustrating Lanna customs, dress, and scenes from daily life. The lovely Lai Kam chapel houses the revered Phra Singh Buddha image. Sadly, the head was stolen in 1922, and a reproduction is now seen.

Wat Oo-Mong is an ancient temple in the forest just outside Chiang Mai, off Suthep Road. King Mengrai built this temple for a highly respected forest monk who liked to wander in the countryside, hence the isolated location where the monk could stay quietly and meditate. It is unusual in that it has tunnel-like chambers in the ground, some of the walls of which still have the original paintings of birds and animals visible.

Wat Chedi Luang is located directly in Chiang Mai centre on Prapokklao Road, and is the site of a formerly massive pagoda that was unfortunately destroyed in the great earthquake of 1545. The temple was originallyconstructed in 1401 on the orders of King Saeng Muang Ma.

In 1454, reigning King Tilo-Garaj enlarged the chedi (pronounced jedee) to a height of 86 meters. After the earthquake, the chedi lay in ruins until 1991-92, during which time it was reconstructed at a cost of several million baht.

A magnificent testament to Lanna (northern Thai) architecture and art, it is now every bit as impressive as it was when it was first built, and one of Chiang Mai’s top tourist attractions. Wat Chedi Luang is also home to the “Pillar of the City”, a totem used in ancient Thai fertility rites.