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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.
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. If you are short of time, and want to see contrasting architectural styles, three temples to visit are: Wat Chet Yot , Wat U-Mong and Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Wat U-mong is best visited early evening between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. when you will hear the monks chanting their Buddhist prayers. There is a lake within the temple grounds, home to hundreds of catfish and terrapins, where locals gather at sunset to feed the fish.
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. All that they ask is that temple visitors show respect by wearing appropriate attire (long pants for men, modest tops and skirts for women, no bare shoulders or plunging necklines and women must wear a brassier) so that monks and worshippers will not be offended within the sacred temple grounds. Shoes are removed before entering the temple (but may be worn in the outer courtyard). Watch and follow the example of locals on how to behave when entering that part of the temple housing a Buddha image. There is no problem taking photographs of Buddha images but it is polite to ask before taking pictures of monks or locals.
 Wat
Phra Sing
Located on Sam Lan Road, this lovely temple dates from 1345 and
enshrines the revered Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image, a focal point
for the Songkran Thai New Year festivities on April 13-15. The temple
compound includes the Lai Kham chapel featuring exquisite woodcarvings
and northern-style murals; a magnificent scriptural repository with
striking bas-reliefs, and a bell-shaped stupa.
Wat Suan Dok
 The
temple, on Suthep Road, was built in a 14th-century Lanna king’s
pleasure garden and is most notable for its several white Chedi,
which contain the ashes of members of Chiang Mai’s former Royal
Family. Enshrined in a secondary chapel is a 500- year-old bronze
Buddha, one of Thailand’s largest metal images.
Wat Chiang Man
Located within the old walled city on Ratchaphakhinai Road, this
is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple, believed to date from 1296,
when King Mengrai allegedly lived here while the new city of Chiang
Mai was under construction. The temple is noteworthy for its fine
Chedi supported by rows of elephant buttresses and a beautiful chapel,
while enshrined within are the ancient Buddha images of Phra Kaeo
Khao, a tiny crystal statue thought to have the power to bring rain,
and Phra Sila Khao.
Wat Chedi Luang
Here, on Phrapokklao Road, is the largest Chedi in Chiang Mai measuring
98 m. tall and 54 m. wide. It was originally completed in 1481 but
partially collapsed due to an earthquake in 1545. Among other features
is a magnificent Naga staircase adorning the chapel’s front
porch. Wat Chedi Luang is also notable as one of the temporary abodes
of the Emerald Buddha, now enshrined at Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok.
Wat Ku Tao
Located near the Chiang Mai Stadium, Wat Ku Tao is remarkable for
its unusual bulbous Chedi, shaped like a watermelon and thus prompting
its Thai name. The structure is decorated with coloured porcelain
chips and is believed to represent five monks’ alms bowls.
Wat Chet Yot
 Away
from the town centre on the Super Highway, north of the Huai Kaeo
Nimmanhemin intersection, the temple is characterised by its square
Chedi with seven spires. The design was inspired by the temple at
Bodhgaya, in India, the site of the Lord Buddha’s Enlightenment.
Wat U-mong
Located on Suthep Road, this delightful meditation temple, founded
in the reign of King Mengrai, is very different from Chiang Mai’s
other major temples and enjoys an almost bucolic setting. Its principal
architectural feature is a large ancient Chedi.
 Wat
Saen Fang
This old temple on Tha Phae Road is interesting for its Burmese-
style architecture.
Wiang Kum Kam
Southeast of Chiang Mai between KM 3-4 on the Chiang Mai - Lamphun
road, the site is an ancient city built by King Mengrai prior to
the founding of Chiang Mai. Uncovered by archaeologists are the
ruined remains of some 20 ancient temples and other buildings.
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
 Situated 15 km. from town, this is Chiang Mai’s most famous
and most visible landmark, and at 3,520 feet above sea level, it
commands an exhilarating view of the city and surrounding countryside.
Dating from 1383, the temple is approached by a flight of 290 Naga-flanked
steps (although the less energetic may ascend by a funicular railway),
and is dominated by a golden Chedi which contains holy Buddha relics
and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. Read More...
Wat Phrathat Si Chom Thong
Located 58 km. from town, this intriguing temple dates from the
mid-1400s and houses a collection of bronze Buddha images while
a holy Buddha relic is enshrined in the secondary chapel.
Wat Phrathat Doi Noi
The temple, between KM 43 and 44, was built by the Mon Queen Chamma
Thewi in 658 AD. The hilltop location, reached by a flight of 241
steps, affords fine views of the Ping River and surrounding countryside. |
