Wat Bup Pha Ram

Wat Bup Pha Ram
A temple in the heart of Chiang Mai associated with many historic miracles.

Situated on Tha Pae Road, one of the main streets in the centre of Chiang Mai, this temple was founded by King Muan Keow in 1497. Most of the buildings are, however, very recent. The main hall was only completed in 1996 after ten years of work - it can, perhaps, be called an interesting example of modern Buddhist construction and decoration. Other buildings in Burmese and Lanna style fill the compound - the large viharn may date back two hundred years.

There is a very large white coloured teak Buddha image which some claim to be the biggest in the world - its conception is thought to be connected with a vision of King Naresuan in the late sixteenth century. Old chronicles associate this temple with many
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi LuangOne of the most important temples in Chiang Mai. A must visit.

This was once an enormous temple built at the end of the fourteenth century by King Saeng Muang Ma to contain the ashes of his father. It was enlarged in the next century and the height of the main chedi was said to be ninety meters. It was severely damaged in the great earthquake of 1545 and has only recently been imaginatively restored.

The pleasant and well-kept grounds right in the centre of the city are home to several other buildings including the City Pillar (Inthakhin), a Buddhist University and a variety of Buddha statues. There is also an enormous yang tree. Every evening at six o'clock stray dogs are fed in the temple grounds. Wat Chedi Luang is home to many of the most important city and religious ceremonies. In the city centre, it is easy to wander in and explore the temple on your own, but for culture vultures it is recommended to join a temple tour
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Jet Yod

Wat Jet YodHome of the Eighth World Buddhis Council held in 1477.

King Tilokarat built Wat Jet Yod in 1477 when he hosted the Eighth World Buddhist Council which was convened to purify the scriptures - the results of the conference have unfortunately been lost.

The temple is unlike any other in Chiang Mai, being of a peculiar Indian design. The seven chedi (Jet Yod) stand on a substantial laterite base in which there is an arched cave containing a Buddha image. The most interesting feature of the temple is the series of seventy, much damaged, but still very beautiful, stucco celestial beings that decorate the walls of the base. Their intricate clothes and jewellery and their lovely smiling faces are Lanna art at its finest.

The grounds of the temple are tranquil and spacious, shaded by many old trees. There are three other chedi in the compound one of which contains the remains of King Tilokarat.

The temple is close to the city centre but for those who wish there are also tours available.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra SinghFamous for its fine examples of Lanna art.
This temple, situated in the heart of the city, is famous for its fine examples of Lanna art. It was founded in the fourteenth century, but all the buildings today date from the nineteenth century and much of the restoration work is of a very recent date.

The rear viharn has some beautiful murals depicting scenes from every-day life in Lanna a hundred years ago. Here is housed a copy of the Phra Sihing Buddha Image. There is some exquisite wood carving on other buildings and the scripture repository, where holy texts written into folding books made of bai lan or sa paper, were carefully preserved, is a gem of Lanna art. The senior abbot in Chiang Mai resides at Wat Phra Singh and many important Buddhist ceremonies take place here.

A city temple tour would take you to visit the temple and as it is practically in the centre of the old moated city; Wat Phra Singh is in close walking distance to most guesthouses and many hotels.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Phra Thad Sri Chom Thong

Wat Phra Thad Sri Chom ThongThe present Viharn was built at the beginning of the nineteenth century, but there has certainly been a temple here for many hundred years to house the famous Buddhist relic. This is said to come from the right side of the Lord Buddha's skull. This relic is much revered locally; it is kept in a golden mondop and brought out for display on the main Buddhist festivals. Many other old Buddha statues are kept at the temple under tight security.

Passing on through the little market town of Chom Tong, you arrive at an important group of cotton weaving villages situated on the banks of the usually dried up river Ping. Hand operated looms are used and it is possible to watch the girls at work. At one small factory there is a museum of textiles and weaving and also a good restaurant.
Temples in Chiang Mai

Wat Phra Thad Doi Suthep

Wat Phra Thad Doi Suthep
Seen from everywhere in the city, this is the guardian temple of Chiang Mai.

This temple is one of the most famous Buddhist shrines in the region. A visit is a must for all Buddhists who come to Chiang Mai. Legend has it that an especially holy relic was brought to Chiang Mai in 1371. To decide where it should be enshrined, it was placed on the back of an elephant, which promptly set out to climb the mountain. It finally came to rest and there the relic was buried. The first chedi was built over it and the temple has been continually expanded and embellished ever since.

Doi Suthep is a short seventeen kilometre drive from the city up a road that was first built in 1935. You then have to climb some two hundred steps up the naga stairway, or take a small tram to the temple. The view across Chiang Mai City and the river Ping valley is breathtaking and makes the exhausting climb worthwhile.

And then there is the temple itself. Cloisters painted with bright murals depicting the previous lives of the Buddha and filled with Buddha statues, enclose a marble floored area in the middle of which rises up a glorious golden chedi. The chedi is surrounded with a railing and at the four points of the compass are places where people can offer flowers, light joss sticks and apply small squares of gold leaf as they pray and make their wishes.

Doi Suthep can be seen from everywhere in Chiang Mai, it is a potent and powerful presence to which people often lift up their eyes for consolation in trouble or gratitude in happiness. You can take songteaw taxis up the mountain or join a tour.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Umong

Wat Umong
A peaceful jungle temple with no known origin.
No one knows the origin of this jungle temple. Some say it was founded in the time of King Mengrai. Be that as it may, it was deserted for many years and only became a religious meditation centre again in the 1940's.

There are some very old meditation cells built into a wall of brick (hence the name Umong) above which stands a bell-shaped chedi. The attraction of Wat Umong, however, is not the buildings but its fifty acres of tree filled park and lake. Most of the trees have signs, written in Thai and English, of Buddhist exhortations - today many visit the famed 'preaching trees'. There is also a library with literature on Buddhism as well as a museum - incredibly the library is said to contain a Cornish - English dictionary.

To wander, meditating through these leafy groves is a truly spiritual experience. Behind the temple grounds is an extensive open zoo where many different species of birds can be seen and where inquisitive deer roam free. There is also a small area that houses handicapped people who have nowhere else to live - you can help them by buying their handicrafts, which are on sale near the gate.

Wat Chiang Man

Wat Chiang Man
Know as Chiang Mai's oldest temple, Wat Chiang Man used to be the residence of King Mengrai. It is located inside the walled city on Rachakinai Road. King Mangrai allegedly lived here while the new city of Chiang Mai was being constructed.

Enshrined in Wat Chiang Man is a tiny crystal Buddha called Phra Setang- Kamanee. It is thought to have the power to bring rain. Another image, called Phra Silakao, reflects the fine workmanship of Indian craftsmen from hundreds of years ago. The pagoda has rows of elephant buttresses at its base.
Temples in Chiang Mai

Wat Jao Mangrai

Wat Jao Mangrai
This temple was built in the city of Chiang Mai shortly after Wat Chiang Mun was completed. When the big Buddha image was being carried through the city to the new temples site. The carriage broke and the image fell to the ground. Out of superstition, King Mangri decided to build another temple on the spot. It was there that, later, King Mangrai was struck by lightning and died.
Temples in Chiang Mai

Wat Rampoeng (Tapotharam)

Wat Rampoeng (Tapotharam)
The Northern Insight Meditation Centre is located in Suthep District Tel/Fax: 053-278620. It has English-speaking monks, nuns and volunteers. The centre offers a 26-day basic course on an ongoing basis. After you have completed this course you can join the 10-day Insight Meditation Retreat. Dormitory-style accommodation and meals are provided free of charge. Donations are accepted but not solicited.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Chai Mongkol

Wat Chai Mongkol
This temple is located on the bank of Ping River. This temple was constructed during the reign of King Tilokkaratch. During the occupation of Chiang Mai by Burma this temple was called Wat Oop Pa Peng or Wat Oop Pa Pok. Later King RamaV changed the name to Wat Chia Mong Kol. The pagoda of this temple is built in Burmese style. Tel. 053-214728
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Duang Dee

Wat Duang DeeWat Duang Dee is located on Phra Pok Klao Road. In the past this temple was called Wat Ton Mak Nue. There is no exact evidence to show when this temple was built but we assume that it was constructed sometime after King Mengrai established Chiang Mai City. The wiharn is designed in Lanna style. The name of this temple means 'Good Luck' in Thai. Tel. 053-273873
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Loi Kroh

Wat Loi Kroh
Wat Loi Kroh is located on Loi Kroh Road. In ancient times this temple was called Wat Hoi Khor. It was constructed by the sixth King of the Mengrai dynasty, and so is more than 500 years of age. After the Burmese had been driven out of Chiang Mai towards the end of the eighteenth century, the city was deserted for twenty years. When Prince Kawila came to reconstruct the city, he brought in many people from other regions. Immigrants from Chiang Sean settled around this temple. The chedi and wiharn were designed in local Lanna style. Tel. 053-273873
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Dab Pai

Wat Dab PaiWat Dab Pai is located on Singharatch Road. In the past this temple was called Wat A-Pai or Wat Tung Kra Dang. Legend says that a monk called Phraya A-Pai, who was very sick and could not be cured, came to this temple and prayed for good health in front of an image of the monk, Dab-Pai. He recovered immediately. In gratitude he reconstructed the temple and changed its name to Wat Dab Pai and settled his family nearby. Today devout Buddhists still come to the temple to pray for good health. There is a sacred well in front of the wiharn, from which the King draws water to bathe images of the Lord Buddha. Tel. 053-222964
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Chiang Yuen

Wat Chiang YuenWat Chiang Yuen is located outside the city wall on Mani Nopharat Road. Wat Chiang Yuen is one of oldest temples in Chiang Mai where every King had to pay homage to the Buddha image called "Phra Suppunyu Chao" (located in the wiharn) in order to gain good fortune in life. Hence, it is believed that the words "Chiang Yeun" means "long life."

In the period of King Phra Muangkaew (A.D. 1495-1525) the Buddha relics were enshrined in the stupa. The temple was abandoned after the Burmese defeat. Later on it was rebuilt by Phraya Wachiraprakarn. The big white and golden stupa is the most striking feature of this temple. Tel. 053-211654.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Muen Ngern Gong

Wat Muen Ngern GongWat Muen Ngern Gong is located on San Larn Road. This temple was first constructed in the time of King Mengrai in local Lanna style. Many rich families in Chiang Mai sponsor this temple since its name. Muen Ngern Gong, means millionaire or riches.

Besides these nine, there are also other important temples in Chiang Mai such as, Wat Pan Toa which is located on Phrapokkloa Road. The wooden viharn was carved in local Lanna style and the doors decorated with peacocks.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Ku Tao

Wat Ku Tao
Wat Ku Tao is located behind the Municipal Stadium at the north of the moat. It contains a delightful, almost whimsically constructed chedi shaped like five melons. All five globes are decorated with intricate pieces of coloured porcelain. The outer wall of the temple is decorated with charming murals.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Saen Fang

Wat Saen FangWat Saen Fang is of Burmese style situated in a surprisingly serene spot just off busy Tha Pae Road.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Pa Pao

Wat Pa Pao
Wat Pa Pao is located on Mani Nopharat Road. It is the first Ngeaw (a minority group) temple in Chiang Mai where a Poi Sang Long Procession is held every April.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Chang Kong

Wat Chang KongWat Chang Kong is located on Loi Kroh Road. It was constructed by Chang Kong villagers who immigrated from Chiang Sean at the beginning of the Rama Period.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat U-Sai Kam

Wat U-Sai Kam
Wat U-Sai Kam is located on Chang Moi Kao Road and houses an image of the Lord Buddha made from jadeite Tel. 0 5323 4210
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Ku Kam or Wat Chedi Liam

Wat Ku Kam or Wat Chedi Liam
King Mangrai built Wat Ku Kam ore Wat Chedi Liam at the site of Wiang Kum Kam,
located just outside Chiang Mai on the Lamphun Road, 200 meters after the Mae Ping Police Station.

King Mangrai conquered Lamphun in 1281 and two years later he began to look for a site to establish his new capital, Chiang Mai. During his surveying years, 1286-1295, he resided temporarily in Kum Kam. Upon the death of hi beloved wife, the queen, he built this pyramid pagoda in her memory.

The memorial pagoda was donated to the wat after its completion in 1288.
For more information call Saraphi District Office 053-321253 or Tawangtal Subdistrict Office 053-283981-2.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Pra Buddha Ern

Wat Pra Buddha Ern
In Mae Chaem, Chang Kerng sub-district, is a most unusual temple. The buildings are built on an island in the centre of a square, laterite block lined pond. This inundated area is called Utokasima, to distinguish it from an earthen temple surround, or Khanthasima, although the meaning is the same. Built at about the start of the Ratanakosin Era, over 200 years ago, this remarkable temple is registered by the Fine Arts Department.

Apart from the temple in the pool, there is an old viharn with some fine murals. Sadly the pigments are fading with time, but some of the paintings retain good clarity and definition.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Phrathat Doi Kam

Wat Phrathat Doi KamWat Phrathat Doi Kam is located in Mae Hia District. It was abandoned in 1966. Later many ancient image of the Lord Buddha were discovered so the villagers helped to reconstruct the temple and named it Wat Phrathat Doi Kam. The Chedi serves as a land mark for pilots when coming in to land at the airport.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Phra thad Doi Noi

Wat Phra thad Doi Noi Wat Phra thad Doi Noi is just over 43 kilometres from Chiang Mai, on the road to Hod (highway 108). It is one of the oldest temples in the north. The original temple was built by Queen Chamadhevi in 658 AD. Among the historic sites is the Phra Borommathat Khong Pra, a stupa with a hidden underground cell, the bodh and the viharn and Buddha images carved from marble. The ancient temple itself is wonderfully located on a hill, close to the Ping River, and affords superb all round views of the surrounding hills and valleys of Chiang Mai.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Thatom

Wat ThatomOccupying an area of 60 hectares, and spread over several rolling hills, Wat Thaton sits high on the banks of the Mae Kok River. From the many ancient objects found in the temple grounds, it is assumed that this is a site of great antiquity. Amidst the beautiful scenery in the temple grounds are schools for both young boys and for monks, a drug treatment centre and a hill tribe support unit. In honour of His Majesty the King's 50 years on the throne, the temple is building a hilltop glass stupa.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Doi Mae Pang

Wat Doi Mae Pang
Is some 75 kilometres from Chiang Mai on route 1001 to Phrao. Its greatest claim to fame is that it was the home to Luang Poo Waen Sujinno, a famous and revered monk, from 1962 until his death in 1985. Many of the buildings are of wooden construction, including then viharn and a hermit's cell called Rong Yang Giled or Rong Fai. Relics of Luang Poo Waen include his dwelling hut, a picture in the pavilion that shows him meditating, and a square-shaped, spire-roofed museum with his ashes, a wax model of the monk, and his person effects.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Suan Dok

Wat Suan Dok on Suthep Road was built in 1383. It was constructed in the gardens of the Lanna Royal Residence. The rows of small white chedis contain the ashes of Chiang Mai?s Royal Lanna dynasty. Princess Jao Dararassami, the only northern Royal Consort to Rama V, King Chulalongkorn, established this cemetery.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Lok Molee

Wat Lok Molee is located on Mani Nopharat Road. It was abandoned during World War Two and recently beautifully reconstructed in local Lanna style.
Temples in Chiang Mai.

Wat Srisuphan

Wat Srisuphan was constructed by Phraya Pilok Pannadatiraj and his mother, Queen Suriyasawasdee. Phraya Pilokpanadatiraj ruled at the end of Lanna’s golden age and is more commonly known as Phraya Muang Gaew. He was also responsible for the construction and restoration of Wat Phra Singh and Wat Rampoeng. The stela now housed in the golden mondop beside the Phra Viharn records that the temple was sanctified on the 30th of March 1500. When the temple was first constructed, the only buildings were the Phra Ubosoth which is the monks’ ordination hall and the Phra Chedi which enshrines sacred objects. For more informaiton visit www.watsrisuphan.org .
Temples in Chiang Mai.