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Imagery of Buddhist Temples
In Northern Thailand, a Temple is much more than a place of worship. The Wat is the centre of village life.
Thais love to make “merit” to Lord Buddha by donating religious objects to temples.
The richer the populace the more extensive and impressive the objects donated.
Although Wats are exclusively Buddhist, there
are elements of pre-Buddhist, Hindu beliefs in most temples. Hindu gods such as Shiva may have their statues included, and Thais
combine Buddhism with ancient animist beliefs.
A Wat is a complex of several buildings, without a fixed pattern. Generally the largest and most central building is the viharn,
which will have one or more Buddha statues at the far end. The walls of the Viharn are usually decorated with murals depicting
the life of Buddha.
To one side of the Viharn there will usually be one or more Chedis. These conical structures are said to resemble piles of rice. When asked at his death how he should be remembered,
Buddha replied; “Make piles of rice to remember me by”.
Chedis contain the bones or other relics of religious leaders. The most prestigious (giving the temple the name of Wat Prathat or
Wat Mahathat) contain relics of Buddha himself. Many Thais on cremation have their remains interred into the side of a Chedi, identified by a small plaque set into the surface.
The bot is the building where monks are ordained. It may contain the most sacred Buddha sculpture, but is often closed when not
in use. The area of consecrated ground is marked by eight black
stones around the corners and axes of the bot.
Most temples also contain a library, usually a decorated wooden building raised on a podium, and a sala where novice monks or orphaned children are educated by ordained monks.
It is customary to have a Bodhi tree within the temple grounds. It was under this thick trunked tree with heart shaped leaves that Buddha became “enlightened”.
All temples are covered in small, highly reflective mosaics of coloured glass. Their significance is to drive away evil spirits.
There are other precautions to ward off bad spirits, including the monster figures often guarding doorways.
Many temples are approached by long flights of steps, guarded at the base by pairs of fearsome serpent heads, called 'Nagas'.
One guarded Buddha in the wilderness by growing seven heads to form an
umbrella over Buddha’s head, and promised to give his body for use by Buddha for all time.
Singhas are very popular in Northern Thailand. These are stylised lion statues, and originate in Burmese folklore. They represent strength and power and are usually depicted with mouth half open, seated outside temple door, or devouring a frightened victim.
The Kala is a monster that devours itself, representing the relentless passage of time. It is usually shown without its lower jaw,
which it has already eaten.
Originally a Hindu god, it is often seen above windows and doors. Kinnari are beautiful women above the waist, but with the wings
and legs of a bird. They are companions to the gods, and are Himalayan and animist in concept. Ornate Kinnari are popular in
Chiang Mai temples.
The Hongse is a mythical swan-like creature, the mount of the god Brahma.
All temples contain at least one, and usually many, Buddha images. In front of the main image in every temple will be an arrangement of offerings, including lotus blossoms covered in a tea
cosy-like hood of dried flowers; bronze or copper money trees and commonly a host of lesser Buddha statues, donated by
worshippers to make merit.
All Buddhas, have certain features in common. There is a lotus bud on the head to symbolise enlightenment, and very long earlobes
which show he was of a royal family . The fingers are, in most styles, of equal length, as are the toes.
Some statues of Buddha are very different. The Chinese favour an obese, pot bellied Buddha. This Buddha is associated with
happiness, wealth, food and plenty.
An emaciated statue refers to Buddha’s experiment as an ascetic - when he decided that total self denial was unnecessary, until he subsequently developed the idea of ‘the middle path’. Buddha may be pictured in number of different poses.
Most usually he is seated cross legged, which indicated meditation. If the right hand is raised, palm outwards, this indicates that Buddha is imploring peace. With left hand raised, palm up, he is teaching. If two fingers are held up, he is blessing. If both bands
are down, then Buddha has achieved enlightenment.
The reclining Buddha, in which he is seen resting on a cushion with one arm holding his head, refers to the death of Buddha - the
point at which he achieved Nirvana.
The walking Buddha refers to walking meditation.
Standing with both hands raised, palms outwards, is a sign of power and refers to a legend in which Buddha stopped the sea from engulfing a village by adopting this pose.
Wat
Phratat Doi Suthep
This is certainly one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai, as well as one of the most revered among all Thais.
The temple is a major pilgrimage destination Its importance, as well as its location, owes much to the legend of its founding.
According to this legend, a Buddha relic, which some say glowed, magically replicated just before it was about to be enshrined
in the big Chedi at
Wat Suan Dok. The "cloned" relic was placed on the back of a sacred white elephant, which was allowed to roam where-ever it wanted.
The Chedi sits in a rather small courtyard at the very peak of the mountain. The courtyard building sits on a larger plaza containing several buildings from which you can see Chiang Mai and the surrounding plain. Among the buildings is a small museum displaying old pieces of temple wares and some of the more ancient or unique monetary donations to the temple. To reach the temple requires a climb up a naga staircase of 309 steps, there's cable-car to the top. .
Wat
Suan Dok
Legends tell that King Ku Na invited the venerable Sumana
Thera, a very pious monk from Sukhothai to bring the Buddhism of Sri Lanka to Chiang Mai. The King offered him the royal flower garden (Suan Dok) to build a temple.
The temple was established in 1371.
A large Buddha image with a hand in the position for holding straw stands back to back with the main seated image. A smaller
Viharn to the south contains a seated Buddha image- the Phra Chao Kao Tue - cast by King Muang Kaew in 1504.
The Lanna
style image stands 4.7 meters tall and is made up of nine pieces.
The walls of the Viharn are decorated with murals showing the previous lives of the Buddha.
West of the main Viharn are numerous Chedis containing the remains of the Royal Family of Chiang Mai. These were collected from
different sites in the city and placed there at the wish of Princess Dararatsmi in 1909. .
Wat
Chiang Man
The oldest temple of Chiangmai was built by King Mengrai in 1296 as Chiangmai's first Royal Wat, preserving the distinct Burmese influence.
King Mengrai allegedly lived here while the city of Chiangmai was constructed.
The Viharn has a richly decorated verandah across the front. The doorways are decorated with coloured mirror pieces and inside the walls are covered with murals. Pillars and
ceiling beams are red and gold printed and a stately Buddha stands in front of a canopy.
Enshrined in Wat Chiang Man is a tiny crystal Buddha called Pra Seh-Taang Kamaneeee.
The most extraordinary is the Pra Kaew Kao or Crystal Buddha made in Lavo (Lop Buri) in the 2nd century. Believed to have power to bring rain
it is taken around the city in procession every year on the first of April. This image is kept in the abbot's residence, only a
replica is displayed.
Interesting is the Pra Sethang Manee, an image made from white stone on a solid gold base. Behind the Viharn is a large, gold-spired square Chedi supported by sixteen life-sized elephants.
Wat
Wiang Kum Kam
Wiang Kum Kam is the original settlement of King Mengrai, the ruling Monarch of the newly emerging Kingdom of Lanna.
He established his capital city of Wiang Kum Kam on the banks of the River Ping in 1277 A.D.
It seemed an ideal location situated in a large, fertile valley with protective mountains on the west, north and east.
It was also located on the main trade route between Yunnan (China) and the emerging Thai metropolis of Sukhotai to the south.
Deep alluvial soil made it an ideal area to grow the native trees and shrubs, fruits and vegetables.
Less than two decades later, devastating floods occurred several years in succession, and the city was destroyed when the river changed its course.
The king’s advisors suggested moving the city to a new location, still near the River Ping, but on higher ground, safe from the
possible inundation by floods.
According to the chronicles of the time, in the year 1296 A.D. the seat of government was transferred, located some 8 km to the north, and called Chiang Mai, which means New City.
Wat
Chedi Luang
This 14th century temple, with the City Pillar Shrine and her enormous Chedi which is measured at 282
feet high and 144 feet wide, were built about 600 years ago. Its spire collapsed in 1545 due to an earthquake, however others say it was King Taksin, firing his cannons on the city to chase out the Burmese in the 18th century. Chao Khun Uba Lee Poramacharn and Chao Kaeo Navarat built the front chapel in 1928. For a short time Wat Chedi Luang housed the most important object in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is now in its own temple in Bangkok, however a few years ago a replica is placed in the eastern niche of the Chedi. The other niches are occupied by stone Buddha images. On the southern side, the base is decorated with elephant statues. West of the Chedi is a reclining Buddha image.
Inside the main Ubosot, the alter is backed by a magnificent standing Buddha. Round whitewashed columns support an unfinished wood roof. Inside the grounds of Wat Chedi Luang is the guardian spirit post of the city, named Lak Muang
Wat
U Mong Maha Therachan
This Temple in northwest of the old city is not to confound with the more well-known forest Temple named Wat Umong Suan Putthatam, outside of the city.
Wat Umong Maha Therachan was built in 1367 by King Keu Na.
The King did consult the monk on various problems when the monk was in residence at Wat U-Mong Maha Therachan in the city. The legend relates the celebrated monk called Therachan preferred the solitude offered by the forest retreat to the city temples.
Known as Wat Umong for short, this picturesque little meditation temple is noticeably different from Chiang Mai's other major temples and enjoys a bucolic forest setting. The most remarkable buildings are the two Chedis, of which the smaller among the oldest in the city ranks.The ancient Viharn is of particular interest as are the painted murals on the inside walls of the main hall.
The Viharn and the smaller Ubot offer beautiful examples of the Lanna style.
Wat
U Mong
Suna Puthatham
Built by King Meng Rai in 1296 and located in a grove, Wat U-Mong is a tunnel-like construction and practicing meditation temple. This Temple is probably founded to accommodate some forest monks, but became deserted at the end of the reign of King Tilokarat (1487). The temple became a monastery again in 1948.
Buddhadhasa Bhikkhu, one of Thailand's most celebrated 20th century monks, had a strong philosophical influence on the temple, which favored the natural environment of the forest over human construction. The Temple consist in a Buddhist museum, a Kuti and a "spiritual theater" containing murals depicting Buddhist wisdom. Walls of brick, containing tunnels that lead to the meditation cells and a venerated Buddha image. A bell shaped Chedi and a fine Buddha image cast in the ascetic style are to be reached by a stairway.
A zoo lies on the south side and is connected to the main temple compound. This inner area contains classic forest tradition Kuti for monks.
Tame deer wander the park sanctuary and it is a good site for bird watching.
Wat
Chiang Yuan
One of the earliest temples of Chiang Mai. It was the custom for the kings of Chiang Mai to spend some time here before being crowned.
The temple was one of the few maintained by the Burmese during their 200 year occupation of Chiang Mai, and most of the structures seen in the temple today date from the Burmese period, and a reconstruction in mid 2004 restored some of its glory.
The main feature of the temple is the squat white chedi with golden details and its corners guarded by Shan styled lion dogs.
East of the Chedi is the Viharn, which entrance is guarded by two naga serpents laid along the stairway. The red doors to the Viharn are decorated with gold leaf 'angels'. The walls are decorated with colorful paintings of the Buddha's life.
East on the Temple ground are some modern school buildings, attached to the temple. Beyond the school rooms is an elaborate iron gate, while behind one of the buildings is a couple of unique buildings built by the Burmese. .
Wat
Gate
Located on the east bank of the Ping River, this Temple was founded around 1428; 150 years after Chiang Mai's founding.
Chiang Mai was at that time the center for teak and other products, and the main gateway to move goods to the southern provinces and the center for foreigners to trade. This explains the many building styles along Charoen Rat Road around Wat Gate, reflecting Chinese, Portuguese and Indian influences.
At the center of the temple is the large bell-shaped Chedi, the top covered in copper-oxidized tiles, her corners are guarded by glass-mosaic decored garudas. East of the Chedi is a small, distinctive ordination hall, called ubosot. The stairs to the main entrance are guarded by nagas and the lion dogs beside doors are molded into the plaster. Along the side-walls, carved window frames feature panels reflecting the Chinese zodiac.
The Viharn is unusualwith five gables; most Temples feature three gables. The high balustrade on the front sports Nagas. The back of the Viharn is similar to Lao Temples, decorated with a mirrored tile tree
Wat
Jed Yod (Wat Potharam Viharn)
Wat Photaram Viharn is an
interesting and quiet place to spend some time away from the crowds.
Locally known as Wat Jed Yod, it is one of the oldest
Temples in Chiang Mai. Construction was completed in 1455 AD. It has the usual whitewashed wall surrounding
the compound, set amidst banana-leaf-roofed houses in a quiet rural district.
The seven-spired square Chedi (Jet Yod = seven spired) is inspired by the design of the
Phuttakaya stupa of the Mahabodi Temple at Bodh Gaya in India, where Buddha attained enlightenment. The Chedi is made of laterite and smaller than the original one in India, is decorated with graceful figures of celestial beings.
in 1477, King Tilokkarat who ruled over Lanna during its golden age, being one of the Kings of the Meng Rai
Dynasty, called the Eighth World Buddhist Council Meeting which was held at this very spot. When he died in 1487,
it was natural that he should be cremated here, as such this Stupa contains the relics of the Temples founder.
Wat
Lok Moli
Wat Lok Moli was built by King Ku Na, the 6th monarch of the Mengrai Dynasty, in 1397. Probably it was a Royal Temple, since the northern side of the city was a Royal Precinct at the time and is distinguished by one of the most imposing Chedis of Chiang Mai.
In 1541 the Chedi was built to house the ashes of King Phra Muang Ked and the Queen when she died.
The Temple probably fell into disuse during the Burmese occupation, which started in 1556.
Only the Chedi and the brick base of the ordination hall (ubosot) are left of the original temple.
Lok Moli's fortune began to turn in 1959, when it was registered as ancient monument by the Fine Arts Department. In
The temple's 'resurrection' began in 2003 with the construction of a new wooden Viharn, built in traditional Northern style, with turned wooden spindles forming the grilles on the windows. The columns of the interior are finished with a rich ochre lacquer, and a bronze Buddha in meditation position dominates the northern end of the prayer hall.
Wat Phan Tao(Wat Phra Pokklao)
Wat Phan Tao dazzles with its all-teak Virhan (where precious Buddhist images are kept). Another perfect example of Lanna architecture and craftmanship.
The ancient temple was a throne hall for King Mahotara Prateth whose symbol is the peacock.
Within the precincts the Lanna style Virhan, constructed of exquisitely moulded and decorated carved
teak panels and supported by 28 gargantuan teak pillars, which features Naga guardian bargeboards inset with coloured mirror mosaic. The peacock- shaped doors, which has
retained its pristine condition, were thus built to represent the King. Of particular interest is also the carved wooden peacock adorning of the gable.
On display inside are old temple bells, some ceramics, a few old northern-style gilded wooden Buddhas and antique cabinets stacked with old palm-leaf manuscripts. Also in the compound are some old monastic quarters. There's a wall dividing Wat Phan Tao from Wat Chedi Luang, but you can walk through small gates from one to the other.
Wat
Pa Pao
Wat Pa Pao is the finest example of a Shan Temple in Chiang Mai, and built late in the nineteenth century by the Tai Yai community, an ethnic group originating in the Shan States of Burma.
In 1891, King Inthawichayanon ordered the construction of the Chedi and a wooden Viharn. The Temple stills sits in small grove of the pao trees that gave the temple its name. Though the Shan style Viharn - a consecrated hall for worship - is quite different from northern styles. The most striking feature is the sunken courtyard.
Decorated gates and numerous statues of mythical beings give the place great charm. An unusual flat-roofed ubosot - a consecrated ordination hall, topped with a chedi has a vaulted interior which contains three Buddha images.
The temple is still the center of the Thai Yai community in Chiang Mai. The courtyard of the temple takes on a delightful atmosphere in an ordination festival held annually in April before the tenth of the month. Everything is in the distinctive Burmese style similar to what can be seen in Mae Hong Son.
Wat
Prasat
Wat Prasat, dates back at least to the 16th century. The Temple is composed of a traditional Lanna style and beautifully preserved Viharn, which was built in 1823 and renovated in 1987. Its roof is decorated in colorful glasses and carved wooden lions. The pleasing external form is matched by the artifacts inside the Viharn. At the back of the temple the space for the altar is replaced by a highly decorated entrance to a short tunnel leading to the Chedi. A number of meter high images with red painted robes sit on the raised pedestal on either side of the entrance. The bronze image closest to the entrance on the north side is called Phra Pratan and is dated 1590, which was during the period of Burmese rule.A beautiful example of Lanna Art.
The side walls of the back of the Viharn also have murals in red and gold that are thought to date back to the 1820's, making them the same age as the murals in the Viharn Lai Kham in Wat Phra Singh.
Wat Phra Singh(Wat Lee Chiang Phra)
Wat Phra Singh is officially known as Wat Lee Chiang Phra. King Pa Yu, the fifth king of the Meng Rai Dynasty commanded in 1345 the construction of this temple and a 24-feet Chedi to contain his father’s ashes. It was completed between 1385 and 1400.
Not only the relics of Phaya Kham Fu, the 6th ruler of Chiang Ma, but also the North's most revered Chiang Saen style Buddha statue Phra Phuttha Singh (Lion Buddha), which is
the symbol of the city, are enshrined in this Temple. Every year on
April 13, Songkran Day, the image is paraded through the streets of Chiang Mai for local people to sprinkle scented water on.
Architecturally it's a perfect example of the classic northern Thai or Lanna style. All kind of exquisite examples of traditional architecture can
be found within the precincts of this temple. These include the Viharn Lai Kham, the scripture repository, the Principle Viharn,
and the great Chedi.
The gable of the Viharn Lai Kham is, adorned with carved ornamentation, while the walls are decorated with murals depicting stories based on Buddhist belief.
Wat
Saen Fang
Wat Saen Fang is
an old Burmese-style temple. The Temple's origins go back to the 14th century, but the architecture is late 19th century Burmese. This can clearly be seen in the shape of the highly decorated Chedi with its rainbow of mirroed tiles.
The Ordination Hall (Ubosot) is raised high on a stone platform and carrying a large number of guardian spirits lined on top of the roof. This Viharn is of particular note because of its intricately elaborate carved wooden front, painted in bright red and gold, which was part of the former hall (Ho Kham). Behind the Viharn is a rambling building where the monks are quartered. The old scripture library west of the Chedi was built in 1869.
According to history, King Intavitchayanontha, the
seventh King who governed Chiang Mai commanded to destroy the residence of Phra Chao Gavirorossurivongs (Chao Chevit Ao 1856 - 1870), the
sixth ruler of Chiang Mai. His successor, Chao Inthanon ordered in 1878 to reconstruct the residence for use as the Viharn. .
Wat
Buppharam
Founded by King Muang Kaew in 1497, this Burmese-style chedi was rebuilt in 1958. Though over 300 years old, much that is seen today probably originates from a restoration at the end of the 19th century.
The guardian beasts (mom) at the entrance, were made in 1989. The larger Viharn goes 200 years back contains some mid- 20th century murals that show the Maha Rart in a Burmese style. The carved front door panels were completed in 1983. A small Lanna style Viharn contains a large brick and stucco Buddha.
The newest structure is the hall (ho monthian tham) with the pinnacled roof was finished in 1996. Mythical beasts, stuccos, carvings and murals are a fine demonstration of contemporary religious art.
Inside the hall on the ground floor, murals show the Lanna twelve months' traditions. The second floor is heavily decorated and contains two large Buddha images. The white image is solid teak and was carved after a vision by King Naresuan in the late 16th century, when he defeated the Burmese forces near Muang Ngai; a vision depicted in the carved panels on the east wall.
Wat Ku Tao (Wat Wearuwanaram Viharn)
Wat Ku Tao dates back to 1613. Known as Veruvanaram Viharn, which suggests that it is located in a bamboo forest, it famous for its watermelon-shaped Chedi, which is situated on a square base surmounted by a circular five-tiered relic chamber. On each of the four sides of the Chedi is a niche used to house a Burmese Buddha image, and
on top is a small round bell shaped feature with a spireIt. It is believed that the design received influence from Burma.
The Chedi is decorated with a western style circular pattern, using small pieces of glass. This influence refers to the former British timber exporters. The Chedi is restored once during the reign of King Rama V.
One attributes the architectural style to Yunnan, suggesting Chinese soldiers have been responsible for its construction. Others link to the Burmese period of rule over Chiang Mai, perhaps just after the death of the Burmese monarch King Nawrahtaminsaw (1578-1607). According to this version, his ashes (and possibly those of Queen Hsinbyushinme) are interred in the Chedi.
Wat
Mahawan
Boasts a very beautifully articulated Chedi in the Burmese style, topped by a gilded spire. Huge statues of lions adorn the four corners. The viharn and the small chapel are ornately carved with reliefs depicting scenes from Buddha's life.
This temple orginates around the 17th century, making this one of the temples founded during the Burmese occupation.
Many of the temple buildings show Burmese influence, particularly the Viharn by the west wall.
The compound also contains a Burmese-style Chedi and large wooden scripture library that serves as the abbot's Kuti. The small Ubosot and large Viharn next to it are typically Lanna. The Viharn was renovated in 1957 and may have been first constructed around 1865.
Bright modern murals may be seen on its walls. Panels on the north wall show the Vessantara Jataka, the south wall shows scenes of Buddha meditating as he gained enlightenment.
Paintings on the wall behind the main Buddha image show a typical Bo tree with an idyllic scene depicting a state of nature that has long since disappeared from the northern hills.
Wat Ton Khwen (Wat Inthrawat)
Built around 1858, the Temple served as a resting place for the Phra Boromathat Chom Thong relic when it was brought from Chom Thong to Chiang Mai. This temple is a wonderful example of Lanna wooden architecture of the last century. Note the decoration in the viharn and the detail in the cross-shaped hall in the temple courtyard.
The sign of the temple actually says Wat Inthrawat, however it is locally called Wat Thon Kwain. This Temple is a real heaven in the country side standing quiet and remote and in it's rural setting it has retained it's original look and feel with lots of carved wood and little details. Perfect Beauty - Lanna-style!
After leaving Wat Inthrawat, go to Hang Dong and then to Ban Tawai. If you go via small lanes, you may pass Wat Hang Dong. The viharn was probably built around the same time as that of Wat Ton Khwen.
The wooden Viharn is in a sad state and due to lack of funds and local desires for a completely new building.
Wat
Srisuphan
Wat Srisupan Community is one of the oldest communities with a long history, dating back to the time during the reign of the King Mengrai (B.E. 1802-1854). Forefathers of Wat Srisuphan community were the kern who megrated from the state of Chiang Tung, Myanmar during the reign of King Kawila.
The Kern in Wat Srisupan keeps good relationship with other migration groups from Chiang Tung. There are inter-marriages and contact between settlements Baan Wua Lai, Wat Nantaram, and Chiang Mai Gate. Every year, the Kern in Chiang Mai hold a ceremony to worship the spirits of their forefathers.
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 was also responsible for the construction and restoration of Wat Phra Singh and Wat Rampoeng. The stela in the golden mondop beside the Phra Viharn records that the temple was sanctified on the 30th of March 1500.
Wat
Phuak Hong
This beautiful little Lan Na style Wat is located on Sam Lan Road opposite Soi 7, in the southwest quadrant of the old city, not far from the more famous Wat Phra Singh. The Lion gate posts are typical of the period.
Its Viharn, with the gold on red panels of the gable, is a quite beautiful example of the typical Lanna style.
The most distinctive feature of this temple is the round seven stepped Chedi with 52 niches, some still with their Buddha statues, which dates from 1517. It reminds very strongly Chedis from the time of the Mon.
Two other Chedi in Chiang Mai, Chedi Prong and the Chedi of Wat Rampoeng, have similar shapes, as well as Wat Chama Thewi (popularly called Wat Kukut) in Lamphun, which is another unusual Hariphunchai Chedi, said to have been erected in the 8th or 9th century. .
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Wat
Phan On
This two-story temple is directly at the Ratchadamnoen Road, inside the historical town centre. It was established in the year 1501 under King Kaeo. Originally there was another temple on the today's temple area, named 'Wat Chedi Khwan'. Later both temples were summarized.
Inside the temple is a copy of the Phra Buddha Chinarat from Phitsanulok.
More interesting are the photo-realistic wall-paintings, representing scenes of the King's life and other interesting objects of the country.
There is still another Chedi, sitting Buddha statues are still in its niches.
Despite its size and its situation at Ratchadamnoen Road, Wat Phan On and her garden remains to be a peaceful place in the city. .
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Wat
Chetawan
Wat Chetawan is noteworthy for its Burmese influence in the style of the stupa and the three impressive, heavily articulated Chedis, two decorated with fabulous beasts from Hindu mythology and all three inlaid with gold and colored tiles which sparkle in the sun.
Keep a look out also for the superb wood carvings on the Viharn .
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Wat
Phra That Doi Noi
Wat Phra That Doi Noi is located at just over 43 kilometres from Chiang Mai, on the road to Hod (highway 108), in Tambon Doi Lo, Amphoe Chom Thong
It is one of the oldest temples in the north. The 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 Ubot 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. The temple is approachable by climbing 241 steps. .
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Wat Phrachao Mengrai (Wat Kan Kawd)
Founded in 1288 and renamed in 1953, having previously been known as Wat Kan Kawd.
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 Mengrai decided to build another temple on the spot. It was there that, later, King Mengrai was struck by lightning and died.
The most important treasure, housed in a small sanctum, is a Buddha statue cast in 1320. Said to be a likeness of King Mengrai, founder of Chiang Mai. Also of interest are a Buddha image from Chiang Saen and a lovely reading desk, both in the Viharn. .
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Wat Chai Mongkol (Wat Chia Mong Kol)
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. .
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Wat
Thad Sri Chom Thong
Passing Chom Tong you will find Thad Sri Chom Thong just opposite Wat Si Khom Kham. Surrounded by an arboretum, the Temple offers a panoramic view of the town and the lake.
The Viharn was built at the beginning of the 19th century and houses a famous Buddhist relic.
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. .
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Wat
Sai Chom Thong
Wat Sai is an old Ayutthaya temple like many other in this area. It was renovated in the reigns of Rama IV and V. An exquisite artwork in this temple often overlooked by visitors is an old traditional house by the canal.
It is a living proof of the temple’s antiquity. Locals believe that the house was built by King Suea of Ayutthaya during his cruise along the canal. Later it was donated to the temple.
It is a one-storied Thai house with three rooms, measuring about 9 by 5 meters, sitting on high poles. The wall panels are blackened and gilded on both sides, from which derived the name. The house is still in good shape, but the gilded motifs are badly weathered. .
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Wat
Duang Dee
Wat Duang Dee, in the past called Wat Ton Mak Nue. This charming "hidden" temple has a compound shaded by some longan trees and the name of this temple means 'Good Luck' in Thai.
There is no exact evidence to show when this temple was built but we assume that it was constructed in the 19th Century sometime after King Mengrai established Chiang Mai City.
The temple possesses a large in Lanna style designed wooden Viharn, with a richly carved front and particularly the roof exhibits the influences from Ayutthaya.Inside are naive-cruel wall-paintings, those that frightens them who believe in hell, and a statue of Phra Sing.
The smaller Ubosot however is in the classical Lanna style. With its multicolored glass panels and a nicely decorated east gable, the external facade it looks ly like a small witch-house.
Also the style of the Ho Trai, a square library built in the year 1829, with its gilded woodcarvings at the exterior, is remarkable, however the most remarkable is a small Chedi behind the Viharn.
Wat
Thaton
Wat Thaton sits high on the banks of the Mae Kok River, occupying 60 hectares, spread over several rolling hills.
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.The temple is building a hilltop glass stupa. .
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