City Attractions

City Attractions


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 12 ,
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 m. tall and 54 m. wide. It was originally
completed in 14 1 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.


Chiang Mai National Museum  

Standing next to Wat Chet Yot and in modern Lanna style, the
museum houses an interesting collection of northern arts and
crafts. Open Wednesday to Sunday from .00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m
except on Songkran and New Year.
Tel. 0 5322 130
Website: www.thailandmuseum.com


Insect and Natural Wonders Museum 

On display here is a fascinating collection of domestic and
foreign insects, as well as animal fossils. The museum is located
at 2 Nimmanhemin, Soi 12.
Tel. 0 5321 1 1