Chiang Mai is very rich of ancient, mostly Buddhist temples, some dating back to when the city was founded in 1296. You like to plan a walking tour? First you may discover the temples inside the walls of the old town. Therefore we show you, which roads you can follow and what you will see, when walking along them.
Ratchadamnoen Road
Wat Sum Pow วัดสำเภา (also: Wat Sam Pao): One of the Buddhist temples built during the reign of the Mang Rai dynasty.
Picture marhas1Entrance from Ratchadamnoen Road
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Viharn at Wat Sum Pow with Burmese style lions in front
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Inside the Viharn
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Door of Ubosot at Wat Sum Pow
Wat Phan On วัดพันอ้น: Built in 1501 the original Wat, Chedi Khwan, has been built. Wat Phan On was erected later, then both temples were combined. Inside you finde two golden sitting Buddhas.
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Sareerikkatartsirirak Pagoda, named by His Majesty King Bhumipol on 9th June 2550 B.E.
See the Buddha inside Wat Phan On by photos.3scape.net, it's a copy of Phra Buddha Chinarat in Phitsanluak. And see a video on youtube.com.
Look at the ubusot which sits above the viharn. You see there stucco work, done by the Buddhist monk Phra Bun prasert, read about Thai wood carving here.
Wat Tung Yu วัดทุงยู:
Picture marhas1Viharn
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Phra Pok Klao Road, from North to South
Wat Phan Tao วัดพันเตา: The name means "The Monastery of a Thousand Kilns". The building was originally constructed as a royal palace building (ho kham) for Chao Mahawong, the ruler of Chiang Mai. The front gable end is decorated with the image of a peacock standing over a sleeping dog. The dog is the symbol of Chao Mahawong's birth year. Read more on orientalarchitecture.com.
Does the dog know, that he is the symbol of the birth year of the former ruler of Chiang Mai?
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Wat Chedi Luang วัดเจดีย์หลวง: Also: Jedi Luang. King Saen Muang Ma, 8th ruler of the Mengrai dynasty, began building it in 1391. He planned to enshrine the ashes of his father Ku Na, but the construction was only finished by King Tilokaray in the mid of the 15th century: 82 m high and 54m large at the base, then the largest building of Lanna. In 1545 the upper part collapsed during an earthquake, in the 1990s the Chedi was reconstructed, about 60 m high. Have a look at the massive tree to the left of the entrance. A legend says that if this tree should fall, a catastrophe will happen. A small building near the tree enshrines the "Spirit of the City" (Sao Intakin). Read more and see pictures at orientalarchitecture.com and read the guide of chiangmai1.com.
Picture marhas1The Viharn was constructed in 1928 and renovated in 1999.
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Wat Chang Taem วัดช่างแต้ม : It is the home to The Sacred Bronze Buddha of Chiang Mai Province, the Fon Saen Ha Buddha (one hundred thousand drops of rain). He was brought to Chiang Mai by King Tilokaraja after a war with Lamphun. Every year in may it is transported during a parade on a chariot to the City Pillar at Wat Chedi Luang, where it stands for 7 days and 7 nights. During this time the locals come to pay respect. They guild the image with gold leaf paper, pour water over it to bath it and present flowers to the City Pillar. The Fon Saen Ha Buddha is believed to bring wealth and happiness to the people of Chiang Mai. The Inthakin City Pillar was made by King Meng Rai, when he built Chiang Mai city in 1296. It is in front of Wat Chedi Luang, inside a small temple and made from a giant tree, fixed underground. See a picture of the Fon Saen Ha Buddha and read more about the Inthakin ceremony. See also a video.
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Picture marhas1See more pictures by brickroadcafe.
Wat Fon Soi วัด ฟอน สร้อย: Wat Fon Soi is mentioned in The Chronicle of the Lan Na Thai Legend as a temple dedicated to Phra Tera, a high-ranking patriarch between 1562-1601. See gallery by Azchael
Wat Muen Toom วัดหมื่นตุม:
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Picture marhas1On the wall of the compund. See more pictures by brickroadcafe and by wat9chiangmai.com.
Wat Chedlin: Also: Jet Lin. Go out on the back and you will discover an old pond with bamboo huts around, where monks live. See pictures of the pond with the huts.
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Picture marhas1One of many huge gongs in a line.
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Picture marhas1Looks ancient: The stone Buddha in the courtyard. More photos by brickroadcafe.
Phra Pok Klao Road Soi 4
Wat Pan Waen วัดพันแหวน: See video of chanting monks. Oui Come, meaning “granny Come,” is one of the most famous songs sung by Lanna music singer Charan Manopeth. Its lyrics depict the story of a lady, who lived near Wat Pan Waen. Read more on compasscm.com
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Moon Muang Road
Wat Dok Kham วัดดอกคำ:
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Picture marhas1Ratchaphakinai Road
Wat Chiang Man:
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Wat Ban Ping: See night-pictures by JChris F and hlchen1220 and a gallery by Fred.
Singharat Road
Wat Pha Bong วัดผาบ่อง:
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Wat Dap Phai วัดดับภัย:
Picture marhas1Viharn at Wat Dap Phai
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Sam Lan
Wat Phra Singh วัดพระสิงห์วรมหาวิหาร:
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Picture avlxyzMurals and bronze engraved windows
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Ideas for walking tours you find on templecd.com
More temples in Chiang Mai:
Phra Doi Suthep
Temples outside the Old Town
Where to eat:
Chiang Mai's Restaurants and Food Stalls: Food prepared with love
Discover more:
Your Guide to Chiang Mai
