Chiang Mai Temples and Wats

Wat Bupparam

Founded by King Muang Kaew in 1497,the Viharn is Lanna Style and was previously the Royal Hall of Chao Kawilorot. The second floor is heavily adorned and features two large seated 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. This vision is depicted in the carved wood panels on the east wall. Having been massively restored in the mid 90’s this a definatley a temple to head to if you are interested in contemporary religious art. Wat Chetawan and Wat Mahawan are also on the same road.

Opening Hours: 06:00-19:00
Location: Thapae Road

Wat Chang Kong

Wat 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 it now stands as an abandoned chedi which is completely surrounded by shops and dwellings on three sides.

Wat Chiang Man

This is the oldest temple in the Chiang Mai, built in 1296 at the time of the city's founding. The temple served as the residence of Chiang Mai's founder, King Mengrai, for a time. The buildings are finely decorated in red lacquer, gold leaf and mosaics of tinted mirror, wonderful examples of Lanna style architecture. Wat Chiang Man is located on Ratchaphakhinai Road, near the Chang Puak gate in the northern part of the old city.

Wat Jet Yod (Chet Yot)

On the superhighway north of the city you will find the unusual Wat Jet Yod, built in the 15th century to host the 8th World Buddhist Council. The name of the temple translates to temple of the seven spires, a reference to the very uncommon design of the temple's chedi.

Instead of the normal design, Wat Jet Yod's chedi has a square base topped by seven towers. The design is based on the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya, India, site of the Buddha's enlightenment. Today this temple doesn't see too many visitors but does feature some intriguing bas-reliefs.

Wat Pan Tao

Directly adjacent to Wat Chedi Luang, although there is a wall between the two you can walk through one to get to the other. The name of this temple means 'one thousand times more'. Legend has it that this temple used to be the production base for numerous Buddha images that are now housed inside Wat Chedi Luang. The temple has a viharn, which is one of the few remaining all wood structures in Chaing Mai, this was originally the ho kham which literally translates as ‘guilded hall’ and was the palace of Chiang Mai's king, Chao Mahawong, who ruled from 1846 to 1854.It now functions as a monastery.

Opening Hours: 07:00-17:00
Location: Diagonally adjacent to Wat Chedi Luang, Phrapokklao Road

Wat Saen Fang

This old Burmese style temple is testament to the one time Burmese occupation of Chiang Mai, with its origins going back to the 14th century.

Opening Hours: 06:00-17:00
Location: Thapae Road

Wat U-Mong

Off the beaten track and more than a little odd is Wat U-Mong, which is located about 1 km south of Suthep Road, west of the canal. The halls of this temple are actually tunnels which crisscross an artificial mound.

The tales say that this temple was built for a highly revered monk who was so in touch with the Buddha that he was a little out of touch with everything else and had a habit of wandering off. The temple grounds are heavily forested, owing partially to the temple's long period of abandonment. Between the maze of tunnels and the overgrown jungle you may find yourself wishing you had a fedora and a bullwhip.