Chiang Mai has Buddhist temples .Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai show off a mixture of architectural styles that reflect the varied heritage of Northern Thailand. Elements from Lanna Thai, Burmese, Sri Lankan and Mon temples have all been used in one form or another. Intricate woodcarvings and protective Naga serpent staircases add a flamboyance that reflects an awesome reverence for the Buddhist religion. Gilded umbrellas, guardian figures from the tales of the Ramayana and stupas trimmed with gold filigree combine to heighten the overall effect.
To date, there have been some 300 temples constructed in Chiang Mai and its outskirts. Visitors should take the time to visit the most revered temples in the city, built during the noble Lanna Thai dynasty. The largest ones draw crowds, but it's well worth wandering off the beaten path and finding a temple not on the tour bus circuit. If you are short of time, and want to see contrasting architectural styles, three temples to visit are: Wat Chet Yot, Wat U-Mong and Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Wat U-mong is best visited early evening between 5PM and 6PM when you will hear the monks chanting their Buddhist prayers. There is a lake within the temple grounds, home to hundreds of catfish and terrapins, where locals gather at sunset to feed the fish.
The Thai patrons of Chiang Mai's temples are pleased to see that visitors take an interest in the images and traditions of Lord Buddha's teachings. All that they ask is that temple visitors show respect by wearing appropriate attire (long pants for men, modest tops and skirts for women, no bare shoulders or plunging necklines and women must wear a brassier) so that monks and worshippers will not be offended within the sacred temple grounds. Shoes are removed before entering the temple (but may be worn in the outer courtyard). Watch and follow the example of locals on how to behave when entering that part of the temple housing a Buddha image. There is no problem taking photographs of Buddha images but it is polite to ask before taking pictures of monks or locals.
Buddhists in Thailand strongly believe that worshipping at temples is a way of making merit. One of their popular practices is to visit nine temples. In addition, most people believe the respects that they pay at nine sacred places will bring prosperity and luck to their lives. There are nine temples in Chiang Mai which are popular among local residents and tourists due to their importance, and are in the main located in the old city area, are close to each other, and have names with good meanings. The following are the nine sacred temples in Chiang Mai city which most tourists like to visit.
Located on Singharat Road, Sriphum Sub-District Tel. 0 5322 2964
In the past this temple was called Wat Aphai or Wat Tung Kra Dang. A story was told that when Praya Aphai was sick and no one could find a cure. He made a prayer to the Luang Pho Dab Phai and his sickness disappeared. In front of the Vihara is a well that is believed to be a sacred well. In gratitude Praya Aphai 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.
Located on Sam Lan Road, Phra Singh Sub-District, Tel. 0 5327 5139, 0 5327 3703
Wat Phra Singh is an ancient temple with a long history of more than 655 years. Originally called Wat Li Chiang Phra, the name was changed to Wat Phra Singh when the Phra Singh Buddha image was first housed there in 1367. The Buddha image is now enshrined in Viharn Lai Kham (The gilded assembly hall) in the typical northern architectural style. The Haw Trai (Temple library) is another magnificent building which contains Buddhist scriptures. Wat Phra Singh is a royal temple of the first grade.
Located on 30 Sam Larn Road, Phra Singh Sub-District
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 Ngen Kong, means millionaire or riches. It is beautiful and hidden from the main road.
Located on 103, Phra Pok Klao Road, Phra Singh Sub-District Tel. 08 9999 9380 Fax. 0 5381 4119
Wat Chedi Luang houses the largest chedi in Chiang Mai. The temple is located right in the middle of the city and was built in the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, the seventh king of Mengrai Dynasty. The 92-metre tall and 54-metre wide chedi was built in the reign of King Tilokkarat. The construction was completed in 1481. The chedi was collapsed due to an earthquake during the reign of King Jiraprapa. After the earthquake, the chedi lay in ruins, and it was reconstructed as impressive as the original.
Located on 228, Phra Pok Klao Road, Sriphum Sub-District
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 Vihara is designed in Lanna style. This temple displays a mixture of architectural styles that reflect the varied heritage of Northern Thailand.
Located on Ratchaphakhinai Road, Sriphum Sub-District Tel. 0 5321 3170, 08 5038 7663, 08 1386 4335 Fax. 0 5321 3170
Wat Chiang Man is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple and probably dates from 1296. King Mengrai allegedly lived here while the new city of Chiang Mai was constructed. It is noteworthy for a beautiful chapel and a chedi supported by rows of elephantine buttresses. Enshrined in Wat Chiang Man is a Buddha image in the Man Wichai posture and an old hall of over a hundred years of age called Phra Setang-Kamanee or Phra Kaeo Khao.
Located on Mani Nopharat Road, Sriphum Sub-District Tel. 0 5321 1654
Wat Chiang Yuen is an ancient temple with an octagon shape monastery in a Burmese style enshrining a Burmese style Buddha image. Women are forbidden to enter the monastery acording to the Lanna belief. Wat Chiang Yuen is where every King had to pay homage to the Buddha image in order to gain good fortune in life.
Located on 65 Loi Kroh Road, Chang Klan Sub-District Tel. 0 5327 3873
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 Vihara were designed in local Lanna style.
Located on Charoen Prathet Road, Chang Klan Sub-District Tel. 0 5328 0671
Wat Chai Mongkol 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 Rama V changed the name to Wat Chai Mongkol. The pagoda of this temple is built in Burmese style.
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- Wat Chom Tong, Tambon Ban Luang, Amphoe Chom Tong (about 60km south-west of the city) +66 53-826869 / +66 53-826180. the home temple of the meditation master Achan Tong, and offers residential courses in Vipassana Meditation on an on-going basis.
- Wat Ram Poeng, Tambon Suthep, Amphoe Muang (4 miles south-west of the city) +66 53-278620. Offers facilities for retreats and meditation instruction.
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