Chiang Mai city attractions
Find out what there is to see in the city of Chiang Mai. Take a look at the following top Chiang Mai city attractions:
Wat Prah 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-relief's, and bell–shaped stupa
Wat Suan Dok
This temple, on Suthep Road, was built in a 14th century Lanna Thai king's pleasure garden and is most notable for its several white Chedi, which contain the ashes 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 1296. when King Mengrai, who founded Chiang Mai, 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 Kaeow Khao.
Wat Chedi Luang
Here, on Phrapokklao Road, is the largest Chedi in Chiang Mai measuring 98 metres tall and 54 metres wide. It was originally completed in 1481 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 revered Emerald Buddha, now enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo.
Wat Ku Tao
Located near the Chiang Mai stadium, Wat Ku Tao is remarkable for it's 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 Huaw Kaew Nimmanhemin intersection, the temple is characterised by its square Chedi with seven spires. The design was inspired by the temple at Bodygaya, in India, the site of the Lord Buddha's Enlightenment.
