Thailand Chiang Mai Famous Temple

5 famous temples at Chiang Mai

1.      Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was built by the sixth King Phaya Kue Na of Lanna Kingdom, Mengrai Dynasty. He respectfully engaged the Lord Buddha’s relics that he kept in his shrine for 13 years to the pagoda of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. He took the relics on the back of the elephant and prayed for the sacred place. The elephant walked to the sacred Doi Suthep mountain and showed the significance that this is the most suitable place to keep the sacred relics by acclaiming and walking round for 3 times. The king ordered to dig the hole and built the stone platform in the big hole and enshrined the relics down then filled with stones and created 5 meters high pagoda on the cover. Therefore, the ritual of not wearing shoes in the area and no woman allowed is applied in order to worship and pay respect to the relics.

In 1538, King Muang Ket Klao, the 12th king of Lanna, renovated the pagoda by expanding the size of pagoda to be 11 feet wide and 6 meters high and put a golden lotus on the pinnacle. Later, his son, Chao Tao Kham Yot, has the gold plate to put round the pagoda.

In the year 1557, Phra Maha Yanmomgkol, the monk from Asoka Ram of Lamphun has established the Naga staircase up to the pagoda. Moreover, Kruba Siwichai with the respectful villagers built the 11.53 miles road uphill to the place where the temple located which in order to be easier for the public to go worship the relics.

On the way up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most sacred monument of Kruba Siwichai was established as another place for the people to worship. Moreover, visitor is able to relax at the beautiful 9-step natural waterfall of Montatarn as well as another sacred temple, Wat Palard, which is the first stop of the sacred elephant while took the journey of Saceed relics of the legendary inventor of the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The scenery and beautiful views of the city from a high vintage point is available becore take the journey up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

2. Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh, formerly called Wat Lee Chiang, has been an important wat of Chiang Mai for 700 years. It was constructed by king Phayoo of Mengrai Dynasty. When king Saen Muang Ma was reigning the Lanna Thai kingdom, Phra Buddhasihing, one of the most renown Buddha image was taken from Kampaengpet to Chiang Mai by king Mahaprom to present to the Chiang Mai king. It so happened that the chariot carrying the image broke down at this spot and the Buddha image was consequently installed in this wat. Because of this incident, Wat Lee Chiang became known as Wat Lee Chiang Phra and later on got the present name of Wat Phra Singh.

In B.E 2315 (1772 A.D), this wat received major reconstruction under the auspices of king Kavila.Besides Phra Singh, this wat has another important Buddha image called Phra Thongtip cast in 1477A.D. It is the early Chiang Saen style and craftsmanship and made of the alloy of gold and copper.

3.      Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang is one of the ancient and important temples in Chiang Mai. A legend goes that its old name is Chotikaram. There is no evidence of its construction, however, the legend suggests that these was Phra Sora and Phra Lithana that came from India who came to pay homage and was very faithful. As old Lawa man aged 120 years took the blanket dipped in oil for worshipping; hence the temple was called “Chotikaram” meaning ‘Blazing Temple’.

Some believe that it was built during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, king of Mengrai to dedicate to his late father, King Kue Na. The construction was complete in the reign of Three King Monument and it was named Ku Luang. In a later period, King Phra Chao Tilokaram expanded the chedi to be taller. The Emerald Buddha was the propitiated to be enshrined here forever. For a total of 80 years, it was placed in niche of Phra Chedi Luang on the east side for 79 years and in Phra Wihan Luang for 1 year.

Wat Chedi Luang has a brick fortress look like stupa with 4 big Buddha images kept inside in each direction.

4. Wat Lok Molee

Wat Lok Molee was first given the name of Wat Lok during the reign of king Guna as 10 monks of Phra Maha Uthumphonbupha Maha Savamee Committee stayed here for sometime.

In 1527 A.D, King Phra Muang Kaew commanded his people to build a Vihan and a Maha Chedi in this area. In 1545, King Phra Muang Ket Klao was assassinated and after the cremation ceremony, his ashes were stored in the chedi of this temple. Queen Wisuthidhevee then ruled the city of Chiang Mai until she died in 1578, and after a lavish funeral ceremony, her ashes were also interred at this chedi.

5. Wat Buppharam (Wat Meng)

Wat Buppharam was built in 1497, in the reign of King Phra Muang Kaeo.