Wat Chiang Man

Wat Chiang Man: A Window into the Past Lanna Kingdom

Experience the Richness of Lanna Culture at Wat Chiang Man

The Wat Chiang Man is a must-see temple for anyone visitingChiang Mai. As the oldest temple in the city, it has a rich history that dates back to the founding of Chiang Mai in 1296. This temple is a true testament to the beauty and magnificence of the Lanna Kingdom's architectural style. 

If you want to experience the past Lanna culture that prospered before coming to Thailand, this temple is the perfect place to visit. As you explore the different structures of the Chiang Man temple, you'll be amazed by the impressive designs and intricate details that have been preserved over centuries.

One of the most remarkable features of the Wat Chiang Man is the Elephant Chedi. This chedi is a beautiful mixture of Lanna and Singhalese styles and is surrounded by 15 elephants that seem to emerge from it. The gilded upper part of the chedi contains a relic chamber and is a true masterpiece of ancient architecture.

Another highlight of the temple is the larger viharn, which houses the oldest Buddha image in Chiang Mai. This image is a standing Buddha holding an alms bowl, and the inscription on its base dates it to 1465. The smaller viharn is also worth exploring as it contains two small but significant Buddha images.

The Phra Sila Buddha image is a bas relief stele sculpted from stone that depicts a standing Buddha. This image is believed to hold the power of bringing rain and is therefore an essential part of the Songkran festival, held in April at the end of the dry season. The Phra Sae Tang Khamani Buddha image, also known as the Crystal Buddha, is another must-see artifact of the Chiang Man temple. It is believed to have belonged to Chama Thewi, Queen of Hariphunchai in the 8th century and holds protective powers.

The Ho Trai or scripture library is a wooden building that houses the Wat Chiang Man's Buddhist scriptures. It is a lot less elaborate than the one at the Wat Phra Singh but is still a fascinating structure to explore.

To fully appreciate the Wat Chiang Man's historical significance and cultural richness, we recommend taking a private tour with a knowledgeable guide. Our tour agency in Chiang Mai can provide an in-depth travel experience that will make you understand the temple's history and culture better. Book a private tour with us and embark on a journey to discover the beauty and magnificence of the Chiang Man temple.