It is located on Sam Lan Road, this
lovely temple dates from 1345 and is one of the
focal points of Songkran festivities each April
13-15 when people bathe the revered Phra
Phutthasihing Buddha image. The temple
compound includes the lovely Lai Kham chapel with
its exquisite woodcarvings and northern-style
murals, and a magnificent scriptural repository with
striking bas relief.
How to get there: From Thapae Gate follow
Ratchadamnern Rd. straight to the end (west). Easy
to walk.
Wat Suan Dok
It's built in a 14th century Lanna Thai
monarch's pleasure gardens and is a favourite spot
for photographers, particularly for striking
sunsets. Several of the white chedies contain
ashes of Chiang Mai's former royal family.
Interesting are the Buddha Phra Chao Kao Tue, one of
the biggest and most beautiful bronze Buddha images
in Thailand.
How to get there: Take Suthep Rd. towards the
mountain. 1 km approx. on your left hand side.
Wat Chiang Man
The oldest temple in Chiang Mai. Build
in 1296 under King Mengrai even before the founding of
the city. Rebuild many times but it's charm
remains. It is noteworthy for a chedi supported by
rows of elephantine buttresses Phra Buddha Sila inside
is a copy of the original Indian image brought here from
Ceylon in 1290. The original is still kept inside
but locked up. The big chedi in the back of the
vihan dates from the 20th century.
How
to get there: Situated at the north end of
Ratchaphakkinai Road, almost opposite Wat lam Chang,
next ot a fallow piece of land.
Wat Ku Tao
The temple is near the
Chiang Mai Stadium. It is noteworthy for an
unusaual bulbous pagoda. The structure is
decorated with colourful porcelain chips and is
believed to represent five Buddhist monk's alms
bowls which symbolise five Lord Buddhas.
How to get there: Located on Chotana 4 Road.
Along Phrapokklao Road at Phratu Chang Phuek, turn
right, keep left, find a notice of the temple and
turn left along a small lane.
Wat Chedi Luang
The temple is the site of an enormous
pagoda, originally 280 feet high, and which was
partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545.
At one time, Wat Chedi Luang housed the revered
Emerald Buddha image now enshrined in Bangkok's Wat
Phra Kaeo. One of Wat Chedi Luang's most
striking architectural features is a magnificent
Naga staircase adorns the chapel's front porch.
The viharn houses a 9m bronze Buddha (made between
1438 and 1441). The huge tree not far from the
entrance is believed to house the guardian spirit of
the city, Lak Muang or Sao Inta Kin.
How to get there: From Thapae Gate, go West on
Ratchadamnern Rd. and cross the first intersection.
At the 2nd turn left (Prapokklao Rd.) Walk past Wat
Phun Tao (recognizable by the huge wooden vihan).
Chedi Luang is next to it.
Wat Ched Yod
The
seven-spired square chedi was inspired by designs at
Bodhagaya. Building started in 1455 under King
Thilokanat to commemorate the 2000th day since the
Buddha died. Example was the Mahabodhi temple
in Bodh Gaya (India). Wat Ched Yod became a
spiritual center of the first order under King
Thilokanat. On the temple compounds there is
also a big square chedi in Sukhothai style that
contains the ashes of King Thilokanat.
How to get there: Located on Super Highway, north of
the Huai Kaeo Nimmanhemin Rd. intersection.
Before you get to the National Museum.
Wat U-Mong
The ruins of this old temple are not that
spectacular. However, a visit is definitely
worthwhile. The place is very well situated within
the forest. It was established in 1355-1385 by
King Kuna as a meditation place for a famous monk.
The compound has a rare statue of the starving Buddha
next to the Chedi. There's also access to an open
zoo in the back of the temple grounds. The little
lake west of the temple contains numerous catfish and
turtles.
How
to get there: Located on Suthep Rd. almost the
end, watch a sign on your left-hand side and turn left
to Soi Wat U-Mong).
Chiang Mai National Museum
The museum houses a collection of Lanna Thai
works of art, ancient Buddha images and war weapons.
It is open daily, except Mondays, Tuesdays and official
holidays, from 9.00 a.m. until noon, and 1.00 until 4.00
p.m.
How
to get there: Located beside Wat Ched Yod, on the
intersection of Nimmanhemin & Suthep roads, opposite the
CMU Convention Center.
