Chiang Mai Chronicles: Temples & Traditions

A Lanna-era wat built during the 16th century, Wat Samphao features a three-story temple with decorative stucco patterns and a golden junk pagoda.

A historic city gate in Wiang Chiang Mai, Tha Phae Gate is one of the five inner city gates, currently the only one with a door leaf. Originally a two-story gate, it was rebuilt based on historical and archaeological evidence, with a focus on its original 19th-century design.

A wat dedicated to the generals of Ayutthaya who lost their lives in battle, built in 2002-2005 within the city walls of Chiang Mai.

A Buddhist temple, Wat Mahawan, sits on Thaphae Road, showcasing a unique blend of Burmese and Lanna architectural styles. Its notable features include a 19th-century Burmese-influenced assembly hall and a large, Lanna-style assembly hall with 15th-16th-century bronze Buddha images.

A monastery belonging to the Buddhist Sangha, Wat Lam Chang was established in 1839 and houses a Lanna Art Temple with a golden gable and traditional Lanna-style porch, alongside a president's pagoda featuring elephant statues and a bell decorated with glass and lotus patterns.

A historic Buddhist wat, Wat Chiang Man was built in 1297 CE by King Mangrai and features four main attractions: the Chedi Chang Lom, Main Wihan, New Wihan, and Ubosot, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage.

A museum showcasing the development of Chiang Mai from pre-history to present, with 15 rooms featuring a variety of media, including models, pictures, digital video presentations, and graphic displays, illustrating the city's history and proud identity.

A monument commemorating the three kings who built Wiang Chiang Mai, featuring brass and black bronze statues of Phaya Mangrai, Phaya Nam Muang, and Phaya Loi.

Wat Chai Prakiat, also known as Wat Chai Phrakiat, is a historic Buddhist temple established in 1545, with a royal charter from 1857. It is famous for its Buddha statues, including the Rai Chao Buddha, a bronze statue weighing about 5,000 kilograms.

A historic Buddhist monastery, Tung Yu Temple was established in 1576 and features a mix of Lanna and Burmese-Myanmar architectural styles, including a Lanna-shaped temple and a round pagoda.

A Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, housing a prime example of classical Lanna architecture, featuring the Wihan Lai Kham, Ubosot, Ho Trai, and Phrathatluang, with a rich history dating back to 1345.

A Buddhist monastery belonging to the Sangha, Wat Si Koet was built in 1800 and features a large Buddha statue, "King Khaeng Kom", cast in 2027 and weighing over 33 lakhs.

A Buddhist temple in the historic centre of Chiang Mai, featuring a large stupa, city pillar, and ancient Buddha statues.