8 Gorgeous Temples in Chiang Mai You Must See
The city of Chiang Mai reflects the character of Thailand in all its architectural wonders, especially in every temples. Here are 8 gorgeous temples in Chiang Mai you must see :
1. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep - Photo by @vieira.hana
One of the temples in Chiang Mai that that must be visited is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep or commonly called Doi Suthep. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is Chiang Mai temple on mountain. At the time of Doi Suthep, there were a number of regulations that needed to be obeyed because actually Doi Suthep was a place that was very sacred by Buddhists. Clothing worn is not allowed to be careless. Must be well-dressed. If you wear shorts, visitors can rent cloth to cover the shorts.
After buying a ticket, visitors can go up to the elevator that goes to the summit of Mount Doi Suthep or go up the stairs for arounf 309 steps. Once you reach the top, visitors can see the atmosphere of Chiang Mai from above. The scenery is very beautiful because you can see the whole city. Even the flight back and forth when landing at Chiang Mai Airport can also be seen. This is one of breathtaking things to do in Chiang Mai. Many tourists and Buddhists come to Doi Suthep. Both for taking pictures or praying, asking for safety, asking for luck, and giving offerings.
2. Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang - Photo by @_chloehk
Wat Chedi Luang is one of Buddhist temples in Chiang mai, and located in the middle of Chiang Mai City. With the height of the main pagoda reaching 86 meters, mplex Wat Chedi Luang was once the tallest building in Chiang Mai. This temple contains a standing Buddha statue called Phra Chao Attarot that attracts many people who are curious and want to uncover the mystery of this temple. Its conditions are partly destroyed to bring a mysterious nuance and its presence is very prominent in the historic city center.
Right next to the entrance, tourists will find the Dipterocarpus tree and the city pillar, both of which are believed to be the holy protectors of the city. You don't need to pay for an entrance ticket. Donations will be welcomed. You can visit this temple every day from morning to evening. After a historical tour, you can take pictures at a world full of 3D illusions, Art in Paradise Chiang Mai. The distance is only 10 minutes from Wat Chedi Luang by taxi.
3. Wat Phra Singh
Wat Phra Singh - Photo by @travelandfunworld
Wat Phra Singh is a 14th century Buddhist one of famous temples in Chiang Mai for the iconic statue of Phra Buddha Sihing. The temple has a well-arranged area with a row of coffee shops around the stunning pavilion. Enjoy the calm atmosphere in the park and around the historical complex chapel.
During the Songkran festival April 13-15, Phra Phutthasihing Buddha Statue will be paraded in a procession around the city so that residents can bathe Rupang with fragrant smelling water, believed to give good luck to this city.
You can chat with some of the 700 monks who are usually interested in practicing English with visitors. They sometimes participate in activities with children and community members. You can buy food and drinks at various kiosks. Note that this temple is especially crowded during national holidays and Buddhist celebrations.
4. Wat Chiang Man
Wat Chiang Man - Photo by @_nomadic_mama
Wat Chiang Man is one of magnificent temples in Chiang Mai with interesting history and an iconic golden peak. This place was founded in the 13th century, when King Mengrai decided to make Chiang Mai the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Explore a variety of religious objects here, some of which are important in Buddhism. Visit the stupa, which is the main temple building, decorated with 15 elephant carvings. Observe the golden roof that combines the Lanna and Singhalese design styles. You can make a donation to the temple, and no need to pay for the entrance ticket. This place is open to the public every day from morning to evening.
5. Wat Suan Dok
Wat Suan Dok - Photo by @andrew__rowlands
Located approximately 1 km west of Suandok City Gate, formerly the land of Wat Suan Dok is a botanical garden given by the king to monks from Sukhothai. Inside the main building is 500-year-old Bronze Buddha statue, one of the largest in Thailand. On the front there are many white stupas which are also the tombs of several members of the Chiang Mai kingdom. The scenery here is beautiful at sunset because there are many open areas. The building was also once a dormitory for Thera Sumana monks who became Lanka schools in the Lanna Kingdom. This temple was then ignored during the rule of Burma and was recently renovated during the time of King Borommarachathipbodi Kawila of the Thipchakkrathiwong Dynasty.
6. Wat Chet Yot
Wat Chet Yot - Photo by @320.94
Wat Chet Yot or known as Wat Photaram Mahaviharm. This temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples that has seven unique stupas. There is still no clear evidence when this temple was built. However, by comparing it with temples near Wat Chet Yot such as, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Doi Thong, Wat Ngam Muang, and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Chet Yot was interpreted to be built during the Lanna period. When the Lanna kingdom deteriorated and became a Burmese colony for more than 600 years, Chiang Saen and Chiang Rai deteriorated as well, causing the temple to become deserted. However, now Wat Chet Yot is one of the temples in Chiang Mai which visited by many visitors. Some come to pray, some come to tour while learning about the history of this temple.
7. Wat Chedi Liam
Wat Chedi Liam - Photo by @_yuri_yudhistira
Wat Chedi Liam is one of the Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai, precisely in Wiang Kum Kam. Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient protected city built by King Mengrai of the Lanna kingdom. Wiang Kum Kam is the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, but only for 10 years until 1296, when Chiang Mai was established a few kilometers north. The temple was founded in 1288, Wat Chedi Liam is a temple inhabited by settled monks. The name translates to "temple of the square chedi". This temple also known as Wat Ku Kham Luang consists of ancient chedi and newer viharn and ubosot. The only building left of this 13th century temple is the Mon Dvaravati style chedi which is still well maintained.
8. Wat Sri Suphan
Wat Sri Suphan - Photo by @plantscatsandoutdoors
Wat Si Suphan is a silver temple Chiang Mai which located on Wualai Street, Tambon Hai Ya, Amphoe Mueang from Chiang Mai Province. It was built during the reign of King Mueang Kaeo of the Mangrai dynasty in 1500 by storing the Buddha's statue Phrachao Ched Tue or Phra Phutthapatihan. Wat Sri Suphan is one of magnificent temple in Thailand with a wonderful architecture.
The architecture is built in the Lanna style of stone and aluminum and silver decorations above fine carvings. This three-dimensional art depicts stories of Buddhism, dharma and temple history with the aim not only to preserve religion, local wisdom in silver art, but also to preserve the pride of the Lanna kingdom for generations to come.
If you go to Chiang Mai with your children, then you should take them to Chiang Mai Night Safari which is located only 17 minutes by car from Wat Sri Suphan. Temples architecture in Chiang Mai is not much different from the architecture of Chiang Rai temples. But there are still unique things that make Chiang Mai one of the destinations in Thailand that must be visited. 8 gorgeous temples in Chiang Mai you must see above are one of them that must be visited
