Chiang mai
| 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 Ching 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 Chede Lang
| 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 Ches 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.