Tourist Attractions in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Wat Prasat
In Chiang Mai, Wat Prasat is located in close proximity to Wat Phra Singh. It is well recognised for its architecture in the Lanna style and is believed to be one of the most ancient wats that has been renovated in the city. The temple’s roofing are composed of many tiers each. The main hall’s walls are adorned with stunning laai kham patterns that tell the story of Buddha’s life and the events that transpired during his lifetime. A great number of the artwork adorning the walls depict scenes from young Siddhartha’s life.
Wat Chedi Luang
The temple complex known as Wat Chedi Luang was constructed during the first part of the 15th century. It is famous for the sacred stupa built in the Lanna style, which at one time had a very large footprint and is said to have been constructed in the year 1441. In following years, it sustained significant damage, and it is currently in a partially destroyed form. A jade copy of the Phra Kaew may be found inside the temple (Emerald Buddha that is currently in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok). In the area around the stupa, you can also see six elephant sculptures, of which only one is the original work and the other five are reconstructions of the originals.
Wat Jet Yot
On the outskirts of Chiang Mai is a place called Jet Yot, which is located near to the National Museum. The building is said to have been constructed in the 15th century and is designed to resemble the Maha Bodhi Temple in India. In order to accommodate the ninth World Buddhist Council, which took place in 1477, the temple was built.There are seven towers, known as jet yawt, atop the wat. The original stucco relief work may be seen on the outside walls of the ancient hall. You may also go inside a historic stupa that is located in the vicinity of the temple.
Wat Phan Tao
The Wat Phan Tao may be found in close proximity to the Wat Chedi Luang. Teak was used to construct an old hall that is the temple’s most famous feature. There are several panels made of moulded teak that have been attached to one another. In all, about 28 pillars were used in order to provide support for the panels. This temple has a number of historical artefacts, including bells from long ago, gilded Buddhas, ceramics, and antique texts.
Wat Chiang Man
It is thought that the temple edifice known as Wat Chiang Man is Chiang Mai’s oldest building. Phaya Mengrai is responsible for the construction of this wat. The architecture of a northern Thailand temple was used in its construction. Within this temple are two statues of Buddha referred to respectively as Phra Sila and Phra Satag Man. The first one is a bas-relief Buddha sculpted out of marble that is said to be around 2,000 years old. The second one is constructed of crystal that dates back around 1800 years and originated in Lavo, which is located in Laos.
Wat Phra Singh
This Buddhist temple is frequented by a significant number of people each and every day since it is known for housing a revered picture of the Lion Buddha, also known as Phra Singh. During the middle of the 14th century, King Pa Yo initiated the building of this wat. The figure of the Buddha known as the Lion, which is thought to have originated in Sri Lanka, may be seen in the wat’s main hall. In the main hall there are several vivid mural paintings that you may see. The primary stupa that can be seen here is constructed in the standard Lanna style. There is a beautiful church not far away that has spectacular gold decorations.
Wat Chaing Yeun
This temple was built in the 16th century and may be found on the edge of the ancient city, more specifically on the northeastern side. The temple is famous for the pavilions and gate that are designed in a Burmese style. On the eastern side of the school area is where you will find both the gate and the pavilions. A significant stupa built in the style of northern Thailand’s architecture may also be found here. You may get miang, which is a pickled tea dish prepared in a Burmese manner, and noodles at a number of the stores and restaurants in this region.
National Museum
The Chiang Mai National Museum was established in 1954 to preserve the country’s historical art and culture. It is located next to the Wat Jet Yot and dates back to the same year. When the museum first opened, it only had a few Lanna Buddhas and some potsherds on exhibit. However, the museum’s collection has since expanded to include over a million objects. You’ll find a wide variety of Buddha pictures of varying dimensions and aesthetics on display here. Additionally on show are examples of pottery, implements used in agriculture and domestic tasks, as well as antique weaponry.
Tribal Museum
The Chiang Mai Tribal Museum may be found in the city’s northernmost neighbourhood. The museum was first established in the building that housed the Tribal Research Institute in 1965; however, in 1997 it was relocated to its present site. The many ethnic groups that may be found in Thailand are represented here by a wide variety of artefacts, including jewellery, clothing, kitchenware, handicrafts, tools, and arms, among other things. All of the artefacts that are on show at the museum provide information on the history and culture of the various tribes. There is an exhibition here that informs about the different efforts being made for the wellbeing of these tribes by the royal family as well as other organisations.
