Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai
Main hall at Wat Chiang Man. Photo
Bentley Smith.
Golden details of the main hall. Photo
Bentley Smith.
Inside the larger viharn, home to the city's oldest Buddha. Photo
Alpha.
Ubosot, library and chedi at Wat Chiang Man. Photo
Robbi Baba.
Chedi with elephants and golden spire. Photo
Bentley Smith.
Detail of chedi elephant. Photo
Su-Lin.
Ubosot, constructed in the 19th century. Photo
Bentley Smith.
Smaller of the two meditation halls. Photo
Bentley Smith.
Temple library. Photo
Bentley Smith.
Begun in 1306, Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. It enshrines the Crystal Buddha, one of the greatest treasures in Thailand, and other important Buddha images.
History
Wat Chiang Man was founded in 1306 by King Mengrai, who lived in the temple while overseeing construction of the new capital of Lanna kingdom. According to a stone inscription near the door of the bot, Chiang Man was restored in 1471, 1558, 1571, and 1581.
What to See
Located in the heart of Chiang Mai, Wat Chiang Man consists of two modest-sized meditation halls (wihaan) and an interesting gold-topped chedi along with the usual other temple buildings.
The larger viharn has a beautiful golden facade. Inside is the oldest dated Buddha image in Chiang Mai: a standing Buddha holding a begging bowl, inscribed with the year 1465.
The smaller viharn, fronted with another fine facade and supported inside by massive teakwood pillars, contains two small but precious Buddha images in the throne of the main altar: the Crystal Buddha (Phra Sae Tang Khamani) and the Marble Buddha (Phra Sila Buddha).
Dating probably from the 14th century, the Crystal Buddha belonged to Queen Chamathewi of Lamphun, wife of King Mengrai. Said to have survived the king's burning of Haripunchai (of which the queen was the ruler), it is revered for its power to protect against disaster. The images are accessible on an irregular schedule, but usually only on Sundays.
The Phra Sila Buddha dates from the 8th century and probably comes from Ceylon. Depicting the Buddha overcoming the elephant Nalagiri, the statue is believed to have the power to bring rain. It the focus of a festival at the temple on April 1 each year.
Built in the 15th century and restored in the 19th, the Chedi Chang Lom (Stupa Surrounded by Elephants) is a unique combination of grey stone and glimmering gold. The bottom part is made of stone and is decorated with Sinhalese-style elephants.
South of the chedi is the temple library, with a red balcony and raised white base to protect the manuscripts. Near the ubosot (19th century) is a stele dating from 1581, which records the foundation of Chiang Mai on April 12, 1296 at 4:00 am.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Wat Chiang Man |
| Location: | Chiang Mai, Thailand |
| Category: | Buddhist Temples |
| Faith: | Buddhism |
| Denomination: | Thai |
| Status: | active |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 18.794025° N, 98.989279° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Ratchaphakhinat Rd. and Phra Pok Klao 13, Chiang Mai, Thailand |
| Cost: | Suggested donation 20B |
Travel Resources for Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai Map - our detailed interactive map of Chiang Mai, plus hand-picked links to more
- Chiang Mai Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Chiang Mai Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Chiang Mai Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Chiang Mai tourism
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Wat Chiang Man. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Chiang Mai Map.
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai, Thailand - Asian Historical Architecture
- Wat Chiang Man - Window to Chiang Mai
- Wat Chiang Man - Frommer's
- Wat Chiang Man Review - Fodor's
Article last updated: 06/20/2009.
