To Worship Buddha in Northern Thailand, There’s One Stop You Can’t Miss ⁠ The Northern Capital of Buddhism, Chiang Mai

Wat Chedi Luang, the most famous temple in downtown Chiang Mai, is known as “Great Pagoda Temple” because of its continuous preservation of a pagoda with more than 600 years of history. The temple has a very important religious role, and the jade Buddha statue in the Jade Buddha Temple in Bangkok was transferred from the Wat Chedi Luang Shrine.

Built in 1411, the four-sided Lanna-style pagoda in Wat Chedi Luang Shrine has a height of nearly 60 meters. During a great earthquake in Chiang Mai in the 16th century, the pagoda reportedly collapsed overnight. The United Nations contributed funds for the restoration of the pagoda, but since the spire could not be repaired without detailed information, a flat-top pagoda is what we see today.

Wat Phra Singh, one of the most prestigious temples in Chiang Mai, is famous for its worship of the Lion Buddha Phra Singh. Several statues can be found in the temple. According to local sayings, the gilded images of eminent monks that have been deceased for years are worshiped here by their followers. Upon close examination, the figures covered in gold-foil are so lifelike that it’s difficult to tell the difference between what’s real or fake.

In addition to the gilded images of eminent monks, Wat Phra Singh, with its resplendent and magnificent decorations, also has exquisite wood carvings and murals about Buddhist stories. They’re extremely refined and realistic, and are worth appreciating.

Wat Chiang Man, built in 1297, with a history of more than 700 years, , is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, and was used as the palace and residence of the King. The environment of the temple isn’t only elegant and quiet, the buildings are magnificent and exquisite, and it preserves the ruins of many ancient dynasties.

In the main hall of Wat Chiang Man, you can see very characteristic Lanna-style thick teak pillars, a typical Northern Thailand architecture style. The walls of the temple are covered with red and gold printed murals depicting the various scenes throughout the life of King Mangrai, the father of Chiang Mai.

Two well-known precious Buddha figures in the main hall of Wat Chiang Man are also worshipped. One is a miniature crystal Buddha figure that was made 1800 years ago, believed by its followers to have the power to bring about rain. It was carved in northern India during the 6th century; while the other is an even older Gautama Buddha figure.

Ssangyong Temple, located on the hillside of Doi Suthep Mountain near Chiang Mai, worships the relics of Sakyamuni (or the Buddha), making it one of the most important Buddhist holy places in Northern Thailand. Legend has it that a white elephant carrying Buddhist relics came to Doi Suthep Mountain, trumpeted three times, fell down and died. Following this, the King ordered his people to build a temple here to worship the relics.

The 309 steps in front of the Ssangyong Temple, formerly known as the Doi Suthep Temple, are guarded by two dragon sculptures, and is where the temple derives its name. Every day there’s an endless stream of devout believers who climb more than 300 stairs up the ladder to the Ssangyong Temple, step by step, to worship and pray for good fortune.

Known as the “Forest Temple”, Wat Umong is surrounded by large forests and a lake, offering a quiet and tranquil environment. The temple has an ancient brick tunnel for monks and believers to meditate and cultivate their practice, and is a good place for tourists to meditate and experience Buddhist spiritual development.

Wat Umong was first built in the 14th century during the reign of King Mengrai, with its main hall constructed amid tunnels in caves, and is a very special place. Originally there were beautiful murals in the cave, but they were damaged and stolen in the early 20th century, and now only partial relics remain.

During the Loi Krathong Festival, you can go to Wat Phan Tao in ancient Chiang Mai to float water lamps! The small temple is packed with monks and worshipers. You can float beautiful water lamps accompanied by melodious local music, and there’s also a group sky lantern releasing activity, which is definitely the most traditional and authentic Loi Krathong Festival experience.

If not for the Loi Krathong Festival, Wat Phan Tao would merely be a quiet, ordinary ancient temple. It used to be the Buddha casting site, where Buddha figurines were casted for important temples. The temple has a large and ancient teak hall, which is one of the few remaining pure wood buildings in Thailand.

In the temple’s courtyard, there’s an artificial creek with a golden Buddha sitting on the sand behind it that depicts the scene of Buddha’s enlightenment under a Bodhi tree, and is a place for floating water lamps during the Loi Krathong Festival.

Wat Suan Dok located at the foot of the Doi Suthep Mountain near Chiang Mai, was built in the 14th century, and was the site of the Lanna Thai Dynasty’s royal garden. Holding the largest bronze statue of Buddha in Thailand, it has a history of more than 500 years, and is also the site of the only religious university in Northern Thailand.

On the west side of the temple, there’s a white pagoda forest, a secluded area where few people tread. When the sun sets, the sun turns the small and large Buddhist pagodas nearby a golden yellow, making it the most beautiful sunset photography location in Chiang Mai, and a favorite location for photography enthusiasts.