Wander around Wat Chiang Man
Posted by Northerner on October 1st, 2010 filed in AttractionsWat Chiang Man is found in Chiang Mai’s old quarter of the city, and is also Chiang Mai’s oldest temple, built 700 years ago. It is thus well worth a visit as it is a particularly significant religious, historical, and cultural site.
Wat Chiang Man’s grounds house a number of small temples, and a chedi whose base is lined with elephant sculptures, located behind the main prayer hall. This temple is a great place to go to see some of the finest Northern Thai style architecture, with all the buildings showing off traditional Northern style decorations and architecture including gold lead, red lacquer, and numerous coloured mirrors. The roof and stairs of Wat Chiang Man are also particularly fascinating with their imposing statues of Naga – the serpent protecting the temple – winding their way up the stairs, and also stretching out on the gables of the roof.
For those interested in Buddhism, there are 2 very sacred Buddha images houses in the Wiharn which is the building on the right of the main prayer hall. One of these images is supposed to have come from Sri Lanka to Thailand more than 2000 years ago, and the other from the Lopburi province in Thailand around 1,800 years ago.
There’s no doubting that Wat Chiang Man is incredibly rich in history and religious significance. In addition to this amazing architecture and sacred Buddha images, Wat Chiang Man also houses a stone tablet near its ordination hall (ubosot) which dates from the late 16th century and recounts the founding of Chiang Mai by King Mengrai.
Whilst Wat Chiang Man is located slightly off the main tourist trail, it’s not difficult to get there. It’s located on Ratchaphakhinai Road near the intersection with Sri Phum Road, which runs just inside the moat along the north wall of the old city. Alternatively, just jump into a songtaew and tell the driver where you want to go. Songtaews are cheap and a great to get around.