Wat Chiang Man Complex

Temple in Chiang Mai

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Supanut Arunoprayote.

Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, dating back to the city’s founding in 1296. Nestled within the Old City, this serene temple is a must-visit for those looking to explore the rich history and spiritual heritage of the Lanna Kingdom. Despite being one of the more understated temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Chiang Man is home to important historical artifacts, including two revered Buddha statues—the Crystal Buddha and the Phra Sila Buddha. Its tranquil surroundings, ancient architecture, and cultural significance make it a perfect stop for anyone exploring the heart of Chiang Mai. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking a peaceful place to reflect, Wat Chiang Man offers a quiet retreat with plenty of historical charm.

What to see in Wat Chiang Man

Chedi Chang Lom

Chedi Chang Lom, often referred to as the ‘Elephant Chedi,’ is the oldest structure within the Wat Chiang Man temple complex. The chedi is distinguished by a square base that supports a second level, featuring 15 life-sized brick-and-stucco elephants. These elephants appear to be carrying the upper levels of the chedi on their backs, creating a striking visual effect. The gilded upper portion of the chedi houses a bell-shaped relic chamber, positioned directly beneath the pinnacle.

Main Wihan

The Main Wihan, the larger of the two wihans at Wat Chiang Man, was renovated in the 1920s by the famous monk Khru Ba Srivichai. The wihan houses a large mondop structure that serves as the altar, surrounded by numerous Buddha statues. One of these statues, a standing Buddha, is dated to 1465 CE, making it the oldest statue from the Lanna Kingdom and the oldest in Thailand that depicts the Buddha holding an alms bowl. The façade of the wihan is adorned with intricate gilded carvings of Kirtimukha, surrounded by floral and plant motifs.

New Wihan

The New Wihan, the smaller of the two wihans, is home to two highly regarded Buddha statues known for their protective powers. These statues are considered the Palladium statues of Chiang Mai. The Phra Sae Tang Khamani, also called the ‘Crystal Buddha,’ is carved from clear quartz and stands just 10 cm tall. Thought to have been crafted around 200 CE, it was brought to Chiang Mai by King Mangrai in 1296 after the conquest of Lamphun. The statue is believed to offer protection from disasters. The second statue, Phra Sila, is a stone stele depicting the Buddha taming the elephant Nalagiri in bas-relief. This statue is believed to have rain-giving powers, which is why it plays a prominent role during the Songkran festival.

Ubosot

The Ubosot of Wat Chiang Man holds historical significance, with a stone stele placed in front of it. The stele, dated to 1581 CE, contains the earliest mention of Chiang Mai’s founding date—April 12, 1296, at 4 a.m. It also details that the Ubosot was commissioned by King Mangrai, with a restoration by Phya Saen Luang in 1571. The current building of the Ubosot was constructed in the 19th century, adding to the temple’s historical richness.

Ho Trai

The Ho Trai, or Temple Library, of Wat Chiang Man, is relatively simple compared to the ornate libraries of other temples like Wat Phra Singh. It is a wooden structure built on a high plastered brick base, serving as a scripture depository. Notably, many temples in Chiang Mai do not feature a Ho Trai, making this a unique aspect of Wat Chiang Man.

Lotus Pond

In addition to the Ho Trai, Wat Chiang Man also features a serene lotus pond, which is not a common feature in many Chiang Mai temples. The lotus pond, along with the Ho Trai, adds a peaceful element to the temple complex, offering a tranquil space for reflection and contemplation.

The Wat Chiang Man Complex appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Chiang Mai!

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