Wat Phra Singh

Temple in Chiang Mai

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Supanut Arunoprayote.

Wat Phra Singh, officially known as Wat Phra Singh Woramahaviharn, is one of Chiang Mai’s most significant and revered temples. Located in the heart of the city’s Old Town, within the ancient walls and moat, this Royal Temple of the First Grade has a rich history and is a must-visit for travelers exploring northern Thailand.

Location and Entrance of Wat Phra Singh
The Name and Its Legacy
Cultural and Historical Significance
Festivals and Traditions
Temple Highlights
Visiting Wat Phra Singh

Location and Entrance of Wat Phra Singh

Situated at the western end of Chiang Mai’s main street, Rachadamnoen Road, Wat Phra Singh is easily accessible and hard to miss. The temple’s entrance is guarded by imposing singhs (lion figures), a striking feature that welcomes visitors to its sacred grounds. From the temple, Rachadamnoen Road stretches eastward, connecting to the iconic Tha Phae Gate and eventually leading to the Ping River.

The Name and Its Legacy

The name “Phra Singh” derives from Phra-Put-Tha-Shi-Hing, not the Thai word for “lion.” The temple’s centerpiece, the Phra Buddha Sihing statue, is a revered relic with a mysterious past. According to legend, it is a replica of a sacred lion statue once housed in India’s Mahabodhi Temple. The statue is said to have journeyed from Sri Lanka to Nakhon Si Thammarat, then Ayutthaya, before finally reaching Chiang Mai in 1367. While its authenticity has been debated—particularly after the alleged theft of the statue’s head in 1922—the Phra Buddha Sihing remains central to the temple’s identity.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The temple’s origins date back to 1345 when King Phayu of the Mangrai dynasty built a chedi to enshrine his father King Kham Fu’s ashes. Over time, additional structures were added, including the ornate Wihan Lai Kham, known for its intricate Lanna-style architecture. The temple complex was renamed Wat Phra Singh after the arrival of the Phra Buddha Sihing statue.

Abandoned and left in disrepair during Lanna’s Burmese occupation from 1578 to 1774, the temple saw a revival under King Kawila, who rebuilt the ubosot and enlarged the chedi. Later, the temple underwent extensive renovations, first by the renowned monk Khru Ba Srivichai in the 1920s and again in 2002 to preserve its architectural beauty.

Festivals and Traditions

Wat Phra Singh plays a central role in Chiang Mai’s annual Songkran Festival. During the celebration, the Phra Buddha Sihing statue is paraded through the streets in a grand procession. Devotees and spectators honor the statue by sprinkling water over it, a gesture of respect and blessings during the Thai New Year.

Temple Highlights

Wihan Lai Kham: Famous for its exquisite murals and traditional Lanna craftsmanship.
Ho Trai (Library): A beautifully restored structure showcasing classic Lanna architecture.
The Phra Buddha Sihing: The temple’s most revered statue, housed in the Wihan Lai Kham.

Visiting Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh offers visitors a blend of historical depth, spiritual significance, and cultural immersion. Whether you come to admire its architecture, learn its history, or participate in its vibrant traditions, this iconic temple is a cornerstone of Chiang Mai’s rich heritage.

The Wat Phra Singh appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Chiang Mai!

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