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Another Temple to visit if you aren't already "templed out!"
At this one, you will find a chedi that was first built by King Pha Yu (1337-55) to house the bones of his father King Kam Fu (1328- 37).
The recently restored Viharn Lai Kham is a Lanna style viharn and inside are some murals depicting earthy northern Thai scenes and the ways of the Burmese Court.
The murals show two fables illustrating the long suffering of heroes fighting against the powerful forces of evil.
Directly to the east of the main chedi, the wooden ubosot has ornate carvings around its doors and stucco patterns on the wooden pillars, and is usually locked.
The Monastery Library is nice, sitting on a raised base decorated with stucco Devas.
Once again, a few differences from other Temples to admire!
Updated May 23, 2010
The recently restored Viharn Lai Kham is a classic example of a Lanna style viharn and was built to house the Phra Sihing image. It was built by Phra Muang Kaew (r. 1495-1525) and features a Naga staircase and two lions built at the front. Its architecture is a superb example of the Lanna style and one of the most beautiful buildings in Chiang Mai.
Written Nov 28, 2009
Directly to the east of the main chedi, the wooden ubosot has ornate carvings around its doors and stucco patterns on the wooden pillars. The ubosot contains a tower-like shrine known as a mondop. The shape of the shrine was said to be similar to an earlier structure that used to stand in Wat Phra Yeun, Lamphun.
Written Nov 28, 2009
The temples library was built in the reign of Pha Muang Kaew around 1497 and then restored by Chao Kawiroros Suriyawong (r. 1854-70). It was restored again during the reign of King Rama VII when he visited Chiang Mai in 1926. It was designed to keep and protect the delicate sa or mulberry paper sheets used by monks and scribes to keep records and write down folklore. The high stucco-covered stone base of the repository protected the delicate scriptures from the rain, floods and pests.
Written Nov 28, 2009
Wat Phra Singh is probably Chiang Mai's best-known temple, housing the Phra Singh image, completed between 1385 and 1400. Of particular note historically is Vihara Lai Kham in the back, featuring Lanna-style temple murals and intricate gold patterns on red lacquer behind the altar. The large chedi was built in 1345 by King Pha Yu to house the remains of his father King Kam Fu. A typical scripture repository is located at this temple as well. These repositories were designed to keep and protect the delicate sa or mulberry paper sheets used by monks and scribes to keep records and write down folklore. The high stucco-covered stone base of the repository protected the delicate scriptures from the rain, floods and pests. The walls of the chapel are covered with murals illustrating Lanna customs, dress, and scenes from daily life. The lovely Lai Kam chapel houses the revered Phra Singh Buddha image. Sadly, the head was stolen in 1922, and a reproduction is now seen.
Written Nov 28, 2009
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Constructed in the 14th century this is the cities most visited temple. It is home to the cities revered golden Buddha image. The temple area has many beautiful sights, the wihan, chedi & chapels are a delight to explore & photograph.
In the grounds there is a sheltered seating area with tables. The area is completely shaded by trees and is full of Buddhist tenets. It was a great place to relax & cool down.
Updated May 31, 2009
Address: Samlan Road
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Wat Phra Singh is located in the centre of the city in the intersection of Singharaj and Ratchadamnoen Road.
The original name of the temple was Wat Li Chiang Phra but this was changed to Wat Phra Singh when the Phra Sihing Buddha image was first housed here in 1367.
The large jedee was built by King Pha Yu in 1345 to house the remains of his father King Kam Fu.
This temple contains supreme examples of Lanna art.
Updated Dec 17, 2006
Address: Singharat Road
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Constructed in 1345, this temple essentially has two notable features. First is an elaborate fresco detailing the stories of Buddhas life. Quite detailed, and obviously very, very old. Next, in the main hall you'll find a large golden cross-legged Buddha statue, which presides over a collection of various smaller Buddha images..
Bottom-line: A nice wat, though not particularly distinguished from the other temples in Chiang Mai.
Updated Dec 22, 2005
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This is apparently Chiang Mai's most famous temple complex. The "monastery of the lion lord" was established in 1345 to house the ashes of Kinng Kham Fu and to mark the religious centre of the Lanna Kingdom.
On the grounds, visitors will find a library with stucco devas (heavenly beings) and flowery scrollwork, a large circular whitewashed stupa in the shape of a Lankan bell, a large wooden drum, and Wihan Kham, a chapel housing a central statue of Phra Buddha Sing.
Many young monks in their saffron robes also congregate at this wat. Every Songkran festival, there is a procession of the most sacred Buddha image from the wat around Chiang Mai town for the tradition of bathing.
Updated Jun 20, 2005
Address: Sam Lan Road
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Located in old Chiang Mai - that was protected by a city wall you can still see in some places, is the temple Wat Phra Singh.
For those who do not know it yet: Wat means temple.
1345 the King had the first Chedi built here (that are the stone structures that look like a pointed roof - the Pagoda).
With the centuries there have been added more buildings.
Partly they were erected when the burmesian ruled in Thailand, so we can find here some different styles.
For example white painted Chedis are almost surely built in that time.
In the temple itself (lots of wood and golden paintings on the outside) you have some of the best wandpaintings in Thailand. They show scenes of their lives.
On some of them you can see how heavily tattooed their legs have been, looks as if they are wearing leggins.
Written May 8, 2005
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Write a ReviewLocated in old Chiang Mai - that was protected by a city wall you can still see in some places, is the temple Wat Phra Singh. For those who do not know it yet:...
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