Wat Chiang Man
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Wat Chiang Man is a Buddhist temple inside the old city of Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand.
attractions: Tha Phae Gate, Tha Phae Gate, Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chedi Luang, Three Kings Monument, Tha Phae Walking Street, Wat Lok Moli, Wat Lok Moli, Zabb E Lee Thai Cooking School, restaurants: The North Gate Jazz Co-Op, Zoe in Yellow, Jok Sompet Restaurant, Huen Phen, Its Good Kitchen (ครัวลำดี), Coconut Shell Thai Food, Akha Ama Phrasingh, Neng Earthen Jar Roast Pork, Goodsouls Kitchen - Vegan Restaurant, Fern Forest Cafe
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Wat Chiang Man is a Buddhist temple inside the old city of Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand.
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The Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai and goes back all the way to the founding of the city in 1296. When King Mengrai decided to build a new city and make it the new capital of the Lanna Kingdom, he build the Wat Chiang Man as the first temple of the new city on the site he used to supervise the construction of Chiang Mai. The temple holds several very old and important Buddha images. Structures of the Wat Chiang Man The chedi Like in most wats, the oldest structure is the chedi. The chedi named Chang Lom Chedi or Elephant Chedi sits on a square base supporting a second level of grey stone that is surrounded by 15 elephants that seem to emerge from it. On top sits the gilded upper part of the chedi, which contains a relic chamber. The chedi is a mixture of Lanna and Singhalese styles. The large viharn The larger of the two viharns is an impressive building with a three tiered roof. The front of the Lanna style viharn is decorated with wood carvings in gold and ochre colors. The building was renovated in the 1920’s by the famous monk Khru Ba Srivichai. This viharn houses the oldest Buddha image in Chiang Mai. The image is a standing Buddha holding an alms bowl, the inscription on its base dates it to 1465. The small viharn The smaller of the viharns which is also built in Lanna style contains two small, but very old and important Buddha images. The stairs to the viharns entrance are guarded by Nagas, a mythical snake like creature. Opposite the entrance behind the large central Buddha image is a ku, a throne like structure where the two highly revered images are kept. How to get to the Wat Chiang Man The Wat Chiang Man is located in the North East corner of the old walled part of Chiang Mai, between Phra Pok Klao 13 road and Ratchaphakhinai 1 road. Entering the old walled part of the city through the Chang Puak gate in the North wall, take a left turn to Ratchaphakhinai 1 road. The temple is then on the right side after about 200 meters. Opening hours The temple complex is open daily from 6 am until 5 pm. Entrance fee Admission is free.
Phyo Min Maung MaungPhyo Min Maung Maung
50
Wat Chiang Man is an absolutely beautiful Buddhist temple located in the old city of Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, I was immediately charmed by the peaceful and serene atmosphere that emanated from the place. The temple is extremely well maintained, and the cleanliness is impeccable. A perfect place for families I visited Wat Chiang Man with my children, and they were immediately fascinated by the Buddha statues and the many colorful decorations. The temple is quite small, which makes it easy to explore with young children. In addition, there is a shady green space where they can run and play. Excellent value for money Admission to the temple is free, which is a considerable asset. It is possible to make offerings to the monks, but this is not obligatory. An architectural gem The architecture of Wat Chiang Man is truly unique. The buildings are decorated with intricate sculptures and colorful murals. The Chedi, which is the central monument of the temple, is particularly impressive. In summary I highly recommend Wat Chiang Man to all visitors to Chiang Mai. It is an ideal place to relax, recharge your batteries and admire the beauty of Thai art and culture. Highlights: Spotless cleanliness Child friendly Free entry Magnificent architecture Peaceful atmosphere Tips: Wear covering clothes and respect the premises. Remember to remove your shoes before entering the buildings. You can make offerings to the monks, but this is not obligatory. Take the time to stroll around the temple and admire the details.
Lexa ZnifLexa Znif
10
One of the oldest temples in the Chiang Mai province and one of the most beautiful from this observer's point of view. Originally the campsite of King Mengrai and his two allied kings from Sukhothai and Payao (the well-known "3 Kings" of history), Wat Chiang Man has a chedi that was originally commissioned by King Mengrai himself around 1296AD. This alone would make a visit to this temple a "must see" but on top of this, the main Vihara or meeting hall is one of the most interesting in Chiang Mai. The secondary Vihara is a definite "must see" with walls painted with scenes from the Buddha's life as written in the suttas. The library where the precious scriptures are stored is a classic example rodent proofing with the building standing in the middle of a pond and accessible only across a walkway only engaged when the monks need to go there. The walks around the Viharas, the Ordination Hall and the famous Chedi (surrounded by elephant statues) are landscaped as only the Thais can do, and there's a memorial to King Mengrai in the rear garden as well. This is a charming place and a sacred space for Buddhist pilgrims and with it's history and historic relics this is definitely a compulsory temple for the true history enthusiast. Wat Chiang Man incidentally is situated at the heart chakra of the Old City which has all the bodily chakras of a living human being.
Christopher BrownChristopher Brown
00
One of my favorite wats in a quiet area of Chiang Mai. Parking is easy car or motorbike. The main chedi has elephants incorporated into the design of the base. Chedi Chang Lom - the 'Elephant Chedi' is the oldest construction within the temple complex. The square base supports a second level which has the front half of 15 life-sized brick-and-stucco elephants emerging from it. The elephants seem to carry the upper levels of the building on their backs. The gilded upper part of the chedi contains a bell shaped relic chamber directly underneath the pinnacle. Main Wihan - the larger of the two wihans was renovated in the 1920s by the monk Khru Ba Srivichai. The building houses a large mondop structure for an altar surrounded by Buddha statues. One of the standing Buddha's has the year 1465 CE engraved on its base, which would make it the oldest statue of the Lanna Kingdom. It is also the oldest statue of Thailand which shows the Buddha with an alms bowl. The façade of the wihan features gilded carvings of Kirtimukha in between flower and plant motives.
Phillip HockingsPhillip Hockings
30
Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. It was commissioned by the first king of Chiang Mai Mengari in 1306. The Chedi is impressive. It is one of the oldest buildings in this place. The Chedi is supported by 15 elephants built on bricks and then decorated with stucco. The style is a blend of indigenous Lanna elements and Sri Lankan influences. The larger main vihran is decorated inside with red and gold lacquer work depicting scenes from the life of Buddha, as well as scenes from everyday life. The second vihran houses two famous Buddha statues, but they can hardly be seen as they are protected by bars. One statue shows Buddha taming an angry elephant, which in this picture is tiny and doesn't look much like a menace. The second statue is said to be a crystal Buddha. Wat Chiang Man is definitely worth a visiting.
Bhie BkkBhie Bkk
00
Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. The location of this temple compound was originally used by King Mangrai when he was building his Kingdom's capital city of Chiang Mai. The elephant statue based Chedi is considered the oldest temple structure in Chiang Mai. There had been a previous capital city location which was lost for a long time but has recently been excavated and to some degree restored. It is now knowns as the Ancient City of Wiang Kum Kam, located slightly south and east of the River Ping from Chiang Mai. I visit this temple fairly often and spend most of my time just sitting under a tree, observing whatever is going on that day. The temple dogs are my constant companions, but they tend to do more sleeping than anything else, so I try to follow their example and just chill out for a while.
George Mann - Photo & Video (George Mann Photo)George Mann - Photo & Video (George Mann Photo)
10
Nearby Attractions Of Wat Chiang Man
Tha Phae Gate
Tha Phae Gate
Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan
Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang
Three Kings Monument
Tha Phae Walking Street
Wat Lok Moli
Wat Lok Moli
Zabb E Lee Thai Cooking School
Tha Phae Gate
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Tha Phae Gate
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Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan
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Wat Chedi Luang
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Nearby Restaurants Of Wat Chiang Man
The North Gate Jazz Co-Op
Zoe in Yellow
Jok Sompet Restaurant
Huen Phen
Its Good Kitchen (ครัวลำดี)
Coconut Shell Thai Food
Akha Ama Phrasingh
Neng Earthen Jar Roast Pork
Goodsouls Kitchen - Vegan Restaurant
Fern Forest Cafe
The North Gate Jazz Co-Op
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(1.9K)$
Click for details
Zoe in Yellow
4.2
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Click for details
Jok Sompet Restaurant
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(1.6K)Click for details
Huen Phen
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Reviews
Overview
4.6
(2.2K reviews)
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