Chiang Mai Sights.
Chiang Mai Temples
Chiang Mai has over 300 Buddhist temples (called "wats" in Thai). These include:
Doi Suthep:
The most famous temple in the area, standing on a hill to the north-west of the city. This temple dates from 1383. Its builders allegedly chose its site by placing a relic of the Lord Buddha on an elephant's back and letting the elephant roam until it came across a place where it trumpeted and circled before lying down. The onlookers took this as marking an auspicious place in which to build the temple. The temple's location also affords superb views over the city on a clear day.
Wat Chiang Man:
This is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. King Mengrai lived here while overseeing the construction of the city. This Wat is famous for several unusual images of Buddha. The most extraordinary is the Phra Kaew Kao or Crystal Buddha made in Lavo (Lop Buri) in the 2nd century and Phra Nang Jamthevi brought to rest in Chiang Mai after journeys to Lamphun and Vientiane. It is believed to have the power to bring rain and therefore it is taken around the city in procession every year, if there is a drought, on the first of April.
Wat Phra Singh:
Located within the city walls, dates from 1345 and offers an example of classic northern Thai style architecture. It houses the Phra Singh Buddha, a highly venerated image, transferred here many years ago from Chiang Rai. Wat Phra Singh, located on the west side of Samlan Road, within the old city walls. The main entrance, guarded by two enormous dragon-like "lions," is directly opposite the end of Rajdamnern Road and the old name called 'Wat Lichiang.' Wat Phra Singh has the most complete version of Lanna Chappel and is home to Phra Buddha Sihing, considered Chiang Mai's important and sacred Buddha mage.
Wat Chedi Luang:
Founded in 1401 and dominated by the large Lanna style chedi which dates from the same time, but took many years to finish building. An earthquake damaged the chedi in the 16th century, so now only two thirds of it remains.
In the early 1990s the chedi was reconstructed, financed by UNESCO and the Japanese government. However the result is somewhat controversial, as some claim the new elements are in Central Thai style, not Lanna style.
