Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. It was built in 1297 on the site of Wiang Nopburi, a fortified town of Lawa people who had been used as a camp by King Mangrai during the construction of his new capital Chiang Mai. The oldest structure of the temple is a chedi called Chang Lom Chedi or Elephant Chedi. Its base is on a square base surrounded by 15 elephants and its top is covered with gold. The larger of the two viharns is a wide building. its Lanna style facade is decorated with woodcarvings and gold. It houses the oldest Buddha image in Chiang Mai, a standing Buddha holding an alms bowl. Tere are many others very old Buddha images in Wat Chiang Man. In addition to its numerous other Lanna style buildings, the temple also has a small scripture library or Ho Trai.
Need a hotel near Wat Chiang Man ?
Do you want to stay in a hotel near Wat Chiang Man ?
Wat Chiang Man is located in Chiang Mai fortified central square surrounded by moats. If your hotel is also in this area or is in the immediate vicinity, it will be easy to reach the Wat Phan Tao temple by walking or by bicycle (many hotels and guesthouses rent bicycles or there are several rental shops in town, it is generally around 50 THB per day). If you prefer, there is hiring a tuk-tuk or getting into one of the cars that circulate in town after indicating your destination are other options to get there.
Offered in English In this trip, we will follow the guidance of a local to give your offering to the monks in the early morning. Most of common gifts are included rice, fresh fruit and traditional dessert in the alms bowl. We will then go on the the most important temple hopping in Chiang Mai and discover the ancient days of this peaceful city.