Wat Phra Singh ‘The secret of Lanna Kingdom’
Wat Phra Singh is one of the temples in Chiang Mai. It consists of many memorable things, including art, decoration style and atmosphere. Go see once in lifetime for yourself!
Lanna culture is something valuable! Chiang Mai, in the past, was once a part of Lanna Kingdom. Therefore you shouldn’t miss a chance of learning Lanna history when you arrive Chiang Mai! And what is the best thing for learning a town’s history? Temples, probably. Temples are usually built in ancient ages. That’s why they should reflect the lifestyles of people from centuries ago.
🏛️ Lanna’s Legacy Through Temples
Lanna culture is something truly valuable, rich with spirituality, artistry, and wisdom from the past. Chiang Mai, once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, remains a living museum of this ancient culture. And what better way to learn about a kingdom’s soul than through its temples? Built in ancient times, temples reflect the beliefs, values, and lifestyles of the people who lived centuries ago. Among them, Wat Phra Singh Woramahawiharn stands as a magnificent beacon of Lanna identity.
🚩 Walk Into Wonder
As soon as you enter the temple grounds, you’re embraced by a stunning blend of gold and deep brown hues. The structures sparkle under the sun, their elaborate rooftops reaching skyward like a salute to the heavens. The air smells faintly of incense and blossoms. Birds chirp in the shaded courtyards, and gentle footsteps echo softly across the tiled paths. Phra Singh temple, as it’s commonly known, is more than just an architectural treasure—it’s a spiritual landmark, a cultural classroom, and a sanctuary for reflection. This is one of the most Important Temples in Chiang Mai and an essential stop on any meaningful journey through Northern Thailand.
⛪ A Temple Born of Devotion
Established in 1345 by King Phaya Phayu of the Mangrai Dynasty, Wat Phra Singh Woramahawiharn was originally built to enshrine his father’s ashes in a chedi that rose 24 cubits high. Since then, the temple has grown in stature and structure, becoming the home of the sacred Phra Buddha Sihing (Phra Singh) image. This revered statue is the spiritual heart of Chiang Mai, drawing thousands of devotees and visitors each year.
📖 Phra Buddha Sihing: A Sacred Symbol of Chiang Mai
Phra Buddha Sihing is not only the temple’s namesake but also one of the most highly venerated Buddha images in Northern Thailand. Housed within the exquisite Lai Kham Viharn, this elegant statue in the Subduing Mara posture is believed to bring blessings and protection. During the Thai New Year or Songkran Festival, the statue is ceremoniously placed on a decorated palanquin and paraded through the streets of Chiang Mai. Locals and tourists alike gather to gently pour water over the image, a gesture of purification and reverence. The atmosphere is vibrant yet deeply respectful—drums echo, flowers are scattered along the path, and smiles abound. It is an unforgettable fusion of culture, community, and devotion.
🔄 The Sacred Structures Within
The temple complex is spacious and filled with architectural marvels:
- The Ubosot: This ordination hall is a rectangular building with golden facades and traditional Lanna art. Its large, intricately latticed windows allow light to pour into the prayer space, while staircases guarded by glorious Naga sculptures add a mythic flair. The entire structure, from base to roof, is covered in sophisticated carvings that showcase Lanna craftsmanship.
- Ho Trai (Scripture Library): Built from a mix of wood and stucco, this elevated library houses ancient Buddhist manuscripts. Outside, celestial deities in dynamic postures appear to float around the structure, while inside, mythical Himavanta creatures like winged mermaids and elephant-headed lions stand guard over sacred texts.
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Lai Kham Viharn: Arguably the most beloved part of the temple, this viharn is a true masterpiece of Northern Thai design. Two lion statues flank the Naga-protected staircase, and inside sits the famed Phra Singh Buddha. The interior is adorned with breathtaking murals that narrate Thai literary classics and Buddhist teachings—a visual storytelling experience that captures the essence of the Lanna worldview.
🌈 Mural Masterpieces
Every inch of Lai Kham Viharn speaks volumes. The ancient murals inside depict Jataka tales, local legends, and traditional Thai literature. Painted with natural pigments centuries ago, these works preserve not only aesthetics but also morals and memories. They serve as a time capsule of spiritual life, offering insight into the Lanna people’s thoughts, beliefs, and daily rituals.
🏠 Family-Friendly and Accessible
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the temple is suitable for all ages—children, teens, and elders. Clean restrooms are available for both men and women. It’s a perfect place to visit with loved ones, offering both serenity and enrichment. As one of the top Chiang Mai Tourist attractions, it’s a space where learning and peace go hand in hand.
💸 Entrance Fees & Respectful Visits
Thai nationals can enter for free, while international visitors are asked to pay a modest fee (usually 20–50 THB) to access key areas like the Lai Kham Viharn. Modest clothing is required; shoulders and knees should be covered, and shoes removed before entering sacred buildings. English signs and friendly staff ensure a welcoming experience for everyone.
🛁 How to Get There
Wat Phra Singh is located on Sam Lan Road in the heart of Chiang Mai’s old city, at the junction of Singharat Road and Ratchadamnoen Road. Travelers can either drive or take a red songthaew (shared taxi), which offers affordable and flexible transportation. If you’re joining a Tour Chiang Mai, this temple is guaranteed to be on the itinerary.
Nearby Places
In the center of the old walled city, behind the monument to the Three Kings, stands the old provincial hall. Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre is the center of Lanna arts and culture. Set in the former Provincial Hall, a handsome Thai-colonial-style building from 1927, this museum provides an excellent primer on Chiang Mai history. Dioramas, photos, artefacts and audiovisual displays walk visitors through the key battles and victories in the Chiang Mai story, from the first settlements to the arrival of the railroad. Upstairs is a charming recreation of a wooden Lanna village.
One of Chiang Mai’s most important temples is the Wat Chedi Luang located in the ancient walled part of the city. The Wat Chedi Luang, also known as the Jedi Luang and “The temple of the Great Stupa” initially consisted of two more temples named Wat Ho Tham and Wat Sukmin, that were all merged into one. It’s most prominent feature is the massive and very impressive chedi dominating the area.
In the year 1545 disaster struck when a massive earthquake destroyed much of the chedi. The quake took off some 60 meters from the top of the chedi after which about 60 meters remained. In the 1990’s the chedi was partially restored.
Wat Phan Tao is an ancient temple that sits right next to the sacred Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai town. It is known for its exquisite Lanna-style ordination hall (Wihan) entirely made of teakwood, which served as a throne hall during the reign of King Mahotara Prateth. It is now where the sacred Phan Tao buddha image is enshrined.
Chiang Mai’s oldest temple was established by the city’s founder, Phaya Mengrai, sometime around 1296. Wat Chiang Man was built in 1296 by King Mengrai of Lanna kingdom. The temple is famous for its Lanna-style chedi supported by rows of elephant-shaped buttresses. The beautiful Lanna-style ordination hall enshrines an ancient Buddha image named Phra Kaew Khao, revered by Chiang Mai locals. Wat Chiang Man is situated off of Ratchapakhinai Road in the northeast corner of the old city.
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