Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai city

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Wat Chiang Man, the Oldest Temple in Chiang Mai

Wat Chiang Man, located on Ratchaphakinai Road in Mueang District, is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai.

It dates back to the city's founding. In 1296, King Mangrai donated Chiang Man Palace to the temple, renaming it Wat Chiang Man. He also commissioned the construction of the Elephant Surrounded Chedi on the grounds of his residence. Wat Chiang Man consists of two wihans: the main wihan, which is currently the main building.

Between the windows of this wihan, are exquisite gold-painted murals on a red background, depicting the history of King Mangrai's founding of the city and temples, including Wiang Kum Kam and Chiang Mai.

The small wihan, or Chaturamuk wihan, is the original wihan of the temple. Inside, it houses Chiang Mai's most important Buddha images. The ubosot (ordination hall) is particularly important to Chiang Mai residents, as the front hall houses the Wat Chiang Man inscription, which records the history of Chiang Mai's founding and the temple's history.

The temple also boasts the Elephant Surrounded Chedi, the principal chedi, built in the Lanna style. There is also a library in the middle of the water for storing the Tripitaka and various scriptures according to the Lanna tradition and wisdom.

Post by Teaw Tour Thai | Sep 10, 2025