Lanna Square

"Wat Pan Ping is a historic temple in Chiang Mai, over 540 years old, known for its rich heritage and intricate architecture. In 2002, the temple suffered a devastating fire caused by a short circuit that destroyed over 70% of its viharn. Fortunately, the revered Buddha images survived the blaze. After receiving funds from both the Religious Affairs Department and local donations, the temple was restored, and by 2010, the rebuilding was complete, restoring much of its original splendor. The temple houses several key structures, including a viharn, ubosot, chedi, and ho trai. The new viharn, rebuilt after the fire, retains a traditional Lanna style with a triple overlapping roof adorned with colorful naga bargeboards and eagle finials. The main Buddha image, surrounded by others, sits on a vibrant mosaic base. The walls of the viharn are unadorned, focusing attention on the grand teak columns and intricate reliefs, including a spectacular depiction of nagas and Devata figures. The ubosot, another significant structure, features murals depicting the Buddha's enlightenment and boasts an unusual roof with naga finials, setting it apart from traditional Lanna architecture. The chedi, rebuilt in Lanna style, has a mosaic-covered bell and a gold-covered structure, originally built in the 16th century and later restored in 1972. The ho trai, a small yet charming building, serves as the temple's library, while the ho rakang houses a bell suspended from a four-gabled roof, with historical Chinese bricks beneath it, linking the site to its past. A new pavilion was also under construction in 2019, adding to the temple's evolving beauty. Visitors can explore Wat Pan Ping from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, free of charge, and appreciate the temple’s history through informative plaques detailing its restoration and cultural significance. The temple offers a peaceful atmosphere and is a valuable spot for those seeking to learn about Chiang Mai's religious and architectural heritage."