Wat Chiang Man

"Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, was established in 1296 by King Mengrai, who founded the city and the Lanna Kingdom. This historic temple, set in the northeast corner of the old city near Ratchapakhinai Road, is renowned for its impressive Lanna-style architecture. Among its highlights is the Chedi Chang Lom, or "Elephant Chedi," an ancient structure supported by fifteen life-sized elephant sculptures that seem to bear the temple’s golden, bell-shaped upper level upon their backs. Within the main wihan, an ancient Buddha statue dates back to 1465, making it one of Thailand’s oldest depictions of Buddha holding an alms bowl. This main wihan, adorned with elaborate carvings, underwent renovation in the 1920s by the revered monk Khru Ba Srivichai. The temple complex also contains the new wihan, which houses two highly revered Buddha images. The Phra Kaew Khao, a 10-centimeter crystal Buddha, is believed to protect the city against disasters and was brought to Chiang Mai by King Mengrai in 1296 after his conquest of Lamphun. This statue, enshrined on a golden base donated by King Inthawichayanon in 1874, is considered the protective Palladium of Chiang Mai. Another significant statue, the Phra Sila, portrays Buddha taming the elephant Nalagiri. This relic, believed to have originated in either India or Sri Lanka, is revered for its rain-bringing powers and features prominently during the Songkran Festival. The ubosot, or ordination hall, stands in front of a stone stele from 1581, which commemorates the city’s founding on April 12, 1296, at 4 a.m. This stele also notes the original construction by King Mengrai and its later restoration in 1571 by Phya Saen Luang. Though the current ubosot was constructed in the 19th century, its historical significance endures. The temple’s library, or Ho Trai, rests on a high plastered brick base, distinguishing it as a relatively unadorned structure compared to similar buildings in other Chiang Mai temples. Wat Chiang Man also features a lotus pond, an unusual addition in the city, adding to the temple’s tranquil ambiance and distinguishing it alongside Wat Phra Singh. Opening hours for visitors are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering a peaceful retreat and an intimate glimpse into the region's spiritual heritage."

"I think one of my favorite monuments next to the temple, the shape of a pyramid decorated by elephants gave me a feeling of real Thai culture. I was fascinated by the golden top shining thank to the sun."