Wat Mahawan

"Wat Mahawan, located on Tha Phae Road near the city gate, is a small yet historically rich temple built in the 1870s. Despite its compact grounds, it houses several significant structures, including a viharn, ubosot, chedi, ho trai, and smaller kuti and sala buildings. The temple's main buildings are typically locked, adding to its serene and less trafficked atmosphere. The viharn, built in the classic Lanna style, is richly decorated with gilt floral motifs on a dark ochre background, covering nearly every surface. The entrance is guarded by two Burmese-style stucco chinthes (lions), with intricate carvings and panels featuring Devata figures, mythical creatures, and lotus flower capitals. Above the door, carved and gilded panels depict a Buddha under a Bodhi tree surrounded by animals, highlighting the vibrant artistic tradition of the time. The roof features naga (serpent) motifs and a striking chofa (finial), with bargeboards made of colorful glass fragments. The ubosot, while more plain, features a white-washed stone structure with elaborate decorations on the gable end and an entrance archway adorned with mythical figures such as yakashas and nagas. The door is detailed with gilt floral patterns and glass fragments, with the gable decorated in gilt foliate motifs. The apex of the roof is crowned with a chofa finial, completing the Lanna-style architectural elements. The chedi at Wat Mahawan follows the Burmese style, with a wide square base, indented corners, and layers diminishing in size towards a large stucco bell. It is topped with a gilded pinnacle and a Burmese-style hti (umbrella). Four niches in the base house standing Buddha images, while the bell is guarded by yakasha figures in stucco relief. In a corner of the temple grounds is the ho trai, a stone structure with an upper floor made of teak, adorned with a wooden balustrade and a fine Lanna-style roof featuring naga and chofa. This building is typically used to house Buddhist scriptures. The temple's courtyard contains various smaller buildings, including pavilions made of wood and dried leaves, housing gilt Buddha images in different Mudras, with the principal image seated in the Subduing Mara pose. Wat Mahawan is open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and admission is free. It is located at 4 Thapae Rd Soi 5, Tambon Chang Moi, Chiang Mai 50300."

"Peaceful and small temple, very beautiful door. Perfect if you don’t want many tourists around you."