For over half a century, Chiang Mai Kings had several Temples built that remain an essential part of the lives of the people of Thailand.

In 1296, King Mengrai had the first Temple of Chang Mai built in the north-east corner of the ancient city of Wat Chiang Man. Two rare statues (a Buddha made of marble and a Buddha made of crystal) and a Chedi with elephants as decoration can be found in this lovely temple.

In west Chiang Mai, one of the most significant Temples in Chiang Mai, the Phra Singh Temple, was constructed. This building is a staple of classic Northern Thai architecture, and it has a Buddha that is very popular in the city. Males who would like to become monks can gain training at the Buddhist education center on the Temple grounds’.

About 1km west of Chiang Mai lies the Wat Suan Dok Temple, which was created in 1371 and is now the home of a Buddhist University. The Temple started out as a garden paying homage to the beloved monk from Sukhothai named King Keuna.  There’s half of a Buddhist statue here because the statue split while being taken to the Temple of Wat Suan Dok. One part of the relic stayed at Suan Dok, and the other part was finally housed at The Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple. There is also a Buddha statue made of bronze housed there that is considered the largest Buddha statue in Thailand.  There are many white Chedis that contain the ashes of royal ancestors of Chiang Mai.

Wat Chedi Luang was built around 1400 and with several later additions stood some 90 meters tall. It was reduced to around 60 meters in height when the upper section fell as a result of an earthquake in the 16th century. The Emerald Buddha was once housed here but it was removed after the earthquake for safety reasons. A replica of the Emerald Buddha made of black jade has recently been placed where the original once stood. At only a few of the many Temples you visit you may find an amazing life like statue of a venerated monk who had been associated with that particular Temple. A fine example of this is to be found in the Library Temple behind the main Chedi at Wat Chedi Luang.

Wat buppharam is located some 500 meters east of Tha Phae Gate. It was built around 15th century, and houses beautiful statues and ornamentation including three major Buddha images, one in painted wood, one covered in gold leaf, and one of a green gemstone. The gardens surrounding the main building are crowded with flowers and statues, including some recently added statues of a few famous Disney characters.

Wat U-Mong is located some 2km to the west of the old city on Suthep Road in the forested foothills of Mount Suthep. It is one of the  most unusual of all the Temples in that it is mostly underground beneath a large hill with a flattened top. The under-hill complex contains many brick lined tunnels which are easily navigated. Built in the 14th century for a revered monk it was later abandoned for six centuries. A large chedi sits on the flat hilltop and nearby are the quarters of the monks who live there. If you look at the many trees throughout the complex you will see them decorated with hundreds of short Buddhist proverbs in both English and Thai.