With over 300 temples in the city, it is difficult to choose which ones to write about. While I have easily entered 20 complexes in my time here, some stand out more than others. I came with no pre-arranged itinerary for seeing the temples, instead, I let the inherent beauty captivate me. Here are 3 more beautiful Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai that I found both interesting and amazing.
Wat Saen Fang
I entered this temple because of the alligator that is on the wall right at the entrance near the road. 😂 It was such a unique sight, to see this gator beside the statue, it drew my interest.
What I wandered into was a magnificent temple complex that was first built in the 1500’s and in the 1860’s was used as a royal residence. The wihans are absolutely gorgeous, but my favourite thing is the old woodwork.
These 200 year old wooden buildings still retain the original detailing and are stunning. Many are raised on stilts as was custom for this age. In years past, the river would flood, leaving many houses destroyed.
Walking around under the shade of the tall trees, visiting with the local chooks and admiring the wihans and glistening white and mirror chedi was a delight in every way.
Wat Buppharam
Founded in 1497, most of the buildings in this temple date from the 1800’s. What draws the visitor in from the street is the incredible Lanna style ordination hall. The multi-tiered roof is stunning. Inside, the entire ceiling and many walls are carved and painted teak. If this is your first experience seeing this kind of craftsmanship, you will be blessed.
This gorgeous building is surrounded by many naga, multi-headed sea serpents resembling dragons and snakes shining bright and scary in the morning sunlight. Like most Buddhist temples in the area, there are many decorative statues, but this temple has a unique one, right out front with the big Buddha. 😂🦆
Located on the grounds behind the ordination hall, is a library! Have a peak inside where you will see many antique wooden Dharma Ark, cases that were used to hold Buddhists scriptures. Also, notice the hand painted walls in here. They are extremely detailed, faint and unique.
Wat Mahawan
Perhaps the humblest temple I have seen in Chiang Mai. Walking down the street, one might not even enter, it is rather plain looking, especially the chedi. But I encourage you to have a look.
For unlike its fancy neighbours, this one is mostly white. There are some beautiful gold highlights at the front door of the main wihan, but more unique is the use of silver instead of gold. Several smaller structures and two tall masts are decorated in ornate silver, so beautiful!
There are tall trees surrounding the charming white chedi that drop their old dusty leaves on the ground. Benches surround where people are having a rest from the hustle and bustle of the city outside the walls. In amongst the white statuary are little green havens and in these are cute statues and enchanting little vistas. There is an atmosphere in here of softness and peace.
All of these temples are on Tha Phae Road that leads to the gate into the Old City. In fact, if you wanted to visit all three in one morning or afternoon and end at China Town, that would be a perfect itinerary. I have enjoyed visiting the Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai so very much. They offer a unique piece of history for this lovely old city.
