It is one of the most peaceful and historically important temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is the oldest temple in the city, having been built more than 700 years ago. Wat Chiang Man is smaller and less crowded than Wat Phra Singh or Wat Chedi Luang. It is located inside the old city walls. What makes it so special is its quiet charm, beautiful architecture, and deep historical roots that go back to the founding of Chiang Mai itself.
King Mangrai, who started Chiang Mai and the Lanna Kingdom, built the temple around 1296–1297 CE. It was built on the site of an older Lawa settlement called Wiang Nopburi. This settlement was the king’s base camp while he built his new capital. The gold-topped chedi at Wat Chiang Man is surrounded by elephants, and the temple has ancient Buddha statues that some people think have magical powers. The temple’s peaceful garden is a popular place for both locals and tourists to relax, meditate, or just enjoy the old Chiang Mai atmosphere.
History of Wat Chiang Man
King Mangrai built Wat Chiang Man in 1296 CE, the same year he started building Chiang Mai. The place he picked used to be a fortified town of the Lawa people called Wiang Nopburi. While he oversaw the building of his new capital city, King Mangrai camped in this area. The king chose to build a temple on the site of his stay after Chiang Mai was built. He called it Wat Chiang Man, which means “Temple of the Fortified Town” or “Temple of the Stable City.”
Historical records and inscriptions found at the temple show that King Mangrai lived here when the city was first being built. That means Wat Chiang Man is not only the first temple in the city, but also the first royal home. The three kings worked together to make their kingdoms stronger and share their culture and religion. There is a monument to these kings near the Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Centre today. It stands for their unity.
Location, Directions & Timings
It is located inside the old town’s moat and is close to many other popular places to visit. Ratchaphakhinai Road, Phra Singh Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand is the address. About 5 km away, It takes 15 to 20 minutes by car or taxi to get there.
Open every day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The cost to get in is free. The best time to visit is in the mornings are quiet, and you might see monks cleaning the courtyard or praying.
Things to Do and See
- Look at the Chedi Chang Lom: The Chedi Chang Lom, or Elephant Chedi, is the temple’s most famous landmark. It is impossible to forget seeing the 15 carved elephants holding up the golden stupa. It’s a great place to take pictures, meditate, or think quietly.
- Go to the Viharn Luang, or Main Hall: The big Viharn Luang has carvings in red and gold on the wood. Inside, there is a big seated Buddha called Phra Prathaan and Chiang Mai’s oldest Buddha statue, a standing Buddha holding an alms bowl that dates back to 1465 CE.
- Look around the Smaller Viharn: The Phra Sila and Phra Sae Tang Khamani images are in this smaller hall. Even though they are small, they are thought to be some of the most sacred relics in northern Thailand.
- Visit the Ubosot, or Ordination Hall: The ubosot is where monks are ordained and other important religious events take place. You can still admire the building and the old stone inscription in front of it, even though it is usually closed to visitors.
- Go to the Ho Trai, which is the Scripture Library: The Ho Trai, or scripture library, is built on stilts over a small pond. This is a traditional Lanna way to keep bugs away from manuscripts. The wooden building is cute and shows how creative Lanna architects are.
- Find out about the city’s past: Near the ubosot, you should see the stone stele (inscribed tablet). It tells the story of how Chiang Mai was Founded and talks about the temple’s early history, making Wat Chiang Man an open-air museum for people who love history.
- Take it easy in the gardens: There are peaceful gardens, shady trees, and benches in the temple grounds where you can sit and think. Even though it’s in the middle of the city, the mood here is calm and peaceful.
Tips Before You Visit
- As this is an active Buddhist temple, visitors are expected to dress respectfully.
- Don’t wear clothes that are see-through or too tight.
- Remove shoes before entering temple buildings.
- Best time to visit is in the morning (8–10 am).
- Photography is allowed outdoors, but avoid flash inside halls.
- Be respectful of monks and worshippers.
FAQs on Wat Chiang Man
Wat Chiang Man is famous for being the oldest temple in Chiang Mai and the first built by King Mangrai when he founded the city. It also houses sacred Buddha images that are believed to bring rain and protection.
The name “Chiang Man” roughly means “Stable City” or “Fortified Town,” referring to its historical roots on the site of an old Lawa fortress.
The Elephant Chedi (Chedi Chang Lom) is a large, golden-topped stupa supported by 15 life-sized elephant statues. It symbolizes strength and endurance and is one of Chiang Mai’s most photographed monuments.
Yes, the temple’s main Buddha statues, especially the Phra Sila and Phra Sae Tang Khamani, are ancient and have been preserved for centuries. They are believed to be over 1,000 years old.
Wat Chiang Man is an active temple. Visitors can join in meditation, observe monks during their daily routines, or make merit by donating offerings or lighting incense.
