Chiang mai is the second biggest city after Bangkok and situated in the northern part of the Thiland . It is situated beside the Ping river . This city is famous for it’s natural beauty , forest and lots of temple . Some of the temple have the buddha’s relics in it so this are very sacred to Thai Buddhism . Wat phra singh is such a temple where previously Emerald Buddha was established . Among the temples Wat sri suphan is a unique temple which is covered with pure silver . Here foods are little different than south Thiland , specially in the night market you can taste different food .
Wat phra Singh Woramahawihan :
This is the most sacred temple of the Northern Thiland . The phra Buddha image in this temple is the second most sacred buddha image in thiland . Previously this temple also holds the emerald buddha image . Construction of this temple started in 1345 by the king Phayu , the fifth king of the Mangrai dynasty . According to the history this temple got it’s name from the Lions of Shakya . King Ananda Mahidol (Rama viii) made it a royal temple in the year 1935 . Every year in the time of Shankaran they taken out the statue and traveled around the city .
This temple is opened from 7 am – 10 pm daily and the entry is free .
Wat Chedi Luang :
Wat chedi Luang is the oldest buddhiest temple build in the 14 the century and famous emerald Buddha was established in the year 1468 in this temple . Now it has been established in the royal palace of Bangkok .
When this building was build it was 98 meter in height and later in the earthquake of the 16 th century the top 30 meter falls down. There is also a reclining buddha statue inside the temple complex .
This monument is opened between 8 am – 5 pm .
Wat phra that Doi Kham :
This is one of the oldest temple in this area , build in 687 AD by queen kamadevi in the hill top of Doi Kham hill . This temple was build on the relics of buddha , for that reason this is one of the sacred temple in chiang mai . This temple is also called “Temple of Golden Mountain “. It is situated 10 km south of the Chiang mai city .
Opening hours of this temple is from 8 am – 5 pm .
Wat phra that Doi suthep :
Wat phra that doi suthep is one of the sacred temple in this area , situated in a hill top at elevation of 1073 meter . It is a theravada buddhiest temple established in the year 1383 . The main attraction of this temple is the golden plated chedi , pagoda , statues , bells and a museum .
It is believed that inside the golden chedi there is a half bone of Buddha’s shoulder . This temple resembles to mostly burmes architecture . In older times a white elephant died in this placee , from that time this temple has been established . As it is situated high above the mountain , from this place you can enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding plains and the chiang mai city . .
This temple is opened from the 6 am – 8 pm .
Wat pha Lat :
This is a small temple situated inside the Forest . This temple was first build in the year 1355 . This temple is near to the temple of Wat phra that doi suthep . You can see lots of buddha statue in this complex . In the front gate there is a naga sculpture .
This temple is opened from 6 am – 6 pm .
Wat sri suphan :
Wat sri suphan is a temple which is mostly famous about the silver sanctuary . The whole temple is covered with the silver and aluminium and nickel . This temple was build in the 16 th century by the king Mueang kaeo of Mangrai dynasty in the Lanna Kingdom .
In the walls of the building there portrays the stories of the Buddha , History of Phra jao liab lok and phra jao prod lok and buddha’s foot print .
There is a monk chat happens every Tuesday , Thursday and Saturday from 5:30 – 7:30 .
Royal Park Rajapruek :
Royal park Rajapruek is a world class horticulture park to celebrate the auspicious occasion of HM king Bhumibol’s 60 th anniversary in the year 2006 – 2007 . In the orchild garden of this park you have section maintained by the south korea , bhutan and China . With this in the middle of the garden there is Ho kham Luang pavilion which is full of intricate art .
Other attraction of this park include a world of insects , rare plant and corporate zone . For traveling inside the park you can hire a bicycle within 60 baht / day .
This park opens daily from the 6 am – 8 pm and entry fees of 100 THB .
Wat chiang Man :
It is the first temple inside the walled city of chiang mai build by the King mangrai in the year 1297 . Inside this temple there is a buddha statue named Phra Sae tang khamani which is curved from the pure quartz . the main building inside this temple complex is main wihan , new wihan , Chedi chang lom and lotus pond .
This temple is opened from the 8 am – 5 pm . and free for all .
Wat suan Dok :
Wat suan dok is a temple which was build upon the buddha’s relic and the 48 meter high bell shaped golden structure is the main attraction . The meaning of this temple name is “Flower garden temple ” as previously there was royal garden in this area . This temple is also known as the Wat Buppharam which is a third class royal temple . It was build in the year 1370 .
In the Ubosot wall there is lots of painting relating to Buddha’s past life stories (Jataka’s story) . Inside the complex of this temple there is also situated Royal cremation ground .
Doi suthep pui National Park :
This national park is named after the two mountains Doi suthep and Doi pui . In this national park you can spot 2000 varities of fern and 360 species of birds and mamals . The major attraction are Wat phra that doi suthep , doi pui mountain , waterfall , view points and trails .
Night Market in Chiang mai :
Chiang mai night bazar is a place you should not miss . Here you can taste different types of thai or other cousine dishes . In the middle of the market there is a whole food court with multiple stalls . In this place you can get different suviener , cloths and different toys . You can also see some painters making different painting by pastel colour .
Here I meet a interesting guy who is making wallets and bags with the skin of a crocodile . He put a crocodile’s skin in his shop . You can see him making this items in his shop .
Summary :
Chiang Mai is the largest city in the northern Thiland . It has lots of temple among them some of them were established on the relics of Buddha . It is also famous for it’s natural beauty where you can see beautiful waterfall and mountains . You must go to the night market to see the different handicrafts of this land and also lots of northern Thailand food .
