Temples in Chiang Mai and some mystical facts (video)
Wat Phra Sing (psgxxx / Shutterstock.com)
Chiang Mai is located in the north of Thailand, known for its beautiful nature. Chiang Mai is unique thanks to its own culture with its own dialect, unique festivals and its own traditions. Chiang Mai is popular for its affordable prices, relaxed atmosphere and countless sights and activities.
Temples in Chiang Mai
In the city itself and in the immediate vicinity you will find more than 300 temples. There are no less than 36 in the old center of Chiang Mai alone. Most of the temples were built between 1300 and 1550 during the period when Chiang Mai was an important religious center. The most famous temple in Chiang Mai is Wat Phratat Doi Suthep. This Buddhist temple is located about 15 kilometers from the city and is visited all year round by Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world.
The Wat Chedi Luang is also one of the country's favorite temples. The unique shape of this building is completely different. If you can't get enough of it, Wat Phra Sing and Wat Chiang Man are recommended.
The temples in Chiang Mai are generally open daily from 06.00 a.m. to 17.00 p.m. In the video below you can see some beautiful temples in Chiang Mai.
Some special facts about temples in Chiang Mai
A fascinating aspect of Chiang Mai's temples that is not widely known concerns the Lanna architecture and the hidden symbolism these ancient structures contain. Once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is home to many temples unique for their blend of Buddhist symbolism, local mythologies and astrological references, deeply woven into their design and decorations.
A special example of this is Wat U-Mong, the 'tunnel temple', located in the forests outside the center of Chiang Mai. This temple is distinguished by its underground tunnel system, which was excavated in the 13th century. The tunnels were created as meditation spaces for monks and are decorated with ancient Buddhist murals that provide insight into Lanna Buddhist cosmology. What few people know is that these tunnels also served as a means for monks to withdraw from the outside world and deepen their meditation practices without distraction.
Another unique feature of some temples in Chiang Mai is their alignment with astrological events. For example, the placement of certain stupas and the orientation of temple openings are designed to align with the rising or setting of the sun on specific days of the year, signifying important Buddhist holidays or local festivals. This astronomical precision emphasizes the deep connection between Buddhism, local traditions and the natural world, an aspect often overlooked by visitors.
Chiang Mai's temples serve not only as places of spiritual worship but also as custodians of the Lanna region's rich history and cultural identity. The subtle details and lesser-known stories behind these sacred sites invite a deeper exploration and appreciation of Northern Thailand's cultural heritage.
Video: Temples in Chiang Mai
Watch the video here: