Wat Phra Singh

Introduction: The Heart of Lanna Art and Devotion

Situated at the western end of Ratchadamnoen Road within the historic Old City of Chiang Mai, Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan (commonly known as Wat Phra Singh) is one of Northern Thailand's most revered, active, and architecturally stunning royal temples. Founded in 1345 by King Pha Yu to enshrine the ashes of his father, King Kham Fu, Wat Phra Singh represents the pinnacle of classical Lanna temple architecture and serves as a major spiritual center for Chiang Mai's Buddhist community.

Housing the deeply revered Phra Singh Buddha image, the temple complex showcases sweeping multi-tiered wooden roofs, intricate woodcarvings, gilded stucco reliefs, and exquisite 19th-century mural paintings depicting traditional northern Thai village life and folklore.

Key Attractions & Architectural Highlights

Wat Phra Singh features historic assembly halls, classical stupas, and sacred shrines:

1. Lai Lai Chapel (Ho Trai)

One of the finest surviving examples of classical Lanna religious architecture. This elevated Scripture Library (Ho Trai) is famous for its intricate carved wooden guardian figures, delicate stucco devas, and polished teakwood craftsmanship designed to protect sacred palm-leaf Buddhist scriptures from floods and insects.

2. Viharn Lai Kam & the Phra Phra Singh Buddha

The ornate assembly hall (Viharn Lai Kam) houses the sacred Phra Phra Singh Buddha image (Lion Buddha). Believed to have originated in Sri Lanka before traveling through Nakhon Si Thammarat and Chiang Rai, this iconic bronze-and-gold statue defines the classical "Chiang Saen/Lanna art style." The interior walls are lined with famous historical murals depicting local folklore.

3. The Great Golden Chedi (Phra Maha That)

The massive, gleaming golden bell-shaped stupa standing behind the main assembly hall. Built in the 14th century to enshrine royal ashes, the circular base is decorated with life-sized elephant sculptures emerging from the walls, mirroring ancient architectural styles found across northern Thailand.

4. Viharn Luang (Main Assembly Hall)

The largest building in the complex, featuring a grand multi-tiered roofline and sweeping golden eaves. Inside sits Phra Chao Thong Tip, a majestic principal seated golden Buddha image flanked by ornate pillars and chandeliers.

Key Highlights & Attraction Summary

• Phra Singh Buddha Image: Highly revered ancient bronze Buddha defining classical Lanna art.
• Historic Lai Lai Chapel: Exquisite elevated wooden scripture library with intricate stucco carvings.
• Golden Bell-Shaped Chedi: 14th-century royal stupa adorned with stone elephant sculptures.
• Traditional Lanna Murals: Rare 19th-century wall paintings depicting historic northern village life.

How to Reach Wat Phra Singh

Located at the western end of Ratchadamnoen Road in Chiang Mai Old City, easily accessible on foot or local transit.

By Walking or Cycling (Old City)

Situated right at the end of the Old City's main walking street axis, the temple is an easy 10-minute walk from **Tha Phae Gate** or the **Three Kings Monument**, and within walking distance of most Old City guesthouses.

By Red Songthaew or Tuk-Tuk

Any local red passenger truck (*Songthaew*) or tuk-tuk operating anywhere inside Chiang Mai Old City will bring you directly to the temple gates for **30 to 50 THB** per person.

Best Time to Visit

Operating hours and sunlight patterns govern the ideal visiting strategy.

Opening Hours

Open daily year-round from **06:00 AM to 08:00 PM**.

Optimal Visiting Strategy

Arrive early between **07:00 AM and 09:00 AM** to enjoy cool morning air, quiet courtyards, and local monks chanting before tour crowds arrive. Late afternoon (04:30 PM to 06:00 PM) also offers warm golden sunlight reflecting off the golden chedi and teakwood eaves.

Top Nearby Attractions in Chiang Mai

1. Wat Chedi Luang (800 m east)

Home to Chiang Mai's famous ancient ruined 60-meter brick stupa and stone elephant ramparts.

2. Three Kings Monument & Chiang Mai City Museum (600 m east)

A historic public square featuring statues of the three Lanna kings who founded Chiang Mai, adjacent to the cultural city museum.

3. Sunday Walking Street Market (Ratchadamnoen Road)

Chiang Mai's famous weekend night market starts right outside Wat Phra Singh's gates every Sunday evening.

Things to Do at Wat Phra Singh

• Pay Homage to the Phra Singh Buddha: Enter Viharn Lai Kam to view the sacred golden Buddha image and inspect historical murals.
• Inspect the Ho Trai Scripture Library: Admire the delicate woodcarvings and elevated Lanna architecture.
• Walk Around the Golden Chedi: Circumnavigate the massive golden stupa and view the stone elephant statues.
• Receive a Monk Blessing: Participate in traditional merit-making and receive a blessed white wrist thread (*Sai Sin*).

Local Food and Culinary Options

The Old City streets surrounding Wat Phra Singh offer charming cafes, organic juice bars, and traditional northern Thai noodle shops.

Must-Try Culinary Options Nearby

• Khao Soi (Northern Thai Curry Noodles): Rich coconut curry noodles served with crispy egg noodles and pickled mustard greens at nearby Old City restaurants.
• Fresh Fruit Smoothies & Mango Sticky Rice: Chilled mango smoothies and fresh fruit bowls sold at cafes along Ratchadamnoen Road.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Options

Visitors typically stay in Old Town Chiang Mai, Nimmanhemin, or along the Ping River.

Old City Heritage Hotels ($30 – $180 USD / 1,000 – 6,000 THB per night)

• Phra Singh Village / Rachamankha Hotel / Tamarind Village / The Inside House: Luxury boutique heritage hotels and garden resorts located within a 3 to 7-minute walk of Wat Phra Singh.

Budget Travel Guide & Admission Fees

• Admission Ticket: Entrance fee to enter the main Viharn Lai Kam chapel housing the sacred Buddha image is **50 THB** for foreign visitors. Outer courtyards and other halls are free. Thai citizens enter free.
• Walking Central Location: Exploring on foot eliminates local vehicle transport expenses within the Old City.
• Affordable Offerings: Lotus, incense, and candle merit sets cost around **20 to 30 THB**.

Sample Half-Day Itinerary

• 08:30 AM: Walk to **Wat Phra Singh**; pay 50 THB entry to explore **Viharn Lai Kam** and view the Phra Singh Buddha.
• 09:30 AM: Inspect the detailed woodcarvings of the historic **Ho Trai Scripture Library**.
• 10:15 AM: Walk around the massive **Golden Chedi** and observe local worshippers.
• 11:00 AM: Stroll east along Ratchadamnoen Road toward the **Three Kings Monument**.
• 12:00 PM: Enjoy a lunch of traditional *Khao Soi* curry noodles at an Old City restaurant.

Essential Rules and Visitor Guidelines

• Strict Modest Dress Code: Shoulders, chest, and knees must be fully covered. Sleeveless shirts, tank tops, shorts, mini-skirts, and tight leggings are forbidden. Sarongs can be rented at the gate.
• Remove Shoes Inside Halls: Footwear must be taken off before stepping inside any assembly hall, chapel, or shrine.
• Respectful Conduct: Maintain quiet behavior, avoid turning your back to sacred Buddha images when taking photos, and refrain from touching historical carvings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is Wat Phra Singh located?

It is located at the western end of Ratchadamnoen Road in the historic Old City of Chiang Mai, Thailand.

2. What are the operating hours?

Open daily year-round from **06:00 AM to 08:00 PM**.

3. How much is the entrance fee?

Entering the main Viharn Lai Kam chapel costs **50 THB** for foreign visitors. Outer grounds are free. Free for Thai citizens.

4. What is the Phra Singh Buddha?

A highly revered ancient bronze Buddha image that defines classical Lanna and Chiang Saen artistic sculpture.

5. What is the Ho Trai?

An elevated ancient teakwood Scripture Library decorated with intricate stucco devas and guardian figures.

6. When was Wat Phra Singh founded?

It was founded in **1345 AD** by King Pha Yu of the Lanna Kingdom.

7. What is the dress code?

Modest temple attire is required—shoulders and knees must be covered.

8. What nearby attractions can be combined?

**Wat Chedi Luang**, **Three Kings Monument**, and the **Sunday Walking Street Market**.

9. How long does a visit take?

A typical visit takes **45 to 75 minutes**.

10. Is photography allowed inside?

Photography is generally permitted outdoors and in most open halls, though check posted signs inside specific sacred shrines.

Conclusion

Wat Phra Singh stands out as Chiang Mai's ultimate classical Lanna architectural masterpiece, where the revered Phra Singh Buddha, historic Ho Trai scripture libraries, gleaming golden chedis, and intricate woodcarvings converge in the Old City. From admiring ancient bronze sculptures and exploring sacred chapel murals to walking through quiet temple courtyards and experiencing nearby Sunday night markets, Wat Phra Singh delivers an unmissable cultural journey. Dress modestly, explore on foot, and discover Wat Phra Singh Chiang Mai!