Wat Chiang Man

King Mangrai founded Chiang Mai in 1296 and built Wat Chiang Man on the spot where he had camped while the city was under construction, which makes it the oldest temple within the walls. Its chedi, Chang Lom, has a square base with fifteen half-elephant figures projecting from it as buttresses, in brick and stucco with a gilded upper section - a Lanna form found at several northern temples and one of the more distinctive things to look at in the old city. The viharn holds two small but important images: Phra Sila, a marble relief Buddha of Indian or Sri Lankan origin possibly from the eighth century, and Phra Sae Tang Khamani, a small crystal Buddha said to have come from Lamphun and older still, both of which are brought out for Songkran. The temple is quieter than Phra Singh or Chedi Luang, free to enter, and takes about an hour.

History

King Mangrai built Wat Chiang Man in 1297 as the first temple of Chiang Mai, on the site of Wiang Nopburi, a fortified town of the Lawa people that he used as his camp while the new capital was being built (Wikipedia, Wat Chiang Man).

What's there

• Chang Lom chedi - fifteen half-elephant buttresses around a square base.
• Phra Sila - a marble relief Buddha of Indian or Sri Lankan origin.
• Phra Sae Tang Khamani - the small crystal Buddha, older still.
• The founding site - where Mangrai camped while building the city in 1296.

When to go

November to February. Mornings are quiet. The two small images are displayed behind glass and are brought out at Songkran in April. An hour covers it.

Good to know

The two famous images are small, behind glass and hard to see properly. Free, with donation boxes. Temple dress code applies. It is quieter but less imposing than the other old-city temples.

Nearby

Wat Chedi Luang is south; the Chang Phuak gate and moat are north.

Key facts