Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh was founded in 1345 and is the most important temple in Chiang Mai, holding the Phra Singh Buddha, an image whose origin is disputed - three temples in Thailand claim to have the original - and which is paraded through the city during Songkran. The building worth the visit is not the large modern viharn at the front but the Wihan Lai Kham behind it: a small wooden Lanna hall of the early nineteenth century with a carved gilded facade and, inside, mural paintings covering both side walls. Those murals depict the Sang Thong and Suwannahong stories and show, incidentally, daily Lanna life in the period they were painted - dress, houses, market scenes, and a good deal of humour and detail that formal religious painting usually omits. They are the finest surviving Lanna murals. Also on site are a scripture repository on a high decorated base and a large chedi.

What you actually see

• Wihan Lai Kham - the small wooden hall with the finest Lanna murals.
• The Phra Singh image - the revered Buddha, paraded at Songkran.
• The scripture repository - raised on a carved and decorated base.
• The chedi - the large stupa behind the halls.

When to go

November to February. Songkran in April brings the image procession and enormous crowds. Mornings are quietest. One to two hours covers it.

Honest expectations

Small charge. The murals are in a dim hall and photography is restricted. Very busy with tour groups from mid-morning. Temple dress code is enforced at the entrance.

Nearby

Wat Chedi Luang is east; the Sunday walking street runs past the temple.