Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
133
Dang Bike Hire
E4
134
Mr Mechanic
E3
135
North Wheels
F3
C7
137
SM Travel
D4
H3
139
Tony's Big Bikes
E5
Wat Phra Singh
(Th Singharat; 20B; 6am-6pm)
Chiang Mai's most revered temple, Wat Phra Singh draws pil-
grims and sightseers for its resident Buddha and its classic Lanna art and architecture. Vis-
itors should dress modestly (clothing covering shoulders and knees).
Phra Singh
(Lion Buddha), the temple's famous image, is housed in Wihan Lai Kham, a
small chapel to the rear of the temple grounds next to the
chedi
(stupa). The building
boasts a Lanna-style three-tiered roof and carved gables. Inside are sumptuous
lai·krahm
(gold-pattern stencilling) and murals.
Despite Phra Singh's exalted status, very little is actually known about the image. It is
considered one of the most beautiful examples of Lanna religious art thanks to its thick
human-like features and lotus-shaped topknot. Because there are two nearly identical im-
ages in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Bangkok, no one knows if this is the real one, nor can
anyone document its place of origin. Regardless, this Phra Singh image came to reside
here around the 1360s, and is now a fixture in the religious ceremonies of the Songkran
festival.
Other features include the temple's main
chedi,
which is a classic Lanna-style octagonal
base. It was built by King Pa Yo in 1345 in honour of his father. The main
wí·hăhn
(sanc-
tuary)
,
which sits right at the entrance, houses a bigger but less important Buddha known
as Thong Thip.
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Wat Chedi Luang
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
