Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Phra Singh) is
sheltered in regal
style at this beau-
tiful temple, a
textbook example
of Lanna architec-
ture. During
Songkran, Phra
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»
Finish
Chiang Mai Women's Prison Massage Centre
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»
Distance
2.5km
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»
Duration
Two to three hours
Singh is paraded about as part of the city's religious festivities.
Wat Chedi Luang
Before condo towers, this now-ruined
chedi
(stupa) was Chiang Mai's tallest struc-
ture. The temple once sheltered the famed Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew), which
now resides in Bangkok as a national symbol of Thai Buddhism.
Wat Phan Tao
Next door to the Wat Chedi Luang is this tiny teak temple that is more photogenic
than venerated. Chiang Mai has a long tradition of woodcarving, inherited from
Burmese craftspeople, and the surrounding forests supplied durable teak for the
construction of residences and temples. Once you've seen this temple and its delic-
ate ornamentation, you'll instinctively understand what is meant by 'classic Lanna
style'.
Wat Chiang Man
If it isn't too hot, squeeze in a visit to one more temple. Wat Chiang Man is the city's
oldest and features all of Lanna's signature architectural elements. It was renovated
in the 1920s by a famous northern monk, who was dedicated to resuscitating dilap-
idated temples.
Blue Diamond
Don't deny your hunger: you've worked up a healthy appetite after a morning of
merit-making and sightseeing. At this end of town there aren't a lot of rice joints, so
wander over to the backpacker ghetto to indulge your wheat tooth at this cafe. The
soi that bisect this neighbourhood give a glimpse into the garden residences of Chi-
ang Mai's old town.
