Chiang Mai - Temples
Chiang Mai has nearly 200 temples, nearly all of which warrant a visit by anyone interested in art history. This is true even of the more recently built ones, the artistry and sensitivity to form shown by modern Thai craftsmen being in no way inferior to those of earlier centuries. Only the most important and beautiful can be mentioned here, the selection nevertheless illustrating well the rich art historical and religious heritage of Thailand's northern capital.
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Wat Prachao Mengrai
Founded in 1288, Wat Prachao Mengrai (in Ratchamankha Road, opposite Wat Chedi Luang) was renamed in 1953, having previously been known as Wat Kan Kawd. The wat's chief treasure, housed in a small sanctum of its own, is a 4.5 m (15 ft) statue of Buddha cast in 1320 and said to be a likeness of King Mengrai, founder of Chiang Mai. Also of interest are a Buddha image from Chiang Saen and a lovely reading desk, both in the wiharn.
Wat Chetawan
Situated a few hundred meters outside the city's east gate, Wat Chetawan is noteworthy for its three impressive, heavily articulated chedis, two decorated with fabulous beasts from Hindu mythology and all three inlaid with gold and colored tiles which sparkle in the sun. Keep a look out also for the superb wood carvings on the wiharn.
Wat Mahawan
Wat Mahawan, almost directly opposite Wat Chetawan, on the other side of Tha Phae Road, boasts a very beautifully articulated chedi in the Burmese style topped by a gilded spire. Huge statues of lions adorn the four corners of the enclosure. Both the wiharn and the small chapel are ornately carved, reliefs on the doors depicting scenes from Buddha's life.
Wat Saen Fang
On Tha Phae Road is the unpretentious entrance leading to the delightful Wat Saen Fang. A narrow alley flanked by two serpents opens into a picturesque precinct with a beautifully kept garden, lovely chedi in the Burmese style and a wiharn with richly gilded carving on the façades.
