Chiang Mai - 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.