Chiang Mai Old City Temple Walk

Tha Phae Gate is identifiable by its prominent, red brick wall and arched gateway that interrupts the old city's fortifications. Originally constructed in twelve ninety-six by King Mangrai, the founder of the Lanna Kingdom, the gate served…

Wat Chiang Man is distinguished by its oldest structure, the Chedi Chang Lom, where fifteen life-sized, brick-and-stucco elephants appear to carry the golden, square-based stupa on their backs. Founded in twelve ninety-six by King Mangrai,…

The Three Kings Monument features three bronze statues standing side by side, facing north, in an open square. These figures honor King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai, along with his allies, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam…

Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang is distinguished by its ornate, dark teak viharn, which stands in stark contrast to the surrounding city with its black-lacquered wood and intricate gold-leaf carvings. This temple, located in the heart of the old…

Wat Phan Tao is distinguished by its dark, weathered teakwood assembly hall, a structure that stands in sharp contrast to the more gilded temples nearby. While many religious sites in Chiang Mai are built of stone or brick, this hall is…

The most striking feature of Wat Chedi Luang is the massive, truncated brick pagoda at the center of the temple grounds. Once reaching a height of eighty meters, this structure was the tallest in the Lanna Kingdom when its construction…

Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan is defined by its giant, gold-plated stupa, where stone elephants appear to emerge from the masonry around its base. Founded in thirteen forty-five by King Phayu of the Mangrai Dynasty, the temple was…