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Wat Phra Singh
This is probably the single most impressive collection of traditional Lanna architecture in the city. The wooden scripture storehouse, inlaid with glass mosaic and set on a base decorated with stucco angels, is the best example of its kind in northern Thailand. Hidden behind the largest building in the complex is a wooden chedi (spired monument similar to a stupa), constructed in 1345, and the beautiful Viharn Lai Kam, whose squat, multi-tiered roof, gold-stencilled interior and narrative murals are exquisite examples of Lanna styling. Inside is a portly, much-revered bronze Buddha figure, Phra Singh.
Thanon Ratchdamnoen at Thanon Singarat
Free admission.
Wat Chedi Luang
This faded pink-red temple is centred on a giant, partially ruined chedi, which was reduced from 90m (295ft) tall to just 60m (197ft) by an earthquake in 1545. Once covered in bronze plates and gold leaf, it was home to the famous Emerald Buddha for 80 years before it was transferred to Bangkok. Renovations began and although replacement elephants at the base of the stairs and nagas, mythical serpents, along their length have been built, work has now been abandoned since nobody knows what the original spire looked like. In an unprepossessing building stands the revered Inthakin Post, the founding pillar of the city.
Thanon Phra Pokklao
Free admission.
Wat Chiang Man
This is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai and features traditional northern Thai architecture and massive teak columns. It is also home to two celebrated holy Buddha images. The Phra Sila is a graceful carved stonework originally from Sri Lanka or India, whilst the Phra Setangamani, or Crystal Buddha, shuttled back and forth between Thailand and Laos. The latter is famed for its rain-bringing properties. A small chedi at the back of the complex stands on the backs of a herd of stone elephants.
Thanon Wiang Kaeo at Thanon Ratchaphakhinai
Free admission.
Chiang Mai National Museum
This national museum boasts the best display of artefacts in Chiang Mai. Displays include artefacts and skeletons unearthed by local archaeologists, photographs of cave paintings found in the region and ceramics. Elsewhere exhibits explore Chiang Mai's history, look at the region's growth and development, and detail contemporary life in the city. However, the most important section looks at Thai religious art, and features hundreds of Buddha images in different styles and sizes.
Chiang Mai-Lampang Superhighway
Tel: (053) 221 308.
Website: www.thailandmuseum.com
Admission charge.
The Tribal Museum and Ratchamangkla Park
Beyond the artfully landscaped Ratchamangkla Park, overlooking a tree-lined lake, stands a Chinese-style pagoda, which houses this absorbing museum. Three floors of displays featuring handicrafts, costumes, jewellery, utensils and ceremonial paraphernalia explain a little about each of the hill tribes in the region. The displays give an impression of the agricultural activities, ceremonies and festivals of each group, providing a genuine insight into the way of life of these people.
Thanon Chotana
Tel: (053) 210 872.
Free admission.
This is probably the single most impressive collection of traditional Lanna architecture in the city. The wooden scripture storehouse, inlaid with glass mosaic and set on a base decorated with stucco angels, is the best example of its kind in northern Thailand. Hidden behind the largest building in the complex is a wooden chedi (spired monument similar to a stupa), constructed in 1345, and the beautiful Viharn Lai Kam, whose squat, multi-tiered roof, gold-stencilled interior and narrative murals are exquisite examples of Lanna styling. Inside is a portly, much-revered bronze Buddha figure, Phra Singh.
Thanon Ratchdamnoen at Thanon Singarat
Free admission.
Wat Chedi Luang
This faded pink-red temple is centred on a giant, partially ruined chedi, which was reduced from 90m (295ft) tall to just 60m (197ft) by an earthquake in 1545. Once covered in bronze plates and gold leaf, it was home to the famous Emerald Buddha for 80 years before it was transferred to Bangkok. Renovations began and although replacement elephants at the base of the stairs and nagas, mythical serpents, along their length have been built, work has now been abandoned since nobody knows what the original spire looked like. In an unprepossessing building stands the revered Inthakin Post, the founding pillar of the city.
Thanon Phra Pokklao
Free admission.
Wat Chiang Man
This is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai and features traditional northern Thai architecture and massive teak columns. It is also home to two celebrated holy Buddha images. The Phra Sila is a graceful carved stonework originally from Sri Lanka or India, whilst the Phra Setangamani, or Crystal Buddha, shuttled back and forth between Thailand and Laos. The latter is famed for its rain-bringing properties. A small chedi at the back of the complex stands on the backs of a herd of stone elephants.
Thanon Wiang Kaeo at Thanon Ratchaphakhinai
Free admission.
Chiang Mai National Museum
This national museum boasts the best display of artefacts in Chiang Mai. Displays include artefacts and skeletons unearthed by local archaeologists, photographs of cave paintings found in the region and ceramics. Elsewhere exhibits explore Chiang Mai's history, look at the region's growth and development, and detail contemporary life in the city. However, the most important section looks at Thai religious art, and features hundreds of Buddha images in different styles and sizes.
Chiang Mai-Lampang Superhighway
Tel: (053) 221 308.
Website: www.thailandmuseum.com
Admission charge.
The Tribal Museum and Ratchamangkla Park
Beyond the artfully landscaped Ratchamangkla Park, overlooking a tree-lined lake, stands a Chinese-style pagoda, which houses this absorbing museum. Three floors of displays featuring handicrafts, costumes, jewellery, utensils and ceremonial paraphernalia explain a little about each of the hill tribes in the region. The displays give an impression of the agricultural activities, ceremonies and festivals of each group, providing a genuine insight into the way of life of these people.
Thanon Chotana
Tel: (053) 210 872.
Free admission.
