Chiang Mai · Old City temple with Lanna Buddha image and murals
At Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai’s Old City, you can see a golden chedi and the Lai Kham Viharn, which houses the Phra Singh Buddha image. Murals on the two side walls depict the stories of Suwannahong and the Golden Conch, as well as clothing and details of everyday life from the period.
The temple dates to 1345, while the murals are thought to have been painted around the viharn’s renovation in 1863. After paying respects to the Buddha image, compare the scenes on both side walls, then step outside to see the golden chedi.
The pin marks the place, not necessarily its entrance, ticket office or vehicle drop-off point.
2 Sam Lan Road Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
The destination is Wat Phra Singh on Sam Lan Road, at number 2. Search for Chiang Mai as well to avoid confusing it with temples of the same name elsewhere.
Inside the grounds, Lai Kham Viharn houses the Phra Singh Buddha, also known as Phra Phuttha Sihing. After paying your respects, look at the walls: the north side tells the story of Suwannahong and the south side the Golden Conch. The rear wall depicts Buddhas of the past.
The paintings go beyond Buddhist themes. They also show clothing, architecture and everyday life at the time, so even visitors unfamiliar with the stories can take their time looking at the figures and street scenes. Please avoid blocking the way for people who are worshipping.
Wat Phra Singh was founded in 1345 by King Pha Yu of the Lanna Kingdom. It was first called Wat Li Chiang Phra; it became known by its present name after King Saen Mueang Ma brought the Phra Singh Buddha image from Chiang Rai. The approximately 50-meter golden chedi and the viharn housing the image show how the royal temple and its object of worship are connected.
The murals in Lai Kham Viharn are thought to have been painted during renovations in 1863. The Suwannahong and Golden Conch stories are attributed to different painters. Compare how the figures and scenes are depicted on the two walls of the same viharn.
During Songkran, a tradition carries the Phra Singh Buddha on a special platform through Chiang Mai. The image usually worshipped inside the viharn is brought out into the city for the New Year festival. The tourism authority describes events between 13 and 15 April, but check the announcement for the year you plan to visit for the actual procession details.
Outside the festival period, visit Lai Kham Viharn to see the Buddha image and murals, then explore the golden chedi outside. Keeping the regular worship space and the festival procession distinct helps you know what to expect on different dates.
Visitors of all genders are advised to wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. A sleeved top with long trousers or a skirt that covers the knees is a practical choice. Please dress modestly rather than wearing a sleeveless top or short bottoms.
The viharn houses the Phra Singh Buddha, also known as Phra Phuttha Sihing. Murals on the north wall depict Suwannahong and those on the south wall the Golden Conch; they also show clothing and details of everyday life at the time.
You can usually pay your respects to the Buddha image and see the murals inside Lai Kham Viharn. The procession that carries the image through the city is a separate Songkran tradition. The tourism authority describes events on 13–15 April, but the procession schedule for a particular year may vary with the announcement.
Sources checked:
Sharing image credit: Stefan Fussan / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
