Thailand Travel | One of the Three Must-Visit Temples in Chiang Mai Old City - Wat Phra Singh Chiang Mai

Wat Phra Singh Chiang Mai Wat Phra Singh วัดพระสิงห์วรมหาวิหาร Wat Phra Singh was first built in 1345 when the fifth king of the Mangrai Dynasty constructed a stupa to enshrine the ashes of his father, King Kham Fu. A few years later, additional viharas and auxiliary buildings were added, and the final complex was named Wat Phra Singh. From 1578 to 1774, during the third Burmese occupation of Chiang Mai, the temple was abandoned and fell into disrepair. It wasn't until 1782, when King Kawila ascended the throne of Chiang Mai, that the temple was restored. Later, the oldest vihara - Wihan Lai Kham and the elegant temple library - Ho Trai were renovated. The ancient vihara - Wihan Lai Kham, built in 1345, is a classic example of Lanna architecture and houses the famous 'Phra Singh Buddha'. The murals inside are also very eye-catching and extremely valuable. The main stupa - Phrathatluang, built in 1345, was later expanded several times. The base of the stupa is square, with the front half of an elephant protruding from each side. The temple library - Ho Trai is another classic example of Lanna architecture and is one of the most beautiful temple libraries in Thailand. The guardians on either side of the staircase are composed of lions emerging from the mouths of Makaras, a combination rarely seen elsewhere. Address: 2 Samlarn Rd, Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50280, Thailand