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Wat Phra Singh, located on the west side of Samlan Road, within the old city walls. The main entrance, guarded by two enormous dragon-like "lions,"
is directly opposite the end of Rajdamnern Road and the old name called 'Wat Lichiang.'
Wat Phra Singh has the most complete version of Lanna Chappel and is home to Phra Buddha Sihing, considered Chiang Mai's important and sacred Buddha mage.
The Wiharn Lai Kham in Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai, is in the typical northern architectural style,
with the roof extending like a bird's wings.
The pediment is black lacquered and gilded.
The stair-case in front is decorated with a naga balustrade
Wat Phra Singh is easy to visit as it is right in the center of Chiang Mai city. The mural paintings at its Laikum assembly hall have been restored; consequently the colors employed
and the designs clearly show the quality of art of 100 years ago.
Painted by Jeck Seng, the murals of Wat Phra Singh depict the traditional way of life of the Lanna people. The story, however, is partly adapted from the Jataka episode of the literary classic
Sang Thong, and the drawings partly use the "tailing" method apparent in the mural paintings of the Central Region.
The paintings from Sang Thong Literature
The paintings show men and women with bare tops, the men with tattoos from their waists down to the knee and wearing loin cloths fashioned like underwear. The women wear cloths around
their necks and long skirts with horizontal stripes with just a trace of red or black. The murals depict mrket scenes and men flirting with women, as well as overall everday life.
Buddhas on the altar of Wat Phra Singh
Chedi of Wat Phra Singh
One enters a spacious compound dotted with strikingly handsome buildings, in particular, the large wiharn, a magnificent structure built in 1518. A closer look reveals
brilliantly carved and decorated panels at the front, glittering with coloured mirror chips and gilding. Behind this wiharn is a chedi, built by King Phraya Pa-Yu of Lanna Thai,
the seventh King of the Mengrai dynasty, to house the ashes of King Khum Pu, his father. He then ordered a wat to be built on this site. In 1389 a revered Buddha
image named Phra Buddha Sinsh, was brought from Chiangrai and housed in a specially built crypt. Such is the histiry of Thailand. One can see Chiangmai's "original" in
the wiharn; it is a fine work art.
Small Wiharn at behind the Wiharn Lai Kham
Wat Pra Singh is located in the center of the city at the intersection of Singharaj and Rajdamnern Road.
The large jedee was built in 1345 by King Pha Yu to house the remains of his father King Kam Fu. A typical scripture repository is located at this temple as well.
These repositories were designed to keep and protect the delicate sa or mullberry paper sheets used by monk and scribes to keep records and write down folklore.
The high stucco-covered stone base of the repository protected the delicate scriptures from the rain, floods and pests.
Small Wiharn at the north
The walls of the chapel are coverer with mural illustrating Lanna customs, dress, and scenes from daily life. The lovely Lai Kam chapel houses the revered
Phra Singh Buddha image. Sadly, the head was stolen in 1922, and a reproduction is now seen.
Ho Trai, also worth a closer look is the charming library building, near the front gate built about 400 years ago
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