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Wat Chiang Man is situated in town. It was the first temple built in Chiang Mai around 1300 A.D. Formerly it was the residence of King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai.
There are two famous Buddha images in this temple.
The Wiharn has a verandah across the front that is richly decorated with carvings of angles and flowers
Wat Chiang Man is located in the northeastern section of the old city. This is the oldest temple in Chiangmai, built by King Mengrai in 1296 as Chiangmai's first royal
wat. It has been restored several times and has a distinct Burmese influence. The Wiharn has a verandah across the front that is richly decorated with carvings of angles and
flowers and with the three-headed elephant. The doorways are decorated with coloured mirror pieces and inside, the walls are covered with murals. Printed red and gold pillars
and ceiling beams and a stately Buddha in front of a canopy are spoiled by the inappropriate fluorescent strip lighting.
Ho Trai
This wat is famous for several unusual images of Buddha. The most extraordinary is the Phra Kaew Kao or Crystal Buddha made in Lavo (Lop Buri) in the 2nd
century and Phra Nang Jamthevi brought to rest in Chiang Mai after journeys to Lamphun and Vientiane. It is believed to have the power to bring rain and therefore it is taken around the
city in procession every year, if there is a drought, on the first of April. This image is kept in the abbot's residence and only a replica is displayed. Another interesting
statue is the Phra Sethang Manee, an image made from white stone on a solid gold base. Brought here by King Mengrai from Hiripoonchai
(Lamphun) in 1281, it is believed to have originated in Ceylon.
Behind the Wiharn is a large, gold-spired square chedi supported by sixteen life-sized elephants. Do not miss an inspection of the whitewashed earthen wall that
surrounds the wat. It sags precariously but somehow blends well with the glittering, colourful buildings and luxuriant foliage.
Chedi Chang Rom
Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiangmai. It is located within the walled city on Rajpakinai Road.
King Mengrai allegedly lived here while the city of Chiangmai was constructed. Enshrined in Wat Chiang Man is a tiny crystal Buddha called Pra Seh-Taang Kamaneeee.
It is thought to have the power to bring rain. Another image, called Phra Sila Khoa, reflects the fine workmanship of Indian craftsmen from thousand of years ago.
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