Wat Phra Singh
A fine example of Lanna architecture
Published/Last edited or updated: 11th June, 2019
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The conveniently placed Wat Phra Singh features what is said to be a classic Lanna-style hall as well as another prestigious Buddha image and is worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Travelfish says:
Wat Phra Singh’s principal entrance is situated down a small side street off Singhaklai Road—walk by the peach-painted walls until you see the ornate white entrance gate. Directly ahead of you is the main worshipping hall with its elaborate tiered roof constructed, it’s thought, in 1385, and which is regarded as a fine example of Chiang Saen style architecture. It used to house the prestigious Phra Buddha Sihing image which has since been transferred to Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai. Check out the glorious crimson and gold painted interior of the hall. The current seated Buddha image is a copy of the original.
Elsewhere in the small but attractive temple complex look out for the spectacular, gold leaf-clad, main chedi with its guardian lions and the large bodhi tree (ficus religiosa) surrounded by eight Buddha images corresponding to the days of the week. (Wednesday’s are split into afternoon and morning in the Theravada calendar.) While this is a shady spot with trees and a well-tended garden, 15 minutes or so is sufficient to explore the small compound. It could easily be combined with a visit to the large and lively municipal market just down the street.
Before you enter Wat Phra Singh, check out the old, pale yellow-painted and recently restored Chiang Rai city hall opposite. It is a fantastic old building which according to the TAT staff across the road is intended at some stage in the future to become the principal city museum.
Contact details for Wat Phra Singh
Address: Singhaklai Road
T: (053) 711 735; (053) 744 523;
Coordinates (for GPS): 99º49'50.7" E, 19º54'42.62" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Admission: Free
Reviewed by
Mark Ord
Based in Chiang Mai, Mark Ord has been travelling Southeast Asia for over two decades and first crossed paths with Travelfish on Ko Lipe in the early 1990s.
