Wat Phra Singh
The first thing you notice at Wat Phra Singh is the main chedi: twenty metres of whitewashed stupa rising from a base ringed by elephant sculptures, the whole surface dressed in gold leaf that catches the afternoon light differently every hour. It sits in the western corner of Chiang Mai's old city, inside the moat, and it has been drawing people to this exact spot since 1345.
The heart of the complex is the Viharn Lai Kham, a Lanna-style assembly hall thirty metres long whose interior walls are covered floor to ceiling in gold leaf, lacquer, and pigment murals — scenes from the Sang Thong and Suwannahongse tales that took generations to complete. The Phra Buddha Sihing image rests inside, the reason the temple has its name.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who come back tend to arrive early, before the tour groups, when monks are still moving through the grounds and the chedi throws a long shadow across the courtyard. The Ho Trai — the scripture library on its high stone base — gets overlooked; step around to see the carved detail on its exterior walls, which rewards a slower look.
The story behind Wat Phra Singh
King Phayu of the Lan Na kingdom founded the temple in 1345 as a resting place for the ashes of his father, Khamfu, brought south from Chiang Saen. It was first known as Wat Lee Chiang Phra, named after a marketplace outside its gates. The name changed in 1400 when King Saenmueangma received the Phra Phuttha Sihing image from Chiang Rai and installed it here.
Burmese occupation from 1558 to 1775 left the city largely abandoned and most of its temples in ruin. King Kawila began the long work of restoration after 1782, and in the early 1920s the revered monk Khruba Siwichai renovated the complex as part of a wider Lan Na Buddhist revival. In 1935, Rama VIII granted it Royal Temple of First Grade status — the highest rank a Thai temple can hold.
Good to know
Walk or take a tuk-tuk from anywhere along the moat — the temple is right inside the old city walls at the junction of Singharat and Ratchadamnoen roads. Entry to the main assembly hall costs around 20–40 baht for non-Thais; confirm on arrival as fees vary by hall. Allow an unhurried hour to see the whole compound.
November through February is the most comfortable window: days are warm and dry, nights genuinely cool. Avoid March through May if you can — temperatures push above 35°C and agricultural burning fills the air with haze that lingers for weeks.
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What travellers say about Wat Phra Singh
We visited Wat Phra Singh on 24 June. This Buddhist temple was constructed in 1345, and is probably the most well known temple in the Chiang Mai old city. There is a large number of ornate buildings throughout this property. There is also lots of beautiful artwork inside and on the outside of each of the buildings as well. Take your time making your way through this property. There will be lots of tourists alongside you, so pack your patience and enjoy the beauty on display. It is 50 Baht to enter. You should stop by if you are wearing appropriate temple clothing, and you're in the Chiang Mai old city.
Wat Phra Singh is one of Chiang Mai's most important and beautiful temples, famous for its Lanna architecture and gleaming golden structures. I first went at 4 pm, but it was very crowded. I returned at 6:35 pm, and it was less crowded, offering a better view for photos. I was able to enter for free and enjoy a peaceful moment as night fell. Seeing it illuminated and almost deserted was an unexpected gift. Travel tip: If you want to explore the interior at your leisure, go during the day; but if you're looking for a more serene atmosphere without crowds, a visit at sunset is magical. Note that the entrance fee is 50 THB if you're going to see the large Buddha. Otherwise, you can enter normally. You can walk there; it's close to the city center.
Really enjoyed visiting Wat Phra Singh. The temple grounds are beautiful, there’s plenty to see, and the atmosphere feels calm and welcoming. It’s an excellent spot to take in Chiang Mai’s history and architecture.
The Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan Temple is nice and beautiful. The compound is very big and spacious. The building structure and design are mostly painted with golden and red color. The admission is free for visitors. It is worth visiting this temple as well as understand the history of temple.
Another beautiful temple in the old town. Like many others it has older and newer sections. One of the older buildings had very nice old paintings on the wall which is quite unique and you shouldn't miss it during the visit.
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