Tour to Wat Umong Chiang Mai Thailand

Umong Temple Peaceable wat and plenty of attention-grabbing areas to visit

Definitely considered one of Chiangmai’s most uncommon and fascinating temples, Umong Temple, (or ‘tunnel temple’ - umong which means tunnel in Thai), is set in wooded grounds near the foot of Doi Suthep.

Stroll the temple grounds beneath timber and across trails, or discover the underground tunnels, featuring many shrines to Buddha. It is stated that the tunnels, dug underneath a man-made mound, were created to keep a highly regarded monk who was vulnerable to wandering from getting too removed from the temple. It was later abandoned, adding to its historical, wooded really feel-but at the moment a number of monks stay on the site. Its tranquil atmosphere makes it a well-liked spot for meditation.

Probably the most spectacular features to Wat Umong is its tunnels, dating again to the thirteenth century. After eradicating your shoes, the air, which smells of spicy incense and humbling earth, turns into obviously cooler as you stroll through one of many three entrances. Inside, there are a number of Buddha statues in enclaves where locals will leave incense and flowers and pray. Upon going deeper contained in the cave-like tunnel, make sure you search for on the ceiling. Historic drawings can still be seen and for those who look carefully you can make out patterns and even elephants. These ancient frescoes carry the historic significance of Wat Umong to light. I couldn’t help however let my imagination take me to hundreds of years prior to a time when these light colours were vivid and colourful, as monks roamed the halls. One other fascinating aspect to Umong Temple is the relatively massive golden stupa that sits atop the ancient tunnels. I discovered this stupa reasonably photogenic in its simple and natural setting, particularly towards a blue sky. I notably preferred shedding my sneakers and becoming a member of the locals walking around the stupa thrice in a clockwise direction, giving me a more real and genuine expertise at the temple.

Peaceable and peaceful, nestled in a forest west of Old City. Solely eight min by automobile without traffic but felt isolated. While not a glitzy, renovated nor tidy Wat, there are varied and interesting options - an old stupa; tunnels leading to places of worship set into the hillside, crumbling (sadly, prolonged) statues and dramatic balustrades running alongside a set of steps, a templeful of chanting monks, forested and shady grounds. Nice for photos - the brickwork appears outdated, lichen and weed coated. Need not spend numerous time here but its a refreshing change of pace to the always crowded Doi Suthep and other well-liked temples.

How you can get to the Umong Temple

All in all an interesting spot to visit and a nice, tranquil website to whereas away some time. It’s a bit far to stroll but solely a 10-15 minute tuk tuk or motorbike experience from downtown or contact Tour Agency in Chiang Mai being fairly reasonably priced and simply mixed with a visit to Doi Suthep. (You could cease off on the fascinating Ton Payom Market on the way.) Tuk tuk’s will probably ask for 100 baht and you may wish to ask the motive force to attend since they’re few and far between in these parts. Just a little bit fiddly to get to by bicycle or bike so probably easier to grab a map rather than attempting to explain.

Entry price & opening hours
The temple opens day by day from 6 am until 5 pm. Entrance fee is free.

Tours Chiangmai to Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh one of the most beautiful wat in Chiang Mai

Phra Singh temple was constructed inside the old city walls at a time when Chiangmai was the metropolis of the northern Thai Lanna or Lan Na kingdom.

Phra Singh temple is also known as “The Monastery of the Lion Lord buddha” or “The wat of the Lion Buddha” is an active temple, with hundreds of monks and novices living there. The Wat Phra Singh houses a number of highly revered and very old Buddha images. The Wat Phra Singh dates back to the 14th century when Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, and is one of the best examples of basic Lanna style wat buildings in Northern Thailand. The wat grounds have a number of classic Lanna style structures. Between Songkran festival in April when traditional Asian new year is celebrated the Phra Singh images is carried through the streets of Chiang Mai during which local people can honor the statue by watering water over it.

Phra Singh temple was constructed in 1345 by King Pha Yu for the ashes of his faher, Ruler Kham Fu. It may have been the initially monastery to house the Emerald Lord buddha, that  later resided in Chidi Luang temple and is now enshrined in Phra Kaew temple, Bangkok. The temple is named for the Lord buddha statue it housed in 1367, the Phra Singh (Lion Buddha). The wat-monastery knock down into disrepair as Chiangmai's population declined in the 18th century, but repairing began in the early 19th century under Chao Kawila. The labor continued under his beneficiary, Chao Thammalangka, who commissioned the art work in Viharn Lai Kham.

Phra Singh temple attractions

Viharn Luang

The biggest structure in the wat is the Viharn Luang. The original viharn was made towards the end of the 14th century, but was replaced by the current building in 1925. This spectacular viharn houses a very highly revered Buddha sculpture named Phra Chao Thong Tip. This gold and copper sculpture of a seated Buddha was cast in 1477.

Viharn Lai Kham

The Viharn Lai Kham is a classic example of a Lanna style viharn and was created to house the Phra Sihing sculpture enthroned inside. Lai Kham refers to the sophisticated gold tracery used for decoration. The front of the building is in 3 tiers. The porch has exquisitely carved gables and also an majestic stucco sum on top of the main doorways. On the inner walls of the Viharn Lai Kham are some painting originally commissioned by Chao Thammalangka. These are famous for their period design and the detail depicting earthy northern Thai scenes and the ways of the Burmese Court. The painting display two allegories. Prince Sang Thong of the Golden Conch lies on the north wall and the Heavenly Phoenix takes up the south. The fables display the long suffering of heroes battling against the powerful forces of enormous before Indra intervenes and allows good to eventually success.

Monastic library 

The Haw Trai (wat library) is another magnificent building which has Buddhist scriptures. It is located on the left of Viharn Lai Kam . It is believed to have been constructed at the end of 15th century. This building shows irrefutable evidence of the very highly skilled craftsmanship of this period. worthwhile noting mainly are the stucco figures of Thai celestial characters around the walls.

Phra Singh Buddha

Phra Phuttha Sihing Lord buddha images  The Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha image was originally housed in the vihara to the south of Phrathat chedi in Wat Phra Singh, Muang District, Chiangmai. Phra Phuttha Sihing is an ancient Lord buddha statue in the gesture of meditation made of bronze and covered with gold. The Lord buddha statue is 79 centimeters high with a lap width of 63 centimeters, and is in the Lanka style.

A trip to Phra Singh temple provides you a luxuriant glimpse into Lanna temple art and architecture. A lot of the buildings have undergone several renovations but still hold on to the original feel. If you have half a day, this temple is assuredly worth trying out. For a great one day guided tour that includes a visit to Phra Singh temple please see Chiang Mai Day Tours

How to go?

The Phra Singh temple is positioned in the old walled town centre of Chiangmai. The main entry is at the end of Ratchadamnoen road. Also in the old walled city and at strolling distance are the Wat Chedi Luang and the Chiang Man temple.

Entrance cost & opening time
The wat commonly is open every day from 6 am to 5 pm. Entrance ticket is free.