Wat Phra Singh stands as one of Chiang Mai's most iconic and historically rich temples. Founded in 1345 during the reign of Lanna King Phayu, its purpose was to enshrine a famous relic of the Buddha and house the ashes of his late father, King Khamfu. Also known as the Monastery of the Lion Buddha, it is still an active religious centre, attracting hundreds of monks and novices from all over South East Asia.