Wat Chiang Man - Chiang Mai's Oldest Temple

Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple still standing in Chiang Mai. Founded in 1297, it was originally established by the medieval King Mengrai as a royal encampment while overseeing the construction of his new capital. As the first temple built within the city walls, Wat Chiang Man quickly became a hub for both spiritual and civic life, hosting key religious ceremonies, political gatherings and important social events at the heart of the emerging Lanna Kingdom.

Blending traditional Lanna and Sinhalese architectural styles, this small yet picturesque temple complex features a prayer hall, scripture library, ordination halls and modest viharns. At its heart stands the central chedi, he temple's oldest and first structure, encircled by 15 life-sized stone elephants that appear to shoulder the weight of its historical significance. According to ancient stone inscriptions found on the temple grounds, the complex has undergone numerous restorations over the past 600 years, preserving its sacred legacy through the centuries.

The viharns, or meditation halls, house several revered Buddhist relics. Among them is Phra Sae Tang Khamani, also known as the Crystal Buddha. This small yet striking image is carved from clear quartz and is believed to date back to around 200 AD. According to legends, it was created to exorcise evil spirits and drive away demons, particularly after a gruesome sacrifice was made to banish a powerful demon that had cursed the region. Commissioned by a Mon king or queen following a mass execution of innocents to stop the demon’s rampage, the Crystal Buddha was believed to absorb the evil unleashed during the bloodshed. While it became a protective artifact, the curse of the Phi Tai Hong, tied to the demon’s death, lingered, with the Buddha said to be the only force capable of keeping the spirits at bay. Its presence in Wat Chiang Man adds both spiritual depth and historical intrigue to the temple complex.

Another sacred relic housed within the viharns is the Phra Sila Buddha, an engraved bas-relief stele believed to have originated from ancient Ceylon (modern day Sri Lanka) over a thousand years ago. Deeply revered by local devotees, this image is thought to possess the spiritual power to summon rain. As such, it plays a central role in the annual Songkran festival, where it is paraded in ceremonial processions at the end of the dry season, symbolising renewal, blessing and the arrival of life giving rains.

Throughout history, blood rituals were practiced in both Buddhist and pre-Buddhist Thailand, particularly during times of war or strife, to appease vengeful spirits, such as the Phi Tai Hong, ghosts of those who died violent deaths. At temples like Wat Chiang Man, secret ceremonies took place at night, offering blood to guardian spirits or deities in hopes of ensuring the safety and protection of the community, with the belief that the veil between the physical world and the spiritual realm was thinnest during this time. The legacy of blood rituals and restless spirits continues to haunt Chiang Mai’s folklore, with stories of ghostly apparitions and eerie occurrences near historic temples like Wat Chiang Man. Locals speak of chilling air and shadowy figures, believed to be the Phi Tai Hong spirits seeking vengeance. During the Songkran festival, while celebrating the new year with water and joy, there is an underlying tradition of appeasing these spirits, with offerings made not only to the gods but also to the souls of those who died violently, serving both as a tribute and a protective measure for the living.

Chiang Mai is a city rich in history, where ancient temples like Wat Chiang Man hold not only spiritual significance but also dark and fascinating stories. From blood rituals meant to appease vengeful spirits like the Phi Tai Hong, to the creation of powerful relics such as the Crystal Buddha to combat demons, the city’s past is woven with both beauty and mystery. These tales, blending violence, sacrifice and spiritual protection, offer a glimpse into the ancient beliefs and practices that shaped the region’s culture.

Location: 171 Ratchapakhinai Roadd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand

How to get there : It’s easy to walk to this temple for those staying in the old part of town, between Phra Pok Klao 13 Road and Ratchaphakhinai 1 Road. Entering the old walled part of the city through the Chang Puak gate in the North wall, take a left turn to Ratchaphakhinai 1 Road. The temple is then on the right hand side after about 200 metres.

Attraction info : The temple is open between 6am - 6pm daily. Entry is free but any donations would be greatly appreciated. Despite its' historical importance, this temple does not attract many visitors and is usually pretty quiet.

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