Chiang Rai Temples

Amphoe Muang

The Wat Phra Sing

The Wat Phra Sing ,on Singhakhlai Road near the townhall used to house a major Buddha statue, the Phra Buddha Sihing which is now enshrined in Chiang Mai. A special feature is the Lanna-style Ubosot and the wooden door panels carved by Chiang Rai contemporary craftsmen. 

Wat Phra Kaeo

Situated on Trairat Road in town centre, Wat Phra Kaeo was where one of Thailand's most important Buddha statues was discovered in 1444. The statue had been moved by various state rulers to be placed in their respective capitals as a symbol of dominance, including Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane before finally begin enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo during the reign of King Rama I of the Rattanakosin Period. The temple also houses a 700 years old bronze statue, Phra Chao Lan Thong, which is housed in the Chiang Saen-style Ubosot. 

Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong
 
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, located on Doi Chom Thong on the bank of the Kok River within town area, contains what is believed to be the oldest Holy Relic even before King Mengrai built Chiang Rai. A major religious site in Chiang Rai, it was from here that King Mengrai spotted the strategic location on which to establish the town. The Chedi containing the Holy Relic was probably renovated at the same time the town was being built.

Amphoe Chiang Saen

Wat Pa Sak

Wat Pa Sak, about one kilometre to the west of Chiang Saen in Tambon Wiang, was built by King Saen Phu in 1295 and three hundred teak trees were planted, hence the name Pa Sak (Teak Woods). It was then the residence of the patriarch. The temple's chedi is of the beautiful Chiang Saen architectural style and the exteriors are elaborately decorated with designs. The chedi itself measures 12.5 meters tall with a base of 8 meters wide. 

Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong

Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong is located within the city wall, built by Prince Thong Ngua, a son of King Tilokkarat, the 12th ruler of Lanna, in 1489. A 1,200-kilogram Buddha statue was cast. Named the Phra Chao Lan Thong, it has a lap width of 2 metres and is over three metres high. Another statue called Phra Chao Thong Thip was also cast which is made of brass and in the Sukhothai style. 

Wat Phra That Chedi Luang

Wat Phra That Chedi Luang, located in Chiang Saen old town, was built by King Saen Phu, the 3rd ruler of the Lanna kingdom in early 13th Century. Ancient sites include the bell-shaped, Lanna-style principal Chedi which measures 88 metres high with a base 24 metres wide, the largest such structure in Chiang Saen. There are also remains of ancient Vihan and Chedi. 

Wat Phra That Chom Kitti / Wat Sangkha Kaeo Don Han

There are also several ancient sites outside the city wall including Wat Phra That Chom Kitti , about 1.7 kilometres from town, and Wat Sangkha Kaeo Don Han where sketches on brick slabs tell stories about the various lives of the Lord Buddha.