Hotels near Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh (Temple of the Lion Buddha) at the western end of the Old City was founded in 1345 and is Chiang Mai's most revered Buddhist temple. The complex includes Wat Phra Singh proper, the small Lai Kham viharn famous for its murals depicting Lanna daily life from the 1820s, and a Lanna-style library on stilts. The temple houses the Phra Buddha Sihing statue, considered the most important Buddha image in northern Thailand.

The Lai Kham viharn (1345, restored) is the architectural masterpiece - its murals on the inner walls are among the only surviving examples of Lanna painted decoration. The main chedi at the rear is gilded and reflects sunlight dramatically in the afternoon. Songkran (Thai New Year, April 13-15) sees the Phra Buddha Sihing paraded through the streets. Entry 40 THB; main grounds free. Open daily 06:00-17:30.

Pro Tip: The Lai Kham viharn is often missed by visitors who go straight to the main hall - it sits to the south of the main viharn and is the architectural and artistic highlight. Photography is allowed in the inner sanctum but flash is forbidden.