Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan: A Guide to One of Chiang Mai’s Most Revered Temples

The Revered Phra Singh: A Journey to Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan

Wat Phra Singh Worawihan is a Royal Temple of the first grade, holding immense importance to the history and culture of Chiang Mai and the Lanna Kingdom. It stands majestically in the heart of Chiang Mai’s old city on Samlarn Road, Phra Sing Subdistrict. This temple is not only the spiritual heart of the city’s residents but also a major cultural attraction that draws travelers from all over the world to witness the beauty of Lanna architecture and pay respect to the city’s sacred treasures.

📜 History and Background

Wat Phra Singh was built in 1345 during the reign of King Phayu, the fifth king of the Lanna Kingdom. It was originally named “Wat Li Chiang Phra.” The king commissioned the construction of a 23-wa-high (approximately 46 meters) chedi to enshrine the ashes of his father, King Kham Fu. Later, in 1367, a revered Buddha image named “Phra Buddha Sihing” was enshrined in the temple, which led to its current name, “Wat Phra Singh.” The temple was granted the status of a first-class Royal Temple (Worawihan) in 1940 during the reign of King Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) of the Rattanakosin Kingdom.

🙏 Phra Buddha Sihing, the City’s Revered Buddha Image

The most sacred and central object of worship in the temple is the “Phra Buddha Sihing,” affectionately known by locals as “Phra Singh.” It is one of Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha images, depicted in the Subduing Mara posture and crafted in the Chiang Saen Singh Nueng artistic style. According to legend, the image was created in Sri Lanka around 700 A.D. and was brought to the land of Suvarnabhumi during the Sukhothai Kingdom before eventually being enshrined in Chiang Mai. Today, the image is housed within the “Viharn Lai Kham,” where it is deeply venerated by Buddhists.

🎊 Center of Faith and Pi Mai Mueang Traditions

The deep connection and reverence that the people of Chiang Mai have for the Phra Buddha Sihing image are most vividly expressed during the “Procession of Phra Buddha Sihing,” the cornerstone of Chiang Mai’s Songkran festival, or “Pi Mai Mueang.” Every year on April 13th (Wan Sangkhan Long), the Phra Buddha Sihing image is brought out from Viharn Lai Kham and placed on a beautifully decorated ceremonial carriage called a busabok. A grand procession then moves through the city of Chiang Mai, allowing residents and tourists to participate in “Song Nam Phra”—the ritual of pouring lustral water infused with flowers and fragrances over the image. This tradition is not just a New Year celebration but also a profound act of respect, believed to wash away misfortunes and bring blessings and prosperity for the year ahead. It is a beautiful and powerful display of faith that everyone eagerly awaits each year.

✨ The Beauty of Viharn Lai Kham

The interior walls of Viharn Lai Kham hold a treasure: murals commissioned in the early 19th century that are renowned for their period style. They depict two Buddhist fables—Prince Sang Thong (The Golden Conch) on the north wall and the Heavenly Phoenix on the south. These paintings are invaluable historical documents, illustrating not just religious stories but also scenes of life in northern Thai and Burmese courts. Recent restoration has carefully preserved their original artistic integrity, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s cultural past. The structure’s gracefully layered roof and intricate, gold-leafed carvings make this viharn a must-see for visitors and a prime spot for photography.

🕌 Architecture and Key Structures within the Temple

Besides Viharn Lai Kham, the temple grounds host numerous other interesting structures and sacred sites. These include the “Phra Ubosot” (Ordination Hall), decorated with unique Lanna artistry; the gleaming golden “Phra Maha Chedi” (Main Stupa), which contains Buddha’s hair relics; the “Ho Trai” (Tripitaka Library), featuring stunning deity stucco work and a beautiful blend of Lanna and early Rattanakosin architecture; and the “Viharn Luang,” the largest assembly hall in the temple used for major religious ceremonies. Every element reflects the past glory of Buddhism and Lanna artistry.

📍 Getting There and Visitor Information

Phra Singh temple is located in the heart of Chiang Mai’s old city, making it easily accessible by private car, rod daeng (the local red trucks), or even on foot if you are staying nearby. The temple is open daily from approximately 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Visitors should dress respectfully to honor the sacred site. While there is no general entrance fee for the temple grounds, a small donation of 20 THB is requested for foreigners to enter the Viharn Lai Kham, the hall containing the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image. A visit to Wat Phra Singh is not just an opportunity to worship and admire beautiful architecture but also a chance to learn about history and experience the living spirit of Lanna culture.

🧭 Visitor Information, Access, and Tours

Conveniently located in the heart of the Old City, the temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A 20 THB entrance fee for non-Thais is requested for the Viharn Lai Kham to support preservation. The grounds are commendably wheelchair accessible. Due to its significance and central location, the temple is a cornerstone of many guided Chiang Mai Tours one day, which can provide deeper context to the art and history you are witnessing.