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Visit the City of Mang Rai and Experience Chiang Rai Cultural Heritage |
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 Phraya Mang Rai the Great Monument
It is quite appropriate to pay homage to its founder, Phraya Mang Rai, before venturing to other sites in his historic empire of Chiang Rai.
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 Wat Klang Wiang
Previously called Wat Chantalok after the huge red chan tree once grown here, this is where the founding city pillar is located. However, during the modern-day mapping process, it was revealed that this temple is situated at the exact center-point of the city. The city pillar was thus erected, and the temple was renamed Wat Chan Lok Klang Wiang. In 1903, a big gale destroyed the chan tree, main prayer hall (ubosot), and an assembly hall (wihan). The name of the temple was thus reduced to Wat Klang Wiang.
 In 1992, a new city pole was erected to replace the old one which had long collapsed. A mondop topped with a spire was built to protect the pillar from eroding elements, with a statue of the mythical Guardian Angle (called Thao Chatu Lokaban) to protect the city's birthplace according to Lanna beliefs. A chedi was built where the chan tree once stood. The statuettes of fully attired elephants stand around the base of the chedi. The main prayer hall was also rebuilt in neo-Lanna architectural style. |
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 Wat Phra Sing
Built around 1385 in the reign of Prince Maha Phrom (brother of Prince Kuena of Chiang Mai) who ruled Chiang Rai from 1345 to 1400, this temple once housed Phra Phutthasihing (now in Chiang Mai).
The temple is also well-known for its artifacts. The main prayer hall reflects a traditional architectural style, with wooden portals beautifully carved into a delicate pattern showing the interplay of earth, water, wind and fire, by the hand of local Chiang Rai craftsmen. The pattern was designed by one of Thailand 's renowned artists, Thawan Datchani. The temple itself houses a 5 by 24 replica of Buddha's footprint believed to be carved in the reign of Phraya Mang Rai, with an inscription in the ancient Khmer alphabet which reads Kusala Thamma (Dhamma), Akusala Thamma (Dhamma), to remind people of the Dhamma which instigates good deeds and refrains from undesirable deeds.
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 Wat Phra Kaeo
Formerly called Wat Pa Yia (bamboo forest), this is where the Emerald Buddha was found. Thus the name of the temple was derived.
 On 21 October 1990 , Buddhist clerics and laity agreed to build the Jade Buddha (commonly called Phra Yok Chiang Rai) to celebrate the 90 th anniversary of the Princess Mother's birthday. The Buddha image was officially named Phra Phuttha Rattanakonnawuttiwatsanuson Mongkhon, which means the Buddha who is the source of gems.
In the main prayer hall stands a huge bronze Buddha image in the posture of sub-duing mara, or demon. This is commonly known as Phra Chao Lan Thong in Chiang Rai. It was transferred from Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong to this temple in 1961. The main hall itself was built in 1960 in the neo-Lanna style with double-tiered roofs decorated with colored glass along the eaves and the beams. The front portal posts and gable are decorated with intricate golden patterns. The doors are showpieces of northern woodcarving techniques.
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 Wat Doi Ngam Muang
This is where Ku Phraya Mang Rai was found, initially built as the storage of Mang Rai's bone relics after his cremation. In 1489, Phraya Sonratchada Ngoen Kong had this temple built where the Ku was found. It was renovated in 1952 and Phraya Mang Rai's statue was erected next to his remains.
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 Wat Phra-That Doi Thong
Before building Chiang Rai, Phraya Mang Rai had a high citadel built around Doi Chom Thong, the city center. Then he had Phra That Doi Thong renovated. Phra That Doi Thong, originally built by Phraya Ruen Kaeo in 900, contains a portion of Buddha's relics. One portion is kept at Wat Phra That Doi Tung and the other at Wat Phra That Chom Kitti.
Opposite Wat Phra That Doi Thong are located 108 city pillars of Chiang Rai, which the citizen unanimously agreed to build in 1988 as an expression of gratitude to King Mang Rai, as well as to celebrate King Bhumibol's 60 th birthday.
The pillars were built according to Lanna traditional beliefs reflecting a combination of Buddhist and Hindu ideology. The pillars themselves are 5 feet thick and are of the king's height. They are arranged in several tiers of circles, symbolizing the universe with Sumeru Mountain in the center. The surrounding five water troughs represent the five oceans (the traditional Pancha Mahanathi), with Nirvana at its highest reach.
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