Viharn Lai Kham
Behind the main hall, on the left
A small, perfectly proportioned Lanna-style hall with a layered roof and gilded carvings. Inside sits the Phra Buddha Sihing image.
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Chiang Mai, Thailand
Wat Phra Singh
One of the most revered temples in northern Thailand, with fine Lanna woodwork, murals and the Phra Buddha Sihing image.
Favourite places
The Lai Kham murals
Inside Viharn Lai Kham
Nineteenth-century murals telling the stories of Sang Thong and Suwannahong, full of scenes of everyday Lanna life — dress, houses, courting couples and markets.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)The main viharn
Facing the entrance
The large assembly hall at the front, with gilded decoration, nagas at the steps and a big seated Buddha.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)The scripture library (Ho Trai)
To the right of the main hall
A wooden library raised on a high whitewashed base decorated with stucco figures of celestial beings, built to keep palm-leaf manuscripts safe from damp and insects.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)The golden chedi
Behind the ordination hall
A tall Lanna-style chedi covered in gold, on a square base guarded by elephant figures.
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Local food
Khao soi
Chiang Mai, Thailand
The signature noodle soup of northern Thailand: egg noodles in a rich coconut curry broth, usually with chicken or beef, topped with crispy fried noodles and served with pickled mustard greens, shallots and lime.
Khanom jeen nam ngiao
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Fresh rice noodles in a tangy tomato and pork broth flavoured with dried red cotton-tree flowers — a Lanna favourite for breakfast or lunch.
Sai ua
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Grilled northern Thai pork sausage packed with lemongrass, kaffir lime, chilli and herbs. Sold in coils at markets and eaten with sticky rice.
Where to eat
Sunday Walking Street
Ratchadamnoen Road, starting at the temple gate
The Sunday market ends right at Wat Phra Singh; food stalls fill the road and nearby temple courtyards in the evening.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Chiang Mai Gate Market
Chiang Mai Gate, south side of the old city
A local fresh market by day and a busy street-food market in the evening, with noodles, grilled meats, curries over rice and Thai desserts.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Samlan Road shops
South of the temple
Casual cafés and local restaurants line Samlan Road and the lanes around it.
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Where to stay
Old City (inside the moat)
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Quiet lanes of guesthouses and boutique hotels between the temples, within walking distance of Tha Phae Gate and the Sunday Walking Street. The easiest base for first-time visitors.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Nimmanhaemin (Nimman)
Chiang Mai, Thailand
A modern area west of the old city near Chiang Mai University, full of cafés, restaurants, malls and condo-hotels. Closest to the road up Doi Suthep.
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Culture
The Phra Buddha Sihing is one of the most venerated images in the north. During Songkran it is carried through the city so people can pour scented water on it for blessings. Cover shoulders and knees, take your shoes off before entering a hall, and never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk. Walk around a chedi clockwise, keeping it on your right. Women should not touch monks or hand things to them directly.
History
Founded in 1345 by King Pha Yu, Wat Phra Singh holds the Phra Buddha Sihing, carried through the streets every Songkran in April. Its small Viharn Lai Kham is a classic of Lanna architecture, with gilded carvings and 19th-century murals of local life.
Tour plans
Lanna art walk
Half dayStep 1: Wat Phra Singh
See the Viharn Lai Kham murals and the library early in the morning.
Step 2: Wat Chedi Luang
Walk 10 minutes east to the great ruined chedi.
Step 3: Lanna Folklife Museum
Continue to the museums behind the Three Kings Monument to learn about Lanna life and beliefs.
Step 4: Coffee or lunch
Rest in one of the old-city cafés around Ratchadamnoen Road.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
November to February is most comfortable; come early in the morning when the halls are quiet, or during Songkran in April to see the Buddha image paraded.
How to get there
At the west end of Ratchadamnoen Road in the old city — walk from Tha Phae Gate.
Getting around
The temple is at the western end of Ratchadamnoen Road, a 20-minute walk straight from Tha Phae Gate. Bicycles and Grab are good alternatives; on Sunday evenings the road is closed to traffic.
Travel tips
Cover shoulders and knees and take your shoes off before entering the halls. Sarongs are usually available to borrow or rent at the entrance.
