Wat Phra Singh (Chiang Rai) Temple
Chiang Rai Buddhist temple noted for Lanna architecture
Provincial Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai exhibiting northern Thai (Lanna) architecture and gilded Buddhas; tourists visit for temple architecture and nearby city markets.
Wat Phra Singh (Chiang Rai) at a Glance#
Address: Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
Hours: Daily (typical temple visiting hours vary; mornings to early evening)
Admission: Free entry (donations often accepted)
Believed to have been built in the late 14th century by King Saen Muang Ma, this temple is regarded as a fine example of Lanna-style architecture, particularly the ubosot on the right as you enter the compound.
The temple once held the Phra Singh, an important Theravada Buddha image now housed at its namesake temple in Chiang Mai, where it is that city’s most venerated image. As with the Emerald Buddha in Wat Phra Kaew, the figure in the viharn here is a copy. Located on Singhaclai Road, the temple also has a reclining Buddha at the rear.
Recent restoration has focused on the ubosot, whose eaves feature striking figures performing a wai in place of the usual nagas, and there are interesting Buddha images set around the bo tree. Beside the chedi, look for the unusual cannonball tree, named for the enormous buds that burst open into glorious pink and white blooms in season.
Tips for Visiting Wat Phra Singh (Chiang Rai)#
- Go early in the morning to see the temple calm and avoid the main tour groups that concentrate later in the day; morning light is also best for photographing the chedi and courtyard.
- Dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered) and enter through the main gate on the temple's central road to avoid disrupting ongoing rituals; small temples in Chiang Rai often have no formal entrance desk but expect to remove shoes before entering buildings.
- Combine a short walking tour of Chiang Rai's old-town temples-many travelers focus on Wat Rong Khun and miss this quieter historic temple-so allow time to explore nearby wats and markets.
Best Time to Visit Wat Phra Singh (Chiang Rai)#
The cool, dry season (November-February) is the best time to visit for comfortable temple visits and clearer skies.
Weather & Climate near Wat Phra Singh (Chiang Rai)#
Wat Phra Singh (Chiang Rai)'s climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 13°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1402 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 8 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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May
May is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (182 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (161 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (237 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (297 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (221 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.
