Wat Phra Singh (Chiang Rai)

Temple

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) BangkokChiang MaiPhuketKrabiKo SamuiKo Phi PhiAyutthayaChiang RaiKo TaoPaiSukhothaiKanchanaburiHua HinPattayaWat Phra Singh (Chiang Rai)
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Wat Phra Singh (Chiang Rai) essentials

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)
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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.

Neighbourhoods

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.
Things to Do
When to Go

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.

Cool / dry
November-February · ~15-28°C
Most comfortable time to explore temples and city streets in northern Thailand with clearer skies and cooler mornings.
Hot
March-May · ~24-38°C
Hotter conditions; visit early in the morning to avoid peak daytime heat.
Rainy
June-October · ~22-32°C
Afternoon showers are common and can interrupt temple visits and outdoor photography.

Weather & Climate near Wat Phra Singh (Chiang Rai)

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 98 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
42°
Warmest Month
3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 13° - 29° 21° 8 mm mostly sunny 70% 0.6 m/s 1.5 high 11.0h
February Ideal 14° - 32° 23° 12 mm mostly sunny 60% 0.8 m/s 1.8 very high 11.4h
March Excellent 17° - 35° 26° 26 mm mostly sunny 55% 1.2 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
April Very Good 21° - 36° 30° 85 mm some cloud 59% 1.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.5h
May Acceptable 23° - 34° 32° 182 mm overcast 72% 1.2 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.9h
June Acceptable 24° - 32° 32° 161 mm overcast 79% 1.1 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.2h
July Acceptable 24° - 31° 31° 237 mm overcast 83% 1.0 m/s 2.0 extreme 13.1h
August Acceptable 23° - 31° 31° 297 mm overcast 85% 0.9 m/s 2.0 very high 12.7h
September Acceptable 23° - 31° 27° 221 mm overcast 83% 0.8 m/s 2.0 very high 12.1h
October Very Good 21° - 31° 26° 110 mm partly cloudy 81% 0.7 m/s 1.7 very high 11.6h
November Excellent 18° - 29° 23° 47 mm some cloud 78% 0.7 m/s 1.6 very high 11.1h
December Excellent 14° - 28° 21° 16 mm some cloud 75% 0.7 m/s 1.4 high 10.9h