Wat Phra Sing
Temple Lanna-style Chiang Mai temple housing revered Buddha image
A principal temple in Chiang Mai housing the revered Phra Singh Buddha image, notable for Lanna architecture; visitors attend rituals, admire carved woodwork and join festivals.
Wat Phra Singh is a major Buddhist temple in the historic centre of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, notable for its Lanna-style architecture and its possession of the Phra Singh Buddha image. The temple dates to the 14th century and remains an active monastic and devotional site.
Architectural highlights include the richly decorated viharn and the ubosot where important ceremonies take place; traditional Lanna decorative motifs appear throughout. Many visitors come to view the shrine halls and the ancient Buddha image.
The temple was founded in the 14th century during the early period of Chiang Mai’s city history and has been rebuilt and renovated at various times since. It has long been a focal point for religious life and civic ceremonies in Chiang Mai.
Wat Phra Singh sits inside Chiang Mai’s old walled city, easily reached on foot from central streets and nearby markets.
- Phra Singh image and festival role: Houses the revered Phra Singh Buddha image and is one of Chiang Mai's most important active temples, especially during Songkran festival processions.
What to See #
- Ubosot and Viharn: The ubosot (ordination hall) and the viharn containing the main Buddha image are the principal structures visited within the temple grounds.
How to Get to Wat Phra Sing #
Located in Chiang Mai’s old city, Wat Phra Sing is a short walk from Thapae Gate and the main tourist streets. Most visitors reach it on foot, by bicycle, or short tuk-tuk rides from anywhere in central Chiang Mai.
Tips for Visiting Wat Phra Sing #
- Arrive for the morning chanting to see the gilded surfaces catch the low light and to avoid midday crowds.
- Look for the distinctive Lanna-style mural fragments inside the ubosot - they are often overlooked by quick tours.
- Explore the side alleys of the old city around the temple for local coffee shops and handicraft sellers that keep traditional crafts alive.
Best Time to Visit Wat Phra Sing #
Late autumn through winter (Nov-Feb) is most comfortable and culturally lively in Chiang Mai.
Weather & Climate near Wat Phra Sing #
Wat Phra Sing's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1059 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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May
May is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (161 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (149 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (197 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (185 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
