Wat Phra SingAbout Wat Phra Sing
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.
Nearby Attractions to Wat Phra Sing
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 14° - 29° | 21° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 67% | 0.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| February | Ideal | 15° - 32° | 24° | 6 mm | mostly sunny | 56% | 0.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.4h |
| March | Excellent | 19° - 35° | 27° | 22 mm | mostly sunny | 52% | 1.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 22° - 36° | 31° | 49 mm | some cloud | 56% | 1.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Acceptable | 23° - 34° | 33° | 161 mm | overcast | 75% | 1.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.9h |
| June | Good | 24° - 33° | 33° | 119 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.1h |
| July | Acceptable | 23° - 32° | 32° | 149 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.0h |
| August | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 31° | 197 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.6h |
| September | Acceptable | 23° - 32° | 31° | 185 mm | overcast | 89% | 0.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 22° - 31° | 26° | 112 mm | overcast | 87% | 0.9 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Excellent | 19° - 30° | 24° | 46 mm | some cloud | 82% | 0.6 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.2h |
| December | Ideal | 15° - 28° | 21° | 10 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 0.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 10.9h |
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.