In Chiang Mai the past is not merely the stuff of stories and musty old history books, it is a very real part of everyday life. The city is defined by a 600 year old moat, sits in the shadow of a monastery built in the 14th century and is dotted with wats (temples) raised by kings in centuries long past. In ancient times kings built temples to demonstrate not only their devotion, but also their wealth and power. Temples served not only as centres of faith, but also as schools and hospitals. Today, temples are still a central part of Thai life and the holy structures of Chiang Mai are living, breathing places that serve as invaluable bridges to the past, keeping the people linked to the timeless traditions of their ancestors.

The city is defined by a 600 year old moat, sits in the shadow of a monastery built in the 14th century and is dotted with wats raised by kings in centuries long past.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Undoubtedly the most famous temple in Chiang Mai, this holy site is located on the flanks of Doi Suthep, overlooking the city. This temple is more than just a religious site; it is one of the most important symbols of Chiang Mai. Pilgrims from all over Thailand ascend its magnificent staircase to pray at the temple and visitors all over the world do the same for the magnificent views of the city. Doi Suthep is a constant part of life in Chiang Mai. This regal mountain overlooks the city from the northwest, providing commanding views from its summit. Aside from its dominating presence on the horizon, Doi Suthep is the home of some of the most deeply loved symbols in the Kingdom.

Wat Chedi Luang

Built in 1391, during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, 8th ruler of the Mengrai dynasty, Wat Chedi Luang's massive chedi (pagoda) is a distinctive feature of the Chiang Mai skyline. At its peak, the chedi measured 44 meters (144 feet) wide and 86 meters (282 feet) tall and was the home of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred cultural treasure. Damaged during an earthquake in 1545, the structure is still impressive with a naga (water serpent) staircase on each of its faces and wonderful statues of elephants adorning the base. Legend has it that if the gum tree just inside the entrance ever falls, a terrible disaster will occur. A special pulley system allows visitors to leave offerings and prayers atop the chedi. The temple is located on Phra Pokklao Road and is easy to find, since the chedi is one of the tallest buildings in the old city.

Wat Phra Singh

This venerable temple, located at the end of Ratchadamnoen Road, is perhaps the most venerated in Chiang Mai, behind Doi Suthep. While the dusty parking lot and hordes of taxi drivers may be discouraging at first, this temple is certainly worth a look. Although the main hall of the temple dates back to 1512 and is quite beautiful, the real attraction of this temple is the smaller Lai Kam worship hall behind it. This small building is a wonderful example Lanna (northern) architecture, especially the signature roof design, which is meant to represent a bird's wings. The interior artwork has recently been restored, allowing visitors an excellent view into the lives of Chiang Mai's people hundreds of years ago. Housed within the Lai Kam is the Phra Singh Buddha image, considered the most sacred of Chiang Mai's Buddhas, which was brought to Thailand from Sri Lanka in the 1300s.

Wat Suan Dok

Just beyond the walls of the old city on the west side stands Wat Suan Dok, which dates back to the 14th century. Built by the King of Lanna on the grounds of his pleasure garden, this temple was originally intended to serve as a retreat for a revered monk from Sukothai. This temple is a wonderful place for photography and has spectacular vistas of Doi Suthep at sunset. Wat Suan Dok also figures heavily in the legend of Doi Suthep's founding. A Buddha relic was to be housed in its central chedi when it broke in two. The other half was placed on the back of a white elephant, which climbed Doi Suthep and then died. Doi Suthep was founded on the site of the elephant's demise. This temple is also noteworthy for being the final resting place of many of Chiang Mai's Lanna rulers. Behind the main hall of the temple is a city of small, whitewashed chedis which house the ashes of the kings of Lanna.

Wat Jet Yod

On the superhighway north of the city you will find the unusual Wat Jet Yod, built in the 15th century to host the 8th World Buddhist Council. The name of the temple translates to temple of the seven spires, a reference to the very uncommon design of the temple's chedi. Instead of the normal design, Wat Jet Yod's chedi has a square base topped by seven towers. The design is based on the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya, India, site of the Buddha's enlightenment. Today this temple doesn't see too many visitors but does feature some intriguing bas-reliefs.