Culture of Chiang Mai Region. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The most popular tourist temple is Wat Phra Singh. It is located in the Old Town on Thanon Ratchadamnoen street. You should definitely visit this place, even if the temples are not included in your excursion program. Here is one of the three statues of Buddha Phra Singh. This temple is a monument of the Lanna era. You will see beautiful frescoes inside the temple. There are various temples or wats in the city, and it makes sense to spend one day on a trip to the most remarkable temples.

You should definitely visit Wat Chedi Luang, where you can see the highest Chedi in the city. It is partially destroyed by the earthquake, but today its height is more than 60 meters. There is a temple on Thanon Phra Pikklao street. Here is a column in honour of the founding of the city – Inthakin and spreading eucalyptus, symbolizing the well-being of Chiang Mai. The oldest temple is located near Thanon Wiang Kaeo street, it is Wat Chiang Man. In addition to its historical value, this Wat is the home of particularly revered Buddha statues.

The unique Black Buddha can be found in Wat Buppharam, located on Thanon Tha Rae street, the commercial heart of the city. There is also a sacred Temple well, which water is used during religious ceremonies. Original seven towers Wat Chet Yot is located near Superhighway road. It is an amazingly beautiful building surrounded by gardens. You will see magnificent statues on the territory and will enjoy the extraordinary peace and quiet of this sacred place. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

There is an unusual temple Wat Umong on the Western outskirts of Chiang Mai, its territory is more like a park in its size. There is a pond where you can feed fish and shady alleys for walks. You can meditate or communicate with the monks in English, see the statue of the fasting Buddha (with protruding ribs) and the statue of the founder of the temple community, located on a small island in the middle of the pond.

The temple of the Flower Garden (Wat Suan Dorg) on Thanon Suthep street is also notable. There is a stunning snow-white chedi, where are kept the ashes of kings, the sacred bronze statue of Buddha and a magnificent view. These are only the largest and most popular temples, in fact, there are dozens or even hundreds of them in the city.

There are also enough museums in Chiang Mai. Be sure to visit Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre. It is located on Thanon Phra Poklao street near the Three Kings monument. Here you can get acquainted with the history of the city, listen to the memories of residents about the appearance of the city, see dioramas and sculptures, and get acquainted with the culture of the mountain tribes of the region.

National Museum is another interesting place, it is located in the North-West of the city and does not work every day, you should clarify the information before visiting this place. Six halls, each is dedicated to a particular era. The exhibits are very interesting and, importantly, have signatures in English, so you can explore the Museum on your own. Here you will find objects and remains found as a result of excavations in Chiang Mai, photographs and drawings, silverware, ceramics, a large number of Buddha statues made of different materials and techniques.

Tribal Museum is located close to Ratchamanka park on Thanon Chotana street. You can visit it in the morning on weekdays. In addition to the picturesque location, the Museum boasts a fascinating exposition. You will see clothes and everyday life tools of different tribes, get acquainted with their culture, occupations and will listen to traditional music. The halls contain many photographs and models representing distinctive features of the lifestyle, architecture and occupations of the main people of the region.

Those who are interested in contemporary should definitely visit Chiang Mai Art Museum. It is located near the gate of Wat Suan Dorg, at the end of Thanon Nimmanhemin street. There are works of art by local artists and sculptors in the exhibition halls. Exhibitions vary with a certain periodicity and may also include works by representatives of other Eastern people. The Museum also hosts concerts and film screenings.

Don’t miss a chance to visit the Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders. It is a private museum where you can see a vast collection of minerals, insects, and various unusual artefacts of natural origin (the address is Soi 13 Rd Srimankalajarn).