The Chiang Mai Old City, built in 1296, is one of Thailand’s important cultural heritage sites. This ancient city is laid out in a square shape and is surrounded by walls and moats for protection. It was once the site of the royal palace of the Lanna Kingdom.
As the core area of Chiang Mai, the Old City preserves a wealth of historical sites and cultural relics. Strolling along the cobblestone streets of the Old City feels like stepping back into that ancient era. The temples, palaces, and city walls within the Old City exude a strong historical ambiance, making it a place worth lingering in.
1. City Gates and Walls
The Chiang Mai Old City is protected by walls and a moat, originally consisting of two layers of walls. The outer wall was made of earth, while the inner wall was constructed from bricks. Today, only the brick walls at the four corners of the inner city and five city gates remain, with the moat still clearly delineating the boundaries of the ancient district.
The most well-known of these gates is Tha Phae Gate in the east, which is the only well-preserved city gate relic within the Old City and the only remaining wooden city gate. In ancient times, waterways were the main means of transportation and trade, and Tha Phae Gate is located near the Mae Ping River. In Thai, “Tha Phae” means “a port filled with water houses”, indicating the significant role that Tha Phae Gate played in the Old City. Today, Tha Phae Gate is not only a landmark of the Old City but also a hub for various celebrations during festivals.
The most historically significant gate is undoubtedly the Suan Dok Gate. Built under the orders of King Mengrai, the first king of the Lanna Kingdom, it was the first city gate constructed and marks the starting point of the Chiang Mai Old City. Therefore, it is also known as the “Head of All Gates”. Suan Dok Gate served as a crucial route for the Lanna army during expeditions and was a designated passageway for the royal family entering and exiting the Old City.
2. Temples
The Chiang Mai Old City is home to numerous temples, among which the three must-visit Buddhist temples are Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Chiang Man.
Wat Chedi Luang is located in the center of the Old City and is a prime example of traditional Lanna architecture (from the ancient Tai kingdom). The temple complex consists of a main hall, smaller shrines, and monk’s quarters. The entrance is adorned with decorations of serpents and peacocks, and upon entering, visitors are greeted by a massive Buddha statue. Behind the main hall stands the temple’s most significant feature, the Great Stupa, which reaches a height of 90 meters, making it the tallest structure in the Old City. The restored stupa retains the historical essence of the Lanna Kingdom while reflecting the scars of war and earthquakes over the years.
Wat Phra Singh was built in the 14th century and has a long history, serving as a perfect example of Lanna architecture. The temple is named after the original golden Buddha statue known as Phra Singh (also called the Lion Buddha), which is housed in the side hall and was imported from Sri Lanka to Chiang Mai over 600 years ago. The temple features stunning murals depicting local ancient clothing and customs, showcasing the lifestyles of the people at that time. It is regarded as a representative work of traditional northern Thai art. During the Songkran Festival in April, Wat Phra Singh is one of the main celebration sites.
Wat Chiang Man, whose name means “solid city”, is the first royal temple built when Chiang Mai was established, reflecting its auspicious significance. Wat Chiang Man displays the typical northern Thai Lanna style, with 15 stone elephant sculptures surrounding its stupa. Visitors can walk around the stupa to pray for peace and safety.
