Wat Chiang Yuen
“Temple of long life”
Chiang Mai
Just outside the old walled center of Chiang Mai is the Wat Chiang Yuen, a small temple comprising of a viharn, a chedi and several small structures. Its name translates to “temple of long life”. Although its founding date is unknown, the Wat Chiang Yuen is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai.
Lanna Kingdom
The Wat Chiang Yuen was an important temple in the Lanna Kingdom. Every new King before being crowned was to pay homage to the Phra Suppunyu Chao Buddha image and ask for good luck and a successful reign.
After the Burmese conquered Chiang Mai in the second half of the 18th century, the temple was abandoned. When King Kawila had driven the Burmese out, the temple was reconstructed in 1794.
Large golden Buddha
Entering the narrow lane to the temple, a very large golden image of the Buddha sheltered by a nine tiered ceremonial umbrella on the flat roof of a structure first comes into sight.
Viharn
The viharn’s porch is adorned with colorful murals depicting Buddhist scenes. Large Naga serpents guard the stairway to the entrance.
Principal Buddha image
In its interior are two rows of red lacquered columns supporting the roof. Seated to the back of the viharn is the Wat Chiang Yuen’s principal Buddha image named Phra Suppunyu Chao, a very large golden statue in subduing Mara posture.
Mural paintings
The walls are adorned with murals depicting events from the life of the Buddha including one of a reclining Buddha surrounded by followers and one of a very young future Buddha with devotees and Devine beings.
Massive chedi
The Wat Chiang Yuen’s most noticeable structure is its chedi, a massive white structure adorned with golden decorations. At each corner of its square base is a white and gold Chinthe, a lion often seen guarding temples, especially in Burma.
The chedi consists of a square section with indented corners, several octagonal tiers of receding size and a bell topped with a golden spire and a five tiered hti.
According to ancient Chiang Mai chronicles sacred Buddha relics were enshrined into the chedi in the early 16th century during the reign of King Muang Kaeo.
Lanna style sala
Between the viharn and the chedi stands a small Lanna style sala with beautiful decorated gables and golden barge boards. The sala enshrines an image of the Buddha.
Next to it stand two very elaborately decorated poles with Hamsa birds on top, a bird that is associated in Buddhism with ending the Samsara, the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
How to get to Wat Chiang Yuen
The temple is located on Manee Nopparat road outside the old walled center of Chiang Mai, just North of the moat and town walls. The Wat Chiang Yuen is within walking distance from the center of the old walled town. Alternatively, rent a bicycle or hire a tuk tuk to get there.
Opening hours
The grounds open daily during daylight hours.
Entrance fee
Admission is free.