7 unconventional temples in Chiang Mai

Thailand’s glittering Buddhist temples are the historical heart of the community’s social, educational and religious life and still play an important role in today’s modern world. Devoted Thais will head to temples, known as wats, in the morning to tum boon (make merit) and give food for the monks’ daily meals, visit them on important local and Buddhist holidays, and make special effort to stop on their birthday or other days of importance. The temples and the monks who stay there are completely supported in kind and monetary donations as monks are forbidden to handle money, work or own anything. The number of temples found in an area can show how wealthy a region was as the community had to support the creation, building and maintenance of each temple. Chiang Mai, the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom and current second most significant city in Thailand, boasts literally hundreds of temples throughout the province; the Old City itself is home to 29 Wats. While many Chiang Mai guides will highlight some of the largest and most noteworthy temples, such as Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, there are many other interesting temples to explore. Each temple has its unique history, decorative details and ambience. Don’t believe that all temples look the same and head to these 8 totally unconventional temples in Chiang Mai.