Wat Phra Singh
The Wat Phra Singh is one of the biggest, finest and most famous temples in Chiang Mai. It is located on the western side of the medieval walled city of Chiang Mai, at the end of Phra Singh Road which leads from Ratchadamnoen Road (note: there's an error on Google Map where Ratchadamnoen Road isn't named Phra Singh Road beyond Phra Pok Klao junction). The name Wat Phra Singh means Monastery of the Lion Buddha.
Wat Phra Singh has two of the most exquisite structures of Lanna architecture that is still standing, namely the ho trai and Viharn Lai Kham. It is also home to the Phra Sihing Buddha image, one of the most important Buddha images in the city. The monastery was built by King Pha Yu, seventh ruler of the Mangrai Dynasty, in 1345, to enshrine the ashes of his father, King Kham Fu. The chedi containing the king's ashes is located behind the ubosot.
The monastery got its name in 1367 when the famous Phra Sining Buddha image was installed there. As with most of the structures in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra Singh suffered neglect when the city was abandoned in the 18th century. It was only after Chao Kawila revived Chiang Mai that the monastery was repaired. Its chedi was rebuilt while an ubosot was constructed. The famous Chiang Mai monk, Khru Ba Srivichai, who also built the road to Wat Doi Suthep, was instrumental in renovating the monastery and constructing the Viharn Luang in its present form.
Ho Trai
The ho trai, or scripture repository, is the finest of its kind in northern Thailand. It is located to the right of the compound as one enters the main entrance. As is the case of ho trai constructions, it is raised on a high stuccoed brick base, to guard the manuscripts from damp. On the stucco base are sculptures of dancing maidens, or thewada. A steep staircase provides access on the east side. The staircase is flanked by balustrades featuring lions or singh emerging from the mouth of the makara. The whole structure is applied with maroon lacquer with gildings. The structure is crowned with a three-tier roof. When I visited Wat Phra Singh, the ho trai and most of the other buildings have just undergone restoration and appear resplendent.
Viharn Luang
Viharn Luang is the main prayer building of Wat Phra Singh. However, what we see today is a reconstruction done in 1925 to replace the original built between 1385 and 1400. As such, it is much less ornate than the other structures in the complex. Inside it is a large seated Buddha image known as Phra Chao Thong Thip. It was given to Chao Kawila by two monks in 1805.
Viharn Lai Kham
This is the other magnificent building in the complex. Located to the southwest of Viharn Luang, Viharn Lai Kham dates back to 1345. True to its name - lai kham means gold-patterned - Viharn Lai Kham is richly decorated with a gilded lacquer facade which gleams in the morning sun. It is a quintessential example of Lanna architecture, with its sweeping roof embracing the low walls.
Ubosot
The ubosot (hall where monks are ordained) of Wat Phra Singh was built in 1806. It is located immediately behind Viharn Luang, between Viharn Luang and the chedi. It faces south. The ubosot has a portico at either end and is covered by a three-tier roof. Inside it is an exquisitely elaborate ku (Go to Northern Thailand Temple Architecture for a glossary of the terms used).
Chedi
The chedi of Wat Phra Singah was first constructed in 1345, to house the ashes of King Kham Fu. It has since been enlarged. The chedi stands on a high square base with sculptures of elephants protruding out from the middle. Apart from that, the base is without any other adornment. It comprises three diminishing circular plinths.
Getting there
Using Tha Phae Gate as point of reference, it is very easy to reach Wat Phra Singh. Just walk along Rachadamnoen Road westward. Past the junction of Phra Pok Klao Road, Rachadamnoen Road changes name to Phra Singh Road (though Google Map erroneously continues to call it Rachadamnoen Road). Just continue until the end of Phra Singh Road, and you'll see the main entrance of Wat Phra Singh right in front of you, across from Sam Lan Road. The whole journey is 3900 feet long. You may want to take a tuk tuk or songthaew.
Associated Sites
Wat Phra Singh in AsiaExplorers
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Wat Phra Singh (24 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye
Location of Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai
Aerial view of Wat Phra Singh
©2008 Google Imagery
Entrance of Wat Phra Singh as seen from Phra Singh Road
author: kokoroup in 
Entrance to Wat Phra Singh (24 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye
The Ho Trai of Wat Phra Singh, after restoration (24 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye
The Ho Trai of Wat Phra Singh, before restoration
author: ditzi
Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners
Viharn Luang, Wat Phra Singh
author: ditzi
Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners
Inside Viharn Luang, Wat Phra Singh (24 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye
Viharn Lai Kham, Chedi and Ubosot of Wat Phra Singh (24 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye
A magnificent ku (reliquary) inside the ubosot of Wat Phra Singh (24 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye
The sum on the ubosot of Wat Phra Singh (24 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye
Viharn Lai Kham, Wat Phra Singh
author: Placebo
Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners
Another view of Viharn Lai Kham, Wat Phra Singh (21 December 2002)
© Timothy Tye
Phra Sihing Buddha image, inside Viharn Lai Kham, Wat Phra Singh (24 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye
The chedi of Wat Phra Singh (21 December 2002)
© Timothy Tye
The administrative office of Wat Phra Singh
author: Arthur Pijpers
Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners
Tim and Chooi Yoke at the ubosot of Wat Phra Singh (24 October 2006)
© Timothy Tye
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