Pung Tao Gong Temple, Chiang Mai

The Pung Tao Gong Temple is the oldest ancestral temple of the Chinese in Chiang Mai. The present structure replaced an ancient temple that had fallen to disrepair over the years.

Pung Tao Gong Temple was built by the Chinese residents of Chiang Mai in 1876. The date is engraved on one of its roof beams. It was rebuilt by the Chinese residents of Chiang Mai and opened for worship in 1998 to celebrate 700th anniversary of the formation of the city. The new structure strictly follows the principles of Feng Shui. Two shop buildings in front of the temple were demolished to allow the better flow of Chi or life force and to get a better view of the River Ping.

The present Pung Tao Gong Temple is built using traditional Chinese architecture. Brightly colored arches lead the way to the temple. The columns and pagodas are richly decorated. Visitors cross a small lane to reach the main temple. Here the floor is covered with tiles depicting dragons and other creatures from Chinese mythology. It is a functioning place of worship and the overpowering smell of incense permeates the air. The Pung Tao Gong Temple has a unique ambience compared to the other Thai temples in Chiang Mai.