Wat Phaya Mengrai, Chiang Mai
Wat Phaya Mengrai is a captivating historical site in the Wiang Kum Kam area, on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. This ancient ruined temple holds significant historical importance as it was once the favored capital of King Mengrai, the great figure responsible for establishing the Lanna Kingdom.
In 1288, King Mengrai made the momentous decision to relocate the capital of his flourishing kingdom to Wiang Kum Kam. The place had been steeped in legend and mystery for many years, making it an intriguing choice for the Lanna ruler. As a result of this royal decision, Wiang Kum Kam became a bustling city, and its splendor flourished under King Mengrai's rule.
The remnants of this once-thriving city still speak volumes about its grandeur and history. While exploring the area today, visitors can witness the ruins of the ancient wall that once encircled Wiang Kum Kam, serving as a testament to its former prominence. Among the ruins are several temples, now in various states of disrepair, that provide a glimpse into the past and the architectural brilliance of the time.
Today, Wat Phaya Mengrai stands as a significant cultural and historical landmark, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe. Exploring the ruins of this ancient temple complex allows one to traverse back in time and connect with the storied past of the Lanna Kingdom, admiring the architectural splendor and imagining the vibrant life that once thrived within these walls.
In 1288, King Mengrai made the momentous decision to relocate the capital of his flourishing kingdom to Wiang Kum Kam. The place had been steeped in legend and mystery for many years, making it an intriguing choice for the Lanna ruler. As a result of this royal decision, Wiang Kum Kam became a bustling city, and its splendor flourished under King Mengrai's rule.
The remnants of this once-thriving city still speak volumes about its grandeur and history. While exploring the area today, visitors can witness the ruins of the ancient wall that once encircled Wiang Kum Kam, serving as a testament to its former prominence. Among the ruins are several temples, now in various states of disrepair, that provide a glimpse into the past and the architectural brilliance of the time.
Today, Wat Phaya Mengrai stands as a significant cultural and historical landmark, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe. Exploring the ruins of this ancient temple complex allows one to traverse back in time and connect with the storied past of the Lanna Kingdom, admiring the architectural splendor and imagining the vibrant life that once thrived within these walls.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chiang Mai. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Wat Phaya Mengrai on Map
Sight Name: Wat Phaya Mengrai
Sight Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand (See walking tours in Chiang Mai)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand (See walking tours in Chiang Mai)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Create Your Own Walk in Chiang Mai
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chiang Mai is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Chiang Mai Introduction Walking Tour
Situated in the mountainous northern part of Thailand, Chiang Mai ("New City" in Thai) was founded in 1296 as the new capital of the then independent Kingdom of Lan Na, succeeding its former capital, Chiang Rai. The strategic location on the Ping River (a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River) and its proximity to major trading routes contributed to the city's historic... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Shopping and Food Walking Tour
One of the reasons tourists visit Chiang Mai is shopping. Indeed, this city is fit to captivate anyone with its shopping opportunities, especially when it comes to diverse and unique goods such as silk, silver, clothing, ceramics, antiques, Buddhist art, lacquer and neilloware, of consistently good value and quality and at affordable prices. Chiang Mai is one of the cheapest places to shop in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Chiang Mai Temples Walking Tour
Amid the multitude of impressive sights in Chiang Mai, religious temples really stand out. The city isn't just about one or two of them but has over 300 ‘wats’, which is more than elsewhere in Thailand. Some of these temples are as old as the city itself and were built by the kings not only to demonstrate their faith, but also to show off their wealth and power.
In the past, apart from... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
In the past, apart from... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles