Wat Doi Ngam Muang, Chiang Rai

Located on Ngam Muang hill is a chedi which contains the ashes of King Mengrai, founder of Lanna Kingdom and the city of Chiang Rai.

Located not far from Wat Phra Kaew, this wat attracts many local Thais who come to pay respects to the late King.

entrance to temple have naga-makar on sides

A series of steps flanked by naga-makar leads to the temple

viharn straight ahead

History:

King Mengrai visited Wat That Doi Thom in 1260, liked the surroundings and Mae Kok valley below so much that he decided to establish the city of Chiang Rai here in 1262. The city remained a capital for almost 30 years after which Chiang Mai was founded and made the new capital.

After the King passed away, his son King Chai Songkhram, enshrined the ashes of his father in a chedi here.

serpent's body goes right to the top of stairs on both sides

end of serpent's tail

intricate carved door at entrance

another side of entrance door

Viharn:

The Lanna style viharn is beautifully decorated with intricate wood carvings.

naga-makar at viharn entrance

image inside the viharn

The viharn houses a large Buddha image in Bhumiprasha mudra or Maravijaya on a pedestal surrounded by small images. The interior is red and gold. Pillars have flowers painted in red and gold. The entrance to viharn has statues of two elephants on both sides.

The viharn at one time used to house one of the largest copper Buddha image in Thailand. The 700 year old image of Phra Chao Lan Thong was moved to Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai.

The Chedi:

Chedi is the oldest structure in this temple. King Mengrai died in 1311 after a lightening struck him in the city market.

After the passing of King Mengrai, his son, King Chai Songkhram enshrined his ashes in the chedi here.

The chedi, named Ku Phra Chao Mengrai contains the ashes of King Mengrai

An image of King Mengrai seated on a throne under a golden umbrella is placed in front of chedi.t Statues of wo white elephants stand on either side of the memorial.

The chedi is on top of a square base with niches on four sides which has Buddha images inside.

offerings of eggs, fruits by people

Pillars at entrance:
Beautifully carved teak pillars stand on the side at entrace. The pillars tell the history of Wat Doi Sung, Chiang Saen, Chiang Tung.

beautifully carved pillars in teak

entrance and teak pillars

bells on side

stairway

The place has been renovated many times, with a period of neglect and abandonment for many years. It was last retored in 1952.

Entrance is free

Opening hours: 6 A.M. to 5 P.M.