Thursday, December 4, 2025

Visiting Wat Mung Muang ~ Lanna Temple in Chiang Rai - Thailand.

Early mornings in Chiang Rai’s temple haven are especially magical for those who love visiting sacred places. The interplay of soft light, vibrant colors, and quiet human activity creates endless opportunities for capturing stunning images. Focus on the details of fresh produce, the rich textures of spices, and the candid moments of daily life that unfold naturally around you. We began our day with a visit to Wat Mung Muang, a quiet and beautiful temple tucked within Chiang Rai. ***This temple is often confused with 'Wat Ming Muang' which is a few minutes walk away.
Here is the sacred temple Wat Mung Muang, located right beside the city's Kad Luang market - authentic local atmosphere market. Wat Mung Muang is another in a series of important and ancient temples of Chiang Rai. It is believed that it appeared before the formation of the city in 1262, founded by King Mengrai the Great. Residents hold that the temple safeguards the city, a belief reinforced by an astonishing event. During the Second World War, eight bombs landed on the temple grounds, but not a single one detonated, leaving the temple completely intact. For the local community, this event wasn’t simply a lucky escape, it was taken as a clear sign of divine protection, a miracle that reaffirmed the temple’s sacred status and deepened the spiritual bond between the people and the place.

Photo taken at front side of Ubosot Wat Mung Muang. The Ubosot is built in a contemporary Lanna style. It has a high-rise form similar to temple buildings found in the central region of Thailand. The decorations feature lacquered and gilded carved wood in traditional Lanna craftsmanship. Though we may never know the names of those who physically constructed it, the act of building a temple during that time was deeply spiritual and communal. It functioned not only as a place of worship, but also as a center for education, healing, and the safeguarding of Buddhist teachings in the region.
Ubosot pavilion with venerated Phra Sivali statue at front, 3-headed Phayanak Naga at stairway and Lantern hang at front entrance. Wat Mung Muang exudes a peaceful and marvellous atmosphere. Renovations have been carried out periodically, often with support from the monarchy and driven by local communities who regard the temple as a vital spiritual heart.
Entrance of Ubosot Wat Mung Muang and main statue of Golden Phra Buddha venerated inside, surrounding with sacred mantra on the walls and ceilings.
Selfie inside the Ubosot of Wat Mung Muang. The main altar features a Lanna-influenced style with ornate decorations, The main Phra Chao Song Sri, is the most sacred and worshiped by Chiang Rai people. It is the ancient Phra Buddha image and as age is 600 years old. It is designed in Lanna style and made from bronze materials.
Unique with all sacred mantras on the wall and ceiling Ubosot Wat Mung Muang.
Among the many depictions of the statue found at Wat Mung Muang, one of the most beloved is that of Phra SangKaChai statue venerated in the center area of Wat Mung Muang. His image pays homage to Theravada Buddhism’s Mon influences, a culture that dominated northern Thailand before the rise of Lanna in the 12th century. The presence of Phra SangKaChai here reflects the temple's layered spiritual heritage, encompassing multiple Buddhist traditions over the centuries.
Bell Tower of Wat Mung Muang.
The sacred Golden Chedi of Wat Mung Muang with Phra Buddha image at center, decorated with Phayanak Naga and mythical Kochasri image for base.
Wat Mung Muang temple building with Shrine venerated Mercy Guan Yin statue and Phra Leela Walking Buddha statue at front.
The landmark of Chiang Rai Clock Tower (Hoh Nalika Chalerm Prakiat) is a golden, ornate landmark designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat (White Temple designer) at a city-center roundabout and near by walking to Wat Mung Muang.

Wat Mung Muang is located right beside the Kad Luang Market.

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See more other Thai amulets at:

👉 http://www.thaiamulets-dhammapath.blogspot.com/?m=0