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

A beautiful temple and if you're in Chiang Rai, you should definitely visit. During my visit, the temple was undergoing renovations, luckily still could visit the Wiharn Mai Lai Kham and walk around. The temple itself is quite beautiful. 

Wat Ming Muang, a seven-hundred-year old temple under the supervision of the Thai Sankha Committee (6th region), is located on Trirat Road in the heart of Chiang Rai. The temple was built in 1262 during the reign of King Mengrai The Great (1239-1311), Thailand's second king honored with the highly respected title "the Great." His queen, Devi Usapayako, a daughter of the Burmese ruler in Hongsa, ordered the first renovation of the temple. She frequently made a royal visit to pay homage to the serene main Buddha statue enshrined in the temple's wooden vihara.

According to historical record, the temple is also a memorial of King Mengrai's mother, Queen Chommuang or Queen Thep Kamkayai, who preferred to come to practice meditation in the vihara as well. King Mengrai usually visited the temple to make merit at least twice a year-one in the full moon night of Visaka or the sixth month of the lunar calendar, and the other on Loy Krathong day, which falls on the twelfth month of the lunar calendar. In praying to the Lord Buddha, the king took a clockwise procession around the sacred pagoda in which his mother's ashes were kept.

Formerly, the temple was not known with its current name, yet it was commonly called 'Wat Chang Moop', which literally means 'temple of crouching elephant.' Thai archeological assumption pointed out that the King Sarm Faggan of Chiang Mai had the Emerald Buddha statue, the same one discovered at Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai and enshrined in the Grand Palace in Bangkok, to be kept in his city. He, thus, ordered the procession of royal elephants to greet the statue. The temple then derived its name from the poised posture of the royal elephant.

Furthermore, this place served as one of the city gates of ancient Chiang Rai called "Pathu Padang," in which many ethnic Burmese Thais resided. Later in 1877, these group of people contributed in the renovation of the temple with exquisite art of Burmese architecture. In 1970, the temple was officially enlisted as a Buddhist temple of Thailand, and was renamed 'Wat Ming Muang', meaning 'the auspicious temple of the city.

The Beauty of White Lanna in the Heart of Chiang Rai. Wat Ming Muang is the ancient temple and its age is the same age as Chiang Rai city. It is built by Chao Nang Talamae Sri (she was King Mengrai's wife). At the same time after this temple established, temple was served as a personal temple of Phra Nang Uao Ming Chom Mueang, King Mengrai's mother.

The majestic Standing Phra Phuttha Ong Dam was venerated in the center area of the Wat Ming Muang.

Beautiful example of traditional Lanna architecture, often featuring intricate designs, decorative stucco and sometimes gold accents, marking it as a significant and historically rich temple.

Beauty of Lai Kham Wooden Wiharn, which is the mixture design of Thai Yai (Myanmar) and Lanna architecture. Its ceiling is built in Triphum (three worlds) style. On the roof ridge are decorated with 34 swan-figures.

The front entrance of Lai Kham Wooden Wiharn with 2 Deities guards at front.

Photo taken inside the main altar enshrine with Luang Phor Phra Sri Ming Muang.

The center Golden statue is Luang Phor Phra Sri Ming Muang, the ancient stucco Buddha image gilded over with lacquer Golden surface. Its age is more than 400 years old. The Buddha Image is exquisitely built in the style of Chiang Saen Singh 1 style with 80 inches of width with its lap. The rays of light stream from the hair bun of Buddha's head is in lotus shape carving from Lanna precious gemstones. 

Right to left ~ The portrait of King MengRai (the founder of Ching Rai City), The Mother of King MengRai The Great and Parents of King MengRai The Great.

The beautiful wooden ceiling with Lanna architecture, Triphum (three worlds) style.

Wiharn Mai Lai Kham ~ Wooden Wiharn was undergoing renovation.

The sacred Ananda Fish 'bite' Kochasri guards in front the Pavilion.

Wat Ming Muang boasts beautiful Lanna architecture.

The sacred Chedi PhraThat Ming Muang is the place of the Buddha's relic. It is designed with the mixture of Myanmar and Lanna architecture. There are 4 ornamented with gilded tierred umbrella in the angels decorated with Myanmar Art style. Furthermore the relics of Chao Nang Talamae Sri (she was King Mengrai's wife), received from Somdet Phra Yanasangwon Somdet Phra Sangkharat, are housed inside the Chedi.

Photo taken in front of the Shrine of King MengRai The Great and his wife Queen Devi Usapayako (she built and ordered the first renovation of Wat Ming Muang in Chiang Rai and regularly visited to pay respects to the Buddha statue).

The White Pavilion with many outdoor statues that is unlike any other. Remember to take the stairs up and see it all a bit from above. Below is the Hall for temple events. 

Water-well "Chang Mub" is believed that it is the ancient sacred well. Before travelling, the visitors should wash their faces for good fortune.

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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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Visiting Chao Por Lak Muang Khon Kaen ~ City Pillar Shrine - Khon Kaen - Thailand.

Khon Kaen city is the capital of Khon Kaen province and the fourth-largest city in Thailand. It is one of the four major cities of Isan, located in Northeast Thailand, also known as the "big four of Isan". In the center of Khon Kaen also has a city shrine 'Chao Por Lak Muang'. It is a religious site featuring a sacred city pillar, beautiful gardens, and statues, and is known to be especially beautiful and peaceful when illuminated at night. 

The night view of Chao Por Lak Muang and garden located at Sala Suk Jai, Thepharak Road, in front of Khon Kaen Municipal Office.

According to history: Chao Khun Pu - Ratchasarn Thammuni and Luang Thuraipinit, former Governor of Khon Kaen initiated by bringing the main stone inscriptions from ancient sites in Chum Phae District to perform the ceremony according to the Buddhist guidelines, making it a city landmark on August 20, 1956. It is considered a sacred place for Khon Kaen people.

The shrine’s main structure is a pavilion styled with 4 tympana and sculpted stucco over 4 entrances. The Shrine look stunning and is a popular place to visit at night because of this attractive lighting.

Chao Por Lak Muang, which is Khon Kaen’s city pillar shrine, is considered to be one of Thailand’s most impressive city pillar shrines. The shrine itself is located within a substantial and ornate building with a multi-tiered roof topped with a spire with a gold umbrella ornament at the pinnacle. At either side of the entrance to the shrine are large blue Chinese style guardian lions indicating the strong Chinese influence on Khon Kaen. To the rear of the shrine is small park with well maintained lawn, ornamental trees and sculpted bushes. At night the whole area is lit up with the shrine and the surrounding trees and shrubs covered in coloured lights. 

Inside the pavilion is the city pillar in the shape of a sema sculpted from a sandstone block from the Dvaravati period. The pillar shows traces of gilt lacquer work in Thai patterns, assumed to be done after the pillar had been enshrined, although worshippers are no longer allowed to gild the actual city pillar but the replacement model on the outside. However, the pillar is tied with several pieces of decorative cloth and surrounded by various worshipping objects laid above its stucco base decorated with lotus-shaped sculptures.

The sacred of City Pillar (Lak Muang) of Khon Kaen is a standing approximately 3-meter tall, octagonal sandstone pillar with a lotus base, the structure block from the Dvaravati period.

There are worshipers to pay homage and seek blessings. Chao Por Lak Muang Khon Kaen, the City Pillar Shrine is a sacred place of Khon Kaen Province which is highly respected by the locals.

This shrine hosts two impressive Siho finials with blue and gold finish as guards in front of the main entrance of the City Pillar Shrine - Chao Por Lak Muang. Siho’ or ‘Thow Si Ho’ in Synshai which is  Buddhist literature, the son of Phraya Kusaraj, the governor of Peng Chang City and his wife, Chantha. He was born with two younger brothers, Synshai and Hoi-Sang. Synshai, ‘Siha-cakkra-raja’ is a name set by Indra. Siho looks like a lion with elegant shape and its main features are: purely clean animal and elephant shape with an elephant head, a lion body and a horse tail. This leads to the interpretation that the ‘trunk’ is the organ for food and drink. It's like having a far vision in development, bringing prosperity to Khon Kaen City. ‘Ivory’ is a symbol of worthiness, like Khon Kaen, which is a beautiful city with precious traditions, religions and culture to be promoted. ‘A large ear’ represents Khon Kaen Municipality administrators that must listen to and heal the suffering of the Khon Kaen people. The ‘head’, in the ancient time, it was believed that elephants must have a large head as a knowledge center (brain stores), refers to the good, effective and various educations that have been developed in Khon Kaen. The ‘feet’ are clawed, clinging to the ground and standing pompously; it is like Khon Kaen people that have a strong base of life and ‘a tail’ to fend off insects, like the Khon Kaen people will be protected and will be so happy infinity.

The Chinese Dragon Pillar and Pagoda.

The outside area of the City Pillar Shrine is adorned with deity symbols from various cultures. Examples of deity symbols from Chinese culture include Chinese dragon pillars with three dragons: the golden dragon representing heaven, the red dragon representing good people and the green dragon representing the earth. There is also the symbol of heaven lantern which represents the Jade Emperor.

Offering statue of Roosters, Elephants and Zebras.

Statue of Elephants and Tiger.

The pillar shows traces of gilt lacquer work in Thai patterns, assumed to be done after the pillar had been enshrined, although worshippers are no longer allowed to gild the actual city pillar but the replacement model on the outside. Above photo is the replacement model for worshipper to gild gold foil and put on garland flower.

In addition, on the outside area of Khon Kaen City Pillar Shrine, there are also symbols of contemporary Hindu deities which are widely worshipped. The symbols are in the forms of small shrines dedicated to house Brahma and Rahu, two deities widely worshipped in modern Thailand. Apart from deities from various other cultures, there are also deity symbols from the local culture found on the outside area of Khon Kaen City Pillar Shrine, including a deity spirit house, an ancestral spirits’ house, and a Dharani Shrine.

The Shrine of Mother Earth - Phra Mae Thorani.

Photo taken in front of the Shrine Phra Mae Thorani.
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