Wat Phra Singh (Chiang Rai)

History & Significance

Wat Phra Singh is one of Chiang Rai's most historically important temples, though its exact founding date remains unknown. According to historical records, Chao Maha Phrom, the ruler of Chiang Rai and younger brother of King Kuena of Chiang Mai, brought the sacred Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha image from Kamphaeng Phet. It was temporarily brought to Chiang Rai to cast a bronze replica. Following political conflicts after King Kuena's death, King Saen Mueang Ma of Chiang Mai reclaimed the original image, returning it to Chiang Mai where it remains today.

During the wars to expel Burmese forces, Chiang Rai became deserted from 1804. The temple was gradually restored starting in 1843. In 1890, the viharn (assembly hall) was rebuilt on its original Lanna foundation. In 1906, the abbot Phra Thammapanya famously allowed Dr. William Albert Briggs, a Christian missionary, to use the temple's viharn to preach and project slides illustrating the life of Jesus to locals sleeping at the temple.

Highlights & What to See

The temple houses several remarkable artistic and religious treasures:

• Phra Singh Luang: The main Buddha image enshrined in the ubosot (ordination hall). It is a Lanna-style bronze statue covered in gold leaf from the 21st Buddhist century, measuring 2.04 meters wide at the lap and 2.84 meters in height. The base features an inscription in Lanna Dhamma script representing ultimate Buddhist philosophy.
• Phra Singh Replica: A smaller Lanna-style bronze Buddha image in the Mara-vichaya posture, measuring 37 cm wide and 66 cm high, cast by Chao Maha Phrom.
• Exquisite Carved Doors: The temple's wooden doors were designed by the legendary National Artist Thawan Duchanee and carved by local artisan Sala Amnuay Buangam, representing the four elements: Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire.
• Buddha Footprint: A stone slab featuring a replica of the Buddha's footprint, believed to date back to the reign of King Mengrai the Great.

Visitor Information

Wat Phra Singh is open daily to visitors from 06:00 to 18:30. Admission is free. Visitors are advised to dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees when entering the sacred buildings. For inquiries, you can contact the temple at 053-711735 or 053-744523.

How to Get There

The temple is located at 486/2 Thaluang Road, Wiang Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai District, near the old Chiang Rai Provincial Hall. It is easily accessible by local transport, tuk-tuks, or on foot from downtown Chiang Rai. The temple grounds are bordered by Singha Khlai Road to the north and Phra Singh Road to the south, with parking facilities available on-site.