You are warmly welcomed by your guide before heading deep into the local city scene of Chiang Mai’s. Chiang Mai’s temples have given the city its cultural identity and showcase a mixture of architectural styles that reflect the rich heritage of the northern region. We visit four of the most important temples, starting with the Wat Chiang Man. Chiang Mai’s oldest temple is a weather-worn example of Buddhist influences with an interesting story behind it. Constructed in 1296 and located in the heart of the city, the first ruler of the Lanna Kingdom, King Mengrai ordered the creation of this holy sanctuary at the time the city was founded.

Next, also known as the Temple with the Great Chedi, the 14th century Wat Chedi Luang was partially destroyed during an earthquake in the 16th century, leaving its brick foundation partially untouched.

Comprising of three separate temples and still towering 60 metres high, the temple is one of the most visited ones in the city, Wat Phra Singh, housing a very sacred 1,500-year-old Buddha image. Also known as the Monastery of the Lion Lord, it founded in the 14th century and served as the principal religious centre of the Lanna Kingdom.

Wat Sri Suphan, also known as the ‘silver temple’. The silversmiths in the locality decorated the ordination hall with silver, nickel and aluminium panels and the effect is like a giant jewellery box, particularly at night when the temple is illuminated by floodlights.