Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai

Wat Chiang Man was built by King Mangrai of the Lawa people in 1297. The oldest part of the temple grounds is the ‘Elephant Chedi’ whose fifteen brick-and-stucco elephants support a gilded chedi. Inside the main viharn one of the Buddha statues has 1465 carved on its base, which makes it the oldest Lanna period structure in the city. Situated as it is, within the Chiang Mai city walls, there was a steady stream of visitors, including foreigners. Several were sitting in the peaceful grounds, away from the constant inner-city traffic and likely contemplating the meaning of it all – a suitable location after all! Wat Chiang Man gardens do indeed offer tranquil respite, out of earshot of the hum of the streets.