“YIPENG Rally Navigator” This activity takes you on a journey to experience 11 tourist destinations that reflect the beauty and long history of Chiang Mai. Each location offers unique characteristics and memorable stories, from temples adorned with stunning architecture and cultural sites to the everyday lives of locals, all capturing the true charm of this city. Traveling to each of these 11 spots, you can collect commemorative stamps from flags displayed at various locations.
1.Wat Lok Moli
Wat Lok Moli is one of the ancient and significant temples in Chiang Mai. Although the exact date of its construction is unknown, the temple’s name appears in the chronicles of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which dates back over 500 years. In 1959, the Fine Arts Department registered Wat Lok Moli as a national historical site.
Inside the temple, there is a beautiful wooden viharn adorned with intricate traditional carvings, making it a popular photo spot. There is also a large, ancient stupa where visitors can pay their respects and seek blessings. During the Yi Peng Festival, Wat Lok Moli is beautifully illuminated, making it a must-visit destination for those coming to Chiang Mai at this festive time.
2.Wat Ratchamonthian
Wat Ratchamonthian, located in the old city of Chiang Mai, is an ancient temple with a history spanning over 600 years. It showcases beautiful architecture and is significant in both history and traditional Lanna art, especially in its intricate Lai Kham style. The temple’s architecture reflects the fine details of Northern Thai art, particularly in the viharn (main hall), which features elaborate and unique wood carvings that are a hallmark of Chiang Mai.
Wat Ratchamonthian has long been deeply connected with the local community and serves as an important venue for religious ceremonies, especially during Lanna festivals. It is also a revered place for tourists and pilgrims to visit, pay respects, and seek blessings. For these reasons, Wat Ratchamonthian is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Chiang Mai.
3.Wat Dab Pai
Wat Dab Pai is one of the ancient temples located in Chiang Mai. The temple’s name, "Dab Pai," holds deep meaning, symbolizing the end or extinguishment of suffering and misfortune. Wat Dab Pai was built during the Lanna Kingdom era, although the exact date of its establishment is unknown. Despite this, the temple's design and architecture retain their traditional Lanna style, featuring a wooden viharn (main hall) and a stupa that reflect authentic Lanna architecture. The temple is also home to several revered Buddha images believed to bring relief from suffering and protect devotees from harm.
Wat Dab Pai is popular among locals and tourists alike, who come to pay respects and seek blessings, especially during times when they wish to overcome obstacles. Additionally, the temple serves as a learning center for Lanna art and culture and remains a place where Buddhist rituals are observed with great reverence.
4.Wat Phra Singh Worawihan
Wat Phra Singh Worawihan is one of the most important and famous temples in Chiang Mai Province. It was built during the Lanna Kingdom around 1888 AD by King Phayu of Chiang Mai. This temple holds significant cultural and historical importance in Northern Thailand and is home to the Phra Buddha Sihing (or Phra Singh), an important Buddha statue known for its exquisite Lanna art. It is revered by both the people of Chiang Mai and tourists.
Inside the temple, there is the Lai Kham Chapel, which is one of the most beautiful chapels in Lanna. It features intricate gold-leaf decorations and wall murals that depict the stories and lives of the people in Lanna in the past. These artworks remain stunning and valuable. Furthermore, Wat Phra Singh Worawihan is a venue for important cultural festivals, making it a must-visit place when traveling to Chiang Mai.
5.The Three Kings Monument
The Three Kings Monument is located in Chiang Mai and was established to honor the three kings of the Lanna Kingdom: King Mengrai, King Ramkhamhaeng, and King Suwanna. Its purpose is to commemorate their significant contributions to the prosperity of the kingdom and to serve as a symbol of unity in governance.
The monument was created in 1997 and features beautiful sculptures of the three kings seated on a marble base. This site also serves as a venue for various events, such as festivals and cultural performances, allowing people to learn about and respect the history and culture of Lanna. Additionally, it hosts the main activity booths during the Yee Peng Festival.
6.Wat Phan Tao
Wat Phan Tao is an ancient temple located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, adjacent to Wat Chedi Luang. Its unique main ordination hall is constructed entirely of teakwood, a rare feature in Thai architecture. Originally, the hall served as a wooden storage building for the Chiang Mai Royal Family before being converted into a temple ordination hall. Inside, it houses a revered Buddha statue in the "Mara Vichaya" pose, drawing respect from local devotees and tourists alike. Wat Phan Tao also hosts various religious and cultural events, including the Yi Peng Festival, during which the temple is adorned with traditional lanterns, making it a popular spot for visitors seeking to experience the beauty of Lanna heritage.
7.Wat Dok Ueang
Wat Dok Ueang, located in Chiang Mai, is a temple significant for its Lanna art and culture. It features a beautiful ubosot (ordination hall) and renowned Buddha statues. The temple is known for merit-making and organizing various activities to preserve local traditions. It is also a place where people often visit for tranquility and meditation.
8.Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara
Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara is an important temple in Chiang Mai, featuring a tall and prominent stupa that was built during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, the seventh king of the Mangrai dynasty. It houses relics of the Buddha and serves as a center for Buddhist ceremonies. The temple is adorned with beautiful artwork and holds significant historical value, making it an intriguing destination for tourists and those interested in Lanna culture.
9.Wat Jedlin
Wat Jedlin is located in Chiang Mai and is significant for its Lanna art and culture. It features a beautiful ubosot (ordination hall) and stupa, known for merit-making and worshipping Buddha statues. The temple is a place where people often visit for tranquility and meditation, and it hosts various religious activities to promote local traditions.
10.The Chiang Mai Gate Market
The Chiang Mai Gate Market is located near the city gate of Chiang Mai. It is a place where local products, street food, and souvenirs are sold. Tourists can experience a lively atmosphere, especially in the evening when various stalls are set up. This market is an interesting destination for those wanting to experience the culture and daily life of Chiang Mai residents.
11.The Mae Kha Canal
The Mae Kha Canal, or Mae Kha River, is an ancient waterway in Chiang Mai Province, and it was one of the strategic locations chosen by King Mangrai to establish the city of Chiang Mai over 700 years ago. Spanning approximately 30 kilometers, it served as an outer moat encircling the city and acted as a drainage channel to the Ping River, helping to prevent floods.
However, with urban expansion, the canal began facing severe environmental issues. The water quality deteriorated below acceptable standards, and the historical significance of this waterway was overshadowed by rapid development. The ecosystem degraded to the point that in 2012, efforts to restore the Mae Kha Canal began. This initiative involved collaboration across all sectors, dredging the canal, and encouraging public involvement in water conservation. Wastewater management systems were implemented in urban areas, and landscape improvements were made to create public spaces for the community. These efforts also aimed to boost the canal's tourism potential, reviving the waterway to its former vitality.