Wat Phra Singh

Chiang Mai's most revered temple, Wat Phra Singh is dominated by a massive, mosaic-inlaid sanctuary. Its prosperity is easy to see from the stately monastic buildings and its immaculately groomed grounds, dotted with coffeehouses and massage pavilions. Pilgrims flock here to venerate the famous Buddha image known as Phra Singh (Lion Buddha), which is located in Wihan Lai Kham, a small chapel located just south of the chedi (stupa) to the back of the temple grounds. This elegant idol is said to have come to Thailand from Sri Lanka and was consecrated in 1367. The chapel is surprisingly similar, with gilded sentence (snakes) and sumptuous luxury on the inside.