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(Off Samlan Road opposite Soi 7)
The gold on red panels of the gable on the viharn are typical of the Lanna style. However, the most distinctive feature of this temple is the round seven stepped chedi with 52 niches, which dates from 1517. Two other chedi in Chiang Mai, Chedi Prong and the chedi of Wat Rampoeng, have similar shapes.
(Inthawororot Road)
Wat Prasat, across Inthawororot Road to the north of Wat Phra Singh, dates back at least to the 16th century. The wooden viharn, which was built in 1823 and renovated in 1987, approaches a classic Lanna style.
The pleasing external form is matched by the artifacts inside the viharn. At the back of the temple the space for the altar is replaced by a highly decorated entrance to a short tunnel leading to the chedi. A number of meter high images with red painted robes sit on the raised pedestal on either side of the entrance. The image closest to the entrance on the north side is bronze (the others are stucco) and is - dated 1590, which was during the period of Burmese rule.
The side walls of the back of the viharn also have murals in red and gold that are thought to date back to the 1820's, making them the same age as the murals in the Viharn Lai Kham in Wat Phra Singh. The decorated wooden pulpit is also worth studying.
(Thapae Road)
The temple's origins go back to the 14th century, but the architecture is late 19th century Burmese. This can clearly be seen with the chedi and the ubosot on the west side of the compound. The viharn with its elaborate carved wooden front is of particular note as it was part of the former hall (ho kham) of Chao Kawilorot (r.1856 - 1870). His successor, Chao Inthanon ordered it reconstructed for use as the viharn in 1878. The old scripture library west of the chedi was built in 1869.
(Ratchaphakhinai Road)
Like many temples this one looks new, but its origins go back to 1367. The name "Maha Therachan" is said to have come from a renowned monk who was its abbot (see Wat U-Mong Suan Puttha-tham). Two old Lanna-style chedis are located in the compound.
The viharn contains some modern murals typical of the Rattanakosin style and show the Vessantara Jataka. The story begins above the main door and continues clockwise on the side walls of the viharn.
The small ubosot is guarded by two fierce beasts called mom. The same artist also did the stucco work inside and painted the side walls with bright new murals depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha. The ubosot also has finely carved wooden doors and windows. The entire renovation work to the ubosot was completed in the early 1990's and the whole is a good example of contemporary Lanna temple art.
The current abbot has no objection to women entering the ubosot as long as there are no ceremonies in process.
See also: [Crystal Sons] [The Maha Rart - the Great Birth] [Stucco] [The Naga and Makara]