Wat Chiang Yuen, Buddhist temple in Si Phum, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Wat Chiang Yuen is a Buddhist temple in the Si Phum district of Chiang Mai featuring a prominent northern Thai chedi with distinctive architectural elements. The chedi sits on a whitewashed square base guarded by Burmese chinthe figures at each corner, which serve as protective spirits.
The temple was built during the 1500s but fell into decline during periods of Burmese control. King Kawila oversaw its restoration in 1794, bringing the site back to active religious use.
Kings from the Lanna period came here to pay respects to the Phra Suppunyu Chao Buddha image before becoming coronated. This tradition shows how closely the royal family connected with this sacred site.
The temple sits roughly 600 meters east of Wat Lok Moli and is easy to find in the neighborhood. Visitors should dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered when entering the sacred spaces.
The chedi features an unusual octagonal middle section decorated with porcelain flowers. This detail leads up to a five-tiered hti crown at the peak, setting it apart from other temples in the area.
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