Wat Chai Prakiat, Buddhist temple in Old Town, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Wat Chai Prakiat is a Buddhist temple in the old quarter of Chiang Mai with an ornate prayer hall featuring red-lacquered teak columns and decorated walls. The complex includes a shrine with a principal Buddha image called Mungrai and a separate building that houses historic Buddhist manuscripts.
The temple stands within the ancient city walls of Chiang Mai and was built during the time when the city was a powerful kingdom. It preserves traditional architecture from that era, including a distinctive dome structure with a layered base and golden surface that reflects the craftsmanship of its age.
The walls display murals showing scenes from Buddha's life, which visitors can see while walking through the temple grounds. Local worshippers gather here regularly, making it an active place of prayer and meditation in the old quarter.
The temple is open daily and has no entrance fee, making it easy to visit at your own pace. It is best to arrive in early morning when the air is cooler and the site is quieter.
The prayer hall is unusually oriented north to south, with the main Buddha image facing south rather than the typical eastern direction seen in most Thai temples. This uncommon orientation makes it interesting for visitors who notice details about how temples are traditionally built.
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