Wat Ming Muang – The Elephant Temple Chiang Rai

Spending more than just a few days in Chiang Rai? I recommend a visit to the Elephant temple (Temple of the crouching elephants), officially called Wat Ming Muang (not to be confused with Wat Mung Muang!)

Visiting times – 8am – 4pm

Wat Ming Muang – The Crouching Elephant Temple of Chiang Rai

 

More #beautiful #elephant #statues of #WatMingMuang in #ChiangRai. Don’t get this one mixed up with #WatMungMueng, the temple of the golden happy Buddha! #statue #elephants #Thailand

A post shared by Templeseeker (@templeseeker) on Jun 20, 2018 at 9:39am PDT

 

#WatMingMuang, one of the lesser known #temples by travellers to #Thailand, has been nicknamed the #Elephant #temple and it’s easy to see why! #elephantlove #ilovethailand

A post shared by Templeseeker (@templeseeker) on Jun 20, 2018 at 12:00am PDT

There is part of the main temple that is still being built (still under construction in April 2018).

Wat Ming Muang is free to go in and worth a look simply for the beautiful elephant statues.

The temple was built in Lanna style by Queen Ta La Mae Sri, King Mengrai’s wife as a memorial for his mother. Mengrai was the 25th king of Ngoenyang and the first king of Lanna. He established a new city, Chiang Mai, as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom Lanna Kingdom (an Indianized state centered in present-day Northern Thailand from 13th to 18th centuries). Wat Ming Muang is one of the oldest temples in the city and is as old as the city itself.

Vihara Mai Lai Khum

The main wooden vihara (lay person’s prayer hall) is Viharn Mai Lai Khum, a mixture of Thai Yai (Myanmar) and Lanna.

 

Standing #Buddha at the entrance to the main vihara of #WatMingMuang. #Thailand is so incredibly colourful, a month here is not enough! #buddhism #buddhist #temple #temples #ChiangRai

A post shared by Templeseeker (@templeseeker) on Jun 20, 2018 at 1:36pm PDT

 

If you want to know why I ended up spending almost a week in the small Northern town of #ChiangRai, all you need to do is see these photos! It has some of the best #temples in #Thailand. Most people rush to see the White temple, Black House and Blue temple. #WatMingMuang is why I encourage you to #traveldeeper. #temple #Thailand

A post shared by Templeseeker (@templeseeker) on Jun 19, 2018 at 11:52am PDT

Always look up at Thai temples – the roof ridge is decorated with 34 swan figures.

 

In #Thailand, always look up! The detail on the roof of this temple was stunning. #WatMingMuang #thailand_allshots #insta_thailand #igersthailand #ig_thailandia #chiangrai

A post shared by Templeseeker (@templeseeker) on Jun 19, 2018 at 7:10am PDT

Luang Phor Phra Sri Ming Muang

The ancient Buddha image stored at the temple is ‘Luang Phor Phra Sri Ming Muang’. The ancient stucco Buddha image is over 400 years old. The rays of light stream from the hair bun of Buddha’s head in a lotus shape, carved from semi precious gemstones.

 

#Shrine inside the main vihara of #WatMingMuang. #temple #temples #buddhist #templo #tailandia #buddhism

A post shared by Templeseeker (@templeseeker) on Jun 20, 2018 at 1:46pm PDT

Ming Muang Stupa

Head round to the back of the temple to see the Myanmar influences on the Ming Muang Stupa (Chedi). It houses the relics of Chao Nang Talamae Sri.

 

#Buddha of #WatMingMuang in #ChiangRai. #buddhism #Thailand

A post shared by Templeseeker (@templeseeker) on Jun 23, 2018 at 9:36am PDT

Sacred Water Well ‘Chang Mub’

It is believed that Chang Mub is an ancient water well, used to bring travellers good fortune before a long journey.

 

#HolyWater of #WatMingMuang. #traveldeeper #Thailand #slowtravel #Buddhism

A post shared by Templeseeker (@templeseeker) on Jun 22, 2018 at 12:26am PDT

Visiting Chiang Rai?

The Elephant Temple is walkable from the centre of Chiang Rai (see directions on TripAdvisor)

Where to stay – Connect Hostel

Where to eat – Barrab, Sawaddee, Smiling Moon Cafe.

You might also like to read about the Black House Chiang Rai and the Blue temple Chiang Rai – don’t miss them!

What to wear when Visiting Temples in Thailand

What should you wear when visiting temples in Thailand? Dress conservatively when visiting temples in Thailand. Wear trousers or a long skirt and cover shoulders.

A scarf is a good thing to have handy in Thailand as you can use it to cover yourself if you are wearing a vest top or maxi dress. Men should avoid shorts and wear t-shirts or a smart-casual shirt.

You will need to remove your shoes before going up the temple steps so wear some comfortable sandals or shoes that you can slip on and off. Birkenstocks are a good option.