Three kings
The alliance behind the city.
Sry85 — CC BY 3.0 · Stefan Fussan — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Stefan Fussan — CC BY-SA 3.0 · This Photo was taken by Supanut Arunoprayote. Feel free to use any of my images, but please mention me as the author and may send me a message. (สามารถใช้ภาพได้อิสระ แต่กรุณาใส่เครดิตผู้ถ่ายและอาจส่งข — CC BY 4.0
The symbol of Chiang Mai's founding: three large bronze statues of three kings allied in the thirteenth century, Mangrai, founder of the Lanna kingdom, Ngam Mueang of Phayao and Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai, who are said to have consulted together on choosing the site of the new capital in 1296. The monument stands in a broad square at the heart of the old city. Residents come to the monument to offer flowers and candles to King Mangrai, and the square hosts the city's celebrations and festivals. Behind the statues is an elegant white colonial-style building that once housed the provincial government and is now the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre, a modern museum telling the story of the city and the Lanna kingdom through models and interactive displays. The square and monument are free and always open; the museum has a small entry fee and closes on Mondays. From February to April, smoke from farm burning often hangs over the north, cutting visibility and air quality. A short stop on any old-city walk, and the museum behind it is a good choice for an hour on a hot or rainy day.
The alliance behind the city.
Lanna history, interactively.
Heart of city celebrations.
Centre of the old city, in front of the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre
Wat Phan TaoA small wooden gem right beside famous Wat Chedi Luang that many visitors miss. 3 minutes walk
Wat Chedi LuangThe ruins of a colossal stupa at the heart of Chiang Mai's old city, one of its 5 minutes walk
Wat Chiang ManChiang Mai's oldest temple, built by King Mangrai in 1297 on the spot where he c6 minutes walk
Wat Phra SinghOne of Chiang Mai's most revered and architecturally beautiful temples, at the w8 minutes walk
Tha Phae Gate and the Old City WallsThe best-known and most photographed gate of Chiang Mai's old city, on its east 9 minutes walkYes, for an hour: it explains the city and Lanna history clearly and helps make sense of the temples you will visit.