Wat Umong Mahathera Chan (Wat Pho Noi)

Rating: 4.5/5 (6 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Approximately 05.00–17.00

 

Wat Umong Mahathera Chan (Wat Pho Noi), locally known as “Wat Umong Thera Chan,” is an ancient temple located inside the old city walls of Chiang Mai. The temple is situated at 129 Ratchaphakhinai Road, Si Phum Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District. Its location within the historic moat area makes it easily accessible while retaining a calm and contemplative atmosphere, ideal for visitors who wish to explore Chiang Mai’s early history through a living religious site.

 

The temple was originally known as “Wat Pho Noi.” According to traditional accounts referenced in the “Dhamma Panha Thera Chanthasarom” manuscript, the temple was founded around 1839–1840 BE by three great kings: King Mangrai, King Ngam Muang, and King Ramkhamhaeng the Great. After the city plan of Chiang Mai had been established, Wat Pho Noi was constructed near the center of the city and is believed to be the first temple of Chiang Mai, serving as a spiritual anchor for the newly founded city.

 

Architecturally, Wat Umong Mahathera Chan clearly reflects traditional Lanna style. The ordination hall (ubosot), believed to date back to 1839–1840 BE, was constructed of brick and white mortar, with teakwood pillars and roof structures. It was originally roofed with clay tiles, later replaced with glazed tiles. The main viharn (assembly hall), built around 1910–1914 BE, also follows Lanna architectural principles, emphasizing simplicity and practical use for religious ceremonies within the local community.

 

The name “Wat Umong Mahathera Chan” is associated with a significant restoration during the reign of King Kuena, the sixth ruler of Chiang Mai. Around 1910 BE, King Kuena restored the first tunnel-style chedi located south of the main viharn as an offering to Phra Mahathera Chan, who was the abbot of Wat Pho Noi at the time. After the restoration, the temple was renamed Wat Umong Mahathera Chan. A second chedi, situated west of the main viharn, was constructed around 1916 BE. The positioning and chronology of these chedis illustrate the gradual development of the temple through different historical periods.

 

Within the temple grounds are four important Buddha images revered by worshippers. These include Phra Phuttha Chiang Saen Sing One, known as “Luang Pho Somjai Nuek,” the principal Buddha image in the ordination hall, seated in the Maravijaya posture with a lap width of 1.90 meters and a height of 2.20 meters, created around 1839–1840 BE. Another is Phra Phuttha Patimakon, or “Luang Pho To,” the principal image in the main viharn, measuring 2.90 meters in lap width and 3.70 meters in height, dating to around 1910–1914 BE. The third is a Chiang Saen Sing Three-style Buddha image in the Maravijaya posture, cast in bronze, placed in front of Luang Pho To. The fourth is “Luang Pho Rai Hom,” a bronze Buddha image created in 2057 BE and later enshrined in the viharn.

 

A distinctive aspect of Wat Umong Mahathera Chan is the practice of paying respects to what locals refer to as the “Nine Sacred Highlights.” These include Luang Pho Somjai Nuek, Luang Pho To, a representation of the Gautama Buddha beneath the sacred Bodhi tree, the two chedis, a replica of Phra Phutthachinnarat housed in the merit-making pavilion, statues of Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phrommarangsi), Luang Pu Thuat, and Kruba Sriwichai (located west of the ordination hall), as well as the shrine of the guardian spirit (Phra Phum Chao Thi) north of the Bodhi tree. Following this sequence offers visitors a meaningful and structured way to explore the temple.

 

The temple also serves as a center for meditation practice. Vipassana meditation sessions are generally held on Saturdays and Sundays from 13.00 to 15.00. Visitors interested in participating are advised to contact the temple in advance to confirm schedules and arrangements, especially if their visit is focused on practice rather than sightseeing.

 

Getting There Wat Umong Mahathera Chan is located within the Chiang Mai Old City area and is easily accessible by private car, local red trucks (songthaews), taxis, or ride-hailing services. Visitors are advised to search for the full temple name to avoid confusion with another temple called Wat Umong, which is located outside the city.

 

 

A: It is located at 129 Ratchaphakhinai Road, Si Phum Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, inside the Chiang Mai Old City walls.

 

A: No. This temple is located inside the Old City, while Wat Umong (Suan Phutthatham) is located outside the city near Doi Suthep.

 

A: Yes. Vipassana meditation sessions are generally held on Saturdays and Sundays from 13.00 to 15.00. Visitors should contact the temple in advance.

 

A: You can contact the temple at +66 53 218 231 or +66 81 993 7249.