Umong Temple

According to historical documents, the Umong Pagoda (originally named Werukattatharam), was built by King Phaya Mangrai in 1297. According to legend, he built this temple for a monk named Thera Jan, with whom he very dear.

The temple grounds include the main pagoda, meditation center, living quarters for resident monks, and a lake. Because the temple is surrounded by rich vegetation, it is also known as Aranyawasi - which means "temple in the forest" in Thai in Thai. The temple is characterized by its unique internal structure, which is divided into several tunnels. The tunnels are designed to minimize sound, creating an almost absolute silence. Based on historical evidence and architectural styles, the tunnels are estimated to have been built between the 15th and 16th centuries. At the end of each tunnel is a statue of Buddha with flowers and many Buddhist decorations, where visitors can pray and pay their respects.

Wat Umong Chiang Mai is a temple with a long history, the inner walls of the temple have been degraded but still retain some drawings illustrating the ancient images of the temple and the stories of the Buddha . Most of the temples in Chiang Mai have been restored and repaired, but Umong Temple is rarely repaired and always retains a timeless charm with the long history of Thailand's development.

The temple also has a collection of Buddha statues with incomplete forms located to the right of the entrance to the tunnel, in the middle of a dense forest. It's like a newly found archeology piece, filled with old relics, giving the temple a mystical feel.

To the left of the temple is a soaring staircase leading up to the stupa, made in the style of the Lanna people. Traditionally, the stupa is a place to hold sacred artifacts or relics of the Buddha, while its structure represents his enlightenment. To show goodwill, when reciting the sutras, the monks will go around the stupa in a clockwise direction. Proverbs are carved on small wooden boards written in Thai and English hanging from trees, scattered throughout the temple grounds to help visitors understand more about the values ​​of Buddhism.

In the grounds of Umong Temple, there is also a small lake, visitors can cross a bridge to reach a small island on the other side, here, visitors can feed fish and turtles in the lake. Due to its peaceful location in the midst of fresh nature, Umong Pagoda gives visitors a really fresh and quiet feeling, completely separate from the surrounding world. For those interested in exploring meditation and experiencing monastic life, the temple also has a meditation center open daily to guests.

Opening hours: Umong Temple is open every day of the week from 06:00-18:00