Glimpse the quietude. You would never guess that Wat Prasat holds such unique features. It is nestled here in Chiang Mai. Wat Prasat is an attractive temple complex. It sits in the old walled part of the city. Notice that it is opposite Wat Phra Singh. Wat Prasat was likely founded in the late 16th century.
Let’s explore Wat Prasat. You will see the ubosot. That is the ordination hall. There is also a viharn. That is a prayer hall. And you will see two chedis, which are pagodas. The ubosot, viharn, and one chedi stand in a straight line.
The Lanna style viharn is especially beautiful. It was built in 1823. The viharn is a wooden structure. It rests on a stone base. Observe the steep, three-tiered roof. Chofahs decorate the top ends. Panels at the entrance are intricately carved. Look at the flower motifs in the Lanna style.
See the stairs. They lead to the viharn entrance. Large Nagas guard this building. They are mythological snakes. Now focus on a unique feature of Wat Prasat. It is the short tunnel. This tunnel connects the viharn to the chedi. Usually, the principal Buddha image is at the back of the wall opposite the entrance.
At Wat Prasat, the back wall has an ornate tunnel entrance. It leads directly to the chedi. You can partly see the sitting Buddha image from the viharn. The image is actually inside the chedi.
On either side of the tunnel entrance, Buddha images sit on pedestals. They are about one meter high. One bronze image dates back to 1590. The others are stucco. They are more recent. Also, note the viharn walls. They are decorated with murals from the early 19th century.
Behind the viharn is Wat Prasat’s ubosot. It is a recent reconstruction. Behind the ubosot is an original white chedi. It has a golden spire. The temple grounds also hold a bell tower. And do not miss the small spirit house. Mythological Naga serpents guard the stairs on both sides.
Wat Prasat opens daily. You can visit from 6 am until 5 pm. There is no entrance fee. Remember it is located on Inthawarorot Road. It is in the western part of the old walled city.
Take a moment to appreciate the history of Wat Prasat. Think about the monks. They have chanted here for centuries. Feel the peace of this special place. It offers a glimpse into Lanna culture. It also gives you a connection to Chiang Mai’s past.