“Five melons stacked high?” you ask, squinting at the unusual structure. “That’s a temple?” Yes, this is Wat Ku Suea, and it certainly stands out! Unlike the traditional bell-shaped chedis you might see elsewhere in Chiang Mai, Wat Ku Suea’s chedi dares to be different. The temple itself was built in 1613, a monument to Nawrahta Minsaw, the first Burmese ruler of Lanna, whose ashes are enshrined here. But it’s that eye-catching chedi that really grabs your attention. Locals gave it a rather charming nickname: “Chedi Ku Tao,” meaning “watermelon pagoda” in the Lanna dialect. It’s easy to see why! The five diminishing spheres do look remarkably like a stack of watermelons. But they represent something far grander: the five historical and future Buddhas. This unique style, a nod to the Yunnan province of Southern China, showcases the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Lanna architecture. So take a moment to appreciate Wat Ku Suea’s unique beauty. It’s a testament to both history and artistry, a delightful blend of the traditional and the unexpected.
McCormick Hospital
Established by American Presbyterian missionaries McCormick Hospital stands proudly. It’s a beacon of hope a testament to enduring faith and