“Remember Me” is the inscription on the pedestal of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, at Wat Chai Mongkhon. This temple is also known as Wat Chai Mongkol. It is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. The temple stands by the Ping River. It is located on Charoen Prathet Road in the old city center.
Wat Chai Mongkhon is believed to have been built during King Tilokaraj’s reign from 1441–1487. It serves an old Mon community. The architecture shows Amarapura–Mandalay influence.
Let’s explore Wat Chai Mongkhon. It is a great place to visit. You can sit in the shade and enjoy the cool breeze. Watch life on the river pass by. The temple has interesting features. These include a Chinese pavilion. There is also an animal release site. People make merit by releasing animals. They release fish and birds.
Wat Chai Mongkhon has a viharn. It also has a chedi that was under reconstruction in 2018. The temple’s origins trace back to the 16th century. It was abandoned during the Burmese occupation. King Kawila rebuilt it after the Burmese were expelled.
The viharn shows Lanna style. Its roof has an impressive structure. The multi-tiered design sweeps low. Bargeboards are lined with nagas. The chofas combine a bird body with an elephant’s head. A chofa finial supports a gilt hti. The main entrance on the east is guarded by nagas. The side entrance has makarras with open jaws.
The portico and gable end are decorated. Carved foliate work is in gilt on a blue background. The doorway has carvings. They depict scenes from Buddha’s life. This includes the drowning of Mara by Phra Mae Thorani. She is the Mother Earth deity. She wrings her hair when Buddha meditates. The devil rides an elephant carrying a sword. His army drowns. Fish devour them.
Inside the porch are two murals. They picture scenes from Buddha’s previous lives. These are the Jataka tales. There are historical references. One is a picture of the Three Kings. It is similar to the statue in Chiang Mai’s old town.
Wat Chai Mongkhon is a busy temple. Worshippers visit the monks. They kneel to receive a blessing. A string is placed around their head. The monks chant their blessing. They tie a string bracelet around the worshiper’s wrist.
The viharn’s walls have murals. They show the lives of the Buddha and the Jataka. The murals are detailed and colorful. The columns are finished in red lacquer. They have gilt patterns and lotus flower capitals. Some seats and tables have mother of pearl inlay. This is in the Chinese style.
The main altar has Buddha images. The principal image sits in the Subduing Mara mudra. The altar is decorated with flowers, ornaments, and Chinese vases. Small tables are in gilt. The image sits under a canopy. The canopy has carved nagas and animals. They are amongst foliate designs.
The viharn’s back wall faces west. There is an impressive bas-relief carving. It shows scenes from Buddha’s lives. It covers the entire surface.
The chedi was under major rebuild in 2018. It appears to retain its basic structure. The style follows the Burmese character. The basic shape remains. The old stucco is being replaced. New ornamentation replaces the glass mosaic.
On the south side is a Chinese pavilion. It contains Chinese deities. It receives worshipers. Many Thais have Chinese ancestry. The pavilion features Guan Yin. She is the Goddess of Mercy. She is dressed in white. She is a donor of children. The “Fat Monk” looks jovial. Touching his belly brings good fortune.
The ho rakangs are built into the general building. They consist of two towers. One contains a bell. The other a drum. Each is in the shape of a mondop tower. They are adorned with nagas and chofas. They have a gilt hti finial.
In the north-east corner is a statue. It is of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V. He ruled Thailand for 42 years. The Lanna kingdom was annexed by Siam during his reign. Offerings are made. These include cockerel figures, flowers, and incense.
The entrance has an impressive gateway. A tower above the arch has several layers. It tapers to a gilt umbrella.
One attraction is the animal release. Shops run by monks sell creatures. These include birds, fish, eels, frogs, and crabs. People buy and release them. This gains merit. Donations are around 100 Baht for doves. Fish are cheaper. They are released into the river.
This temple is the only one in the town center offering this merit-making. Other temples are discouraging the practice.
Wat Chai Mongkhon is west of Chiang Mai Old City. It is easy to reach. You can walk, bicycle, or drive. It is open daily from 6 am to 8 pm. Check for Buddhist celebrations that may close the temple.