Wat Pa Mueat

Did the vibrant red and gold of Wat Pa Mueat catch your eye? Wat Pa Mueat stands as a testament to the rich Shan Burmese heritage in Chiang Mai. Established in 1883, Wat Pa Mueat served as the first temple for the Shan community in Chiang Mai. Many Shan people migrated from Burma to work in the teak logging industry. They needed a place to practice their unique form of Buddhist worship. The temple’s very name, Wat Pa Mueat, originates from the grove of “pao” trees where it was built. The chedi at Wat Pa Mueat is a remarkable sight. Notice the bell-shaped structure rising from a tiered square base. It’s crowned with a golden spire and “hti,” a Burmese ceremonial umbrella. Four qilin, mythical lion-dragon creatures, guard each corner. Observe the two assembly halls. One boasts a seven-tiered Burmese-style “pyatthat” roof, also topped with a “hti.” The other, crafted mainly of teak, showcases a stunning multi-tiered “zeitawun” roof. This red-dyed roof is richly decorated with friezes depicting scenes of Mount Meru. Inside, you’d find a blend of Thai Ping style and Shan or Burmese Buddha images. The temple also houses a Thai Ping style Buddha image from 1487. Wat Pa Mueat is more than just a temple; it’s a living cultural center. Every April, it hosts the Poy Sang Long festival. Young Shan boys are initiated as novice monks during this colorful three-day celebration. Watch for the processions of Shan people in traditional attire parading through the city. Even today, Wat Pa Mueat continues its role as a community hub. It offers schooling for children in the Shan dialect, preserving the language and traditions for future generations.