Wat Klang Wiang

Wat Klang Wiang stands right at the center of the city of Chiang Rai. Built with exquisite modern Lanna architectural influences, the temple’s ornate gold and red relief gives it a majestic look. It consists of an ubosot or ordination hall, a viharn, a chedi, a city pillar, and a scripture library. The city pillar is flanked by statues of Jatulokaban, the keepers of the four cardinal directions as per Theravada Buddhism.

The temple was originally built in 1432. It was then called Wat Chan Ta Lok after the red sandalwood trees that grow in the area. After centuries of decay and destruction, it was rebuilt in the 1990s. The main temple, or the viharn, is protected by Naga snakes and Singha lions. Inside is a large seated Buddha in vibrant gold with several smaller idols around the principal deity. The chedi in the viharn’s courtyard has three levels with enshrined Buddha idols along the spire and sculpted elephants around the base. The ubosot, where monks get ordained, has Hindu influences and depicts several cross-religion mythological creatures from Hinduism and Buddhism. Visit the Ho Trai or scripture library, where you will find more traditional Lanna architecture.