According to some reports, Wat Chiang Man is the oldest in Chiang Mai, it was founded in 1306 by King Mengrai. The temple was his home while the the Lanna Kingdom was being built around it. Wat Chiang Man has been restored several times in 1471, 1558, 1571 and 1581, as indicated by the dates carved on the stone, in the temple grounds.
Wata Chiang Man contains two precious Buddha figures of great importance to the whole of Thailand. significance to the whole of Thailand. Both statues can be seen in the small viharn (building) of the of the temple.
The Crystal Buddha, or Phra Sae Tang Khamani (believed to be 14th century), has the ability to protect against natural disasters. The statue is only occasionally statue is only rarely on public display, usually on Sundays.
The Marble Buddha, or Phra Sila Buddha, was created around the 8th century in Ceylon. The Buddha is depicted defeating the elephant Nalagiri and, according to legends, can make it rain. The Marble Buddha gets the most attention in April, when the whole country celebrates Water Day and the Buddhist New Year.
Much attention of visitors to the temple attracts chedi Chang Lom (in Thai. Thai "stupa surrounded by elephants"), built in the XV century and restored in the XIX century. in the 19th century. It is a combination of grey stone and gold, looking together very striking. From the base of the stupa "emerge" figures of elephants in the Sinhalese style.
The central building, the viharn, has the most beautiful decorations both inside and outside. It houses a statue of Buddha holding an alms bowl dating back to 1465 1465.
On the grounds of Wata Chiang Man is a stele that records the exact moment of Chiang Mai was founded: 4am on 12 April 1296.
