Wat Mahawan is not one of the city’s most important temples, but its location right on Tha Pae Road and the fine decoration on the facade and interior of the viharn make it well worth a look.
Since the ugly electric cables along Tha Pae Road were moved underground, passers-by get a good view of its attractive outline.
It dates back to the 16th century, though the viharn was built in the late 18th century by a wealthy Burmese merchant involved in the teak trade. The buildings are a mixture of Burmese and Lanna architectural styles.
Though the small viharn is the most striking part of the temple, take a wander to the back of the compound for a look at the scripture library, now converted into monks’ quarters, the imposing chedi and a small museum on the second floor of the building at the west end of the compound.
Getting There
You can walk from anywhere in the city centre; it’s just a two minute walk east along Tha Pae Road from Tha Pae Gate in the Old City, on the south side of the road.
Need to Know
- What is it? An elaborately decorated temple on Chiang Mai’s main street.
- Opening hours: 06:00-19:00 daily.
- Entrance fee: Free.
- Address: Tha Pae Road.
- Where: About 150 meters east of Tha Pae Gate.