Lanna Wooden Architecture

Wat Chiang Man is marked by a chedi supported by rows of carved stone elephants that appear to be emerging from the brickwork. King Mengrai founded the temple in twelve ninety-six when he established Chiang Mai as his new capital. He lived…

The Lanna Folklife Centre occupies the former provincial court building, distinguished by its long, two-story colonial facade and rows of tall, shuttered windows. This structure once held the administration of justice for the region under…

The white chedi stands out against the brickwork of the main prayer hall, its smooth, lime-plastered surface showing faint traces of gold leaf. This temple marks the center of the old city of Chiang Mai, acting as the spiritual navel of…

Wat Phantao is distinguished by its dark, weathered teakwood hall, which stands in stark contrast to the gilded stone temples nearby. Built in the late nineteenth century as a private chapel for the Chiang Mai royal family, the structure…

The massive, ruined brick spire of Wat Chedi Luang dominates the intersection. It stands as a hulking square base that once held the Emerald Buddha before an earthquake toppled its upper tiers in fifteen forty-five. King Saen Mueang Ma…

The Lanna Architecture Center occupies a restored wooden house that sits on a raised stone foundation, recognizable by its dark, weathered teak walls and steep, multi-tiered roof. Built in the late nineteenth century, the structure…

The white, windowless brick wall of the ordination hall at Wat Prasat stands out for its extreme simplicity, lacking the elaborate gilded carvings common to other Chiang Mai temples. This structure sits on a foundation that dates back to…

The sweeping, multi-tiered roofs of Wat Phra Singh are covered in gold-leaf stencil work and intricate wood carvings that distinguish this temple from its neighbors in Chiang Mai. Established in thirteen forty-five, the complex grew around…