Striking Gold in Chiang Mai

Statue at Wat Phra Singh

There’s a very distinct color coordination effort going on in much of Thailand’s religious architecture, and it’s, perhaps, most noticeable in the compact back alleys of Chiang Mai. The old town is packed with stunning golden temples with gilded statues, chedis, and latticework as well as gold-infused temple murals and column art. This is just a VERY small sample of the Buddhist bling the ancient town has to offer visitors. The pilgrims are literally walking into the temples and pressing gold leaf onto the statues!

Interior of the Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Phra Tat Doi Suthep

Golden temple paintings

Monks rush past Wat Phra Singh

Small statue coated in gold leaf at Wat Phra Tat Doi Suthep