Wat Umong a secreted gem temple in Chiang Mai
The temple’s full name is Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham, which interprets to “Temple of the tunnels and Buddha Dhamma backyard”.
Among the many hundreds of Buddhist temples in Chiangmai, the Umong Temple or “Tunnel temple” is unique because of its location within the forest and its system of tunnels. The calm and peaceful ambiance at the 13th century forest temple close to Doi Suthep mountain provides a welcome change from the a lot visited websites in Chiang Mai.
One of the crucial spectacular points to Umong Temple is its tunnels, dating back to the thirteenth century. After eradicating your sneakers, the air, which smells of spicy incense and humbling earth, becomes clearly cooler as you walk via one of the three entrances. Inside, there are a few Buddha statues in enclaves where locals will go away incense and flowers and pray. Upon going deeper contained in the cave-like tunnel, be sure to search for at the ceiling. Historic drawings can nonetheless be seen and for those who look carefully you can also make out patterns and even elephants. These historical frescoes deliver the historical significance of Wat Umong to light. I couldn’t help however let my creativeness take me to a whole lot of years previous to a time when these pale colors had been vivid and colourful, as monks roamed the halls. Another fascinating facet to Wat Umong is the somewhat large golden stupa that sits atop the ancient tunnels. I discovered this stupa somewhat photogenic in its easy and pure setting, especially towards a blue sky. I particularly appreciated shedding my shoes and joining the locals strolling across the stupa thrice in a clockwise route, giving me a extra genuine and authentic experience on the temple.
Peaceable and uninterrupted, nestled in a forest west of Old City. Solely 8 min by car without site visitors however felt isolated. Whereas not a glitzy, renovated nor tidy Wat, there are varied and interesting options - an old stupa; tunnels resulting in locations of worship set into the hillside, crumbling (sadly, extended) statues and dramatic balustrades running along a set of steps, a templeful of chanting monks, wooded and shady grounds. Nice for photos - the brickwork seems to be outdated, lichen and weed coated. Needn't spend numerous time right here but its a refreshing change of tempo to the always crowded Doi Suthep and other well-liked temples.
All in all an interesting spot to go to and a nice, tranquil web site to whereas away some time. It’s a bit far to stroll but only a 10-15 minute tuk tuk or motorcycle experience from downtown or contact Tour Agency in Chiang Mai being quite inexpensive and easily mixed with a trip to Doi Suthep. (You would stop off at the fascinating Ton Payom Market on the way.) Tuk tuk’s will probably ask for 100 baht and also you might wish to ask the driving force to wait since they’re few and much between in these parts. A bit of bit fiddly to get to by bicycle or motorcycle so most likely simpler to seize a map slightly than making an attempt to explain.
Way in payment & opening hours
The wat opens day by day from 6 am till 5 pm. Admission is free.
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