Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham, Chiang Mai

Stroll through the tranquil, overgrown grounds of Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham, a 6 hectare (15 acre) temple complex. As you wander, contemplate the proverbs which hang from trees on little signs in English and Thai, or feed the fish, turtles, and ducks in the large pond. Admire the large sculpted chedi (reliquary), the Buddha field of broken sculptures, and the replica of one of the pillars of Ashoka--Buddhist monuments scattered across the Indian subcontinent. The temple's name derives from the maze-like warren of ancient tunnels--or umong--which crisscross the grounds, reportedly built to prevent a respected but deranged monk from leaving and getting lost in the surrounding bush. To visit Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham on your trip to Chiang Mai, use our Chiang Mai tour itinerary planner.