Thailand > North > Chiangmai > Wat U-Mong

Wat U-Mong,Chiangmai
 

The ruins of this old temple are not that spectacular.  However, a visit is definitely worthwhile.  The place is very well situated within the forest.  It was established in 1355-1385 by King Kuna as a meditation place for a famous monk.  The compound has a rare statue of the starving Buddha next to the Chedi.  There's also access to an open zoo in the back of the temple grounds.  The little lake west of the temple contains numerous catfish and turtles.

How to get there:  Located on Suthep Rd. almost the end, watch a sign on your left-hand side and turn left to Soi Wat U-Mong).

Comment# 1 at: 2008-11-06 16:22:02 Comment by: TT


The temple was built in the foothills of Suthep mountain and is still heavily forested, some call "the forest temple". The most unique feature of the temple are the tunnels which give the wat its name (umong means tunnel).

Comment# 2 at: 2008-11-06 16:24:22 Comment by: TT


The monastery was later abandoned and leaved unused until the 1940's. The long disuse is probably what accounts for the overgrown atmosphere of the temple. That's why the temple is so great to visit right after the rains have gone. The brick walls of the mound are covered with moss and small plants. Other stone works are covered in moss and vines.

Comment# 3 at: 2008-11-06 16:26:45 Comment by: TT


The pagoda (chedi) is the top, reachable by a short stairway to the left of the tunnel entrances.

Comment# 4 at: 2008-11-06 16:28:44 Comment by: TT


chedi

Comment# 5 at: 2008-11-06 16:29:20 Comment by: TT


chedi

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