Chiang Mai - Wats Phun On, Phan Tao & Chedi Luang

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These three Wats are all a short walk from the Tha Phae gate. If you head into the old city from the Tha Phrae gate and about 100 yards along Thanon Ratchdamnoen you come to Wat Phun On on the right.

Wat Phun On

I believe that is the name but entering a google search came up with nothing, so if you locals can correct me please do so.

A view inside the main building



Not much to this place, but again as I have seen in most Wats the murials around the inside were stunning.

They are doing renovation to this Stupa just outside the main building



From here head up Thanon Ratchdamnoen about 100 yards to meet the intersection with Thanon Phra Pokklao, hang a left and 50 yards on the right you come to

Wat Phan Tao

This temple according to the notice board was built for the monks of Wat Chedi Luang. It has a wooden Lanna style ceremomial hall, and some marvellously carved wooden ornaments. Sadly none of NickA's carvings were on display

Inside the hall






Some more pictures of sacred scasket and covers may be found here
Wat Phan Tao. Chiang Mai

More pictures of this Wat





The bells

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About another 50 yards down the road you come to

Wat Chedi Luang

Constuction of this Wat began in 1391 by King SAEN MUANG MA and was not finished until around 1475 during the reign of King TILOKARJI. The building was 82 metres high and at one time housed the Emerald Buddha.
In 1545 the upper 30 metres collapsed after an earthquake. The Chedi was reconstructed in 1990. There is still recontruction going on in the grounds of the Wat.

Heres some pics of the place

Looking at another side of the Chedi



Most of the eleplant pillars have been destoyed and only a few remain

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Couple more pics. At the rear of the Chedi there is a reclining Buddha




In this last photo taken as you approach the Chedi you can see the renovation work going on on the left



So after this little excursion it was only a matter of another 100 yard walk to the Pirates Cove where a nice cold one went down well

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GREAT pictures!

I have a question, is it OK for people to meditate in these wats, or are these wats considered landmarks for people to walk around snapping pictures?