Wat Umong was built about 700 years ago. First impression,felt peaceful and cooling. There is pond, you can feed the fish. The Wat is famous for its ancient tunnels and large stupa. it has a certain air of mystery about it that is absent from Chiang Mai’s other temples.
The monastery at Wat Umong is one of the oldest in Chiang Mai, dating back to 1300 A.D. The fable goes that a king built the brick-lined tunnels for an eccentric monk named Thera Jan. Once upon a time there were paintings decorated on the wall which dated back to about 1380. You can enter the tunnels to see the small shrines inside.
The monastery was eventually abandoned, though Japanese troops were said to have a stronghold here during World War 2. Since 1948, the Thai prince Jao Chun Sirorot has been active in rebuilding and reestablishing the monastery. In 1949 he invited Buddhadasa Bhikkhu (founder of Suan Mokkh in southern Thailand) to come and live in the monastery.
I think so far, this is the best temple I ever visited during my trips to Chiamgmai. As I have talked to the monk in the pictures, this is also a wonderful meditation center; scenic, quiet, and free for self practice.
Ya... it is good idea to come for retreat next time.
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