Thai Wat - Wat Umong - Chiang Mai

This Thai Wat, Wat Umong Suan Puthatham, more commonly referred to as Wat Umong, is a 700 year old forest Temple on Suthep Road in Chiang Mai. Whilst there are several legends concerning the building of Wat Umong, its true origins are unknown. Within a relatively short time after the construction of Wat Umong, it became abandoned and it was only as recently as 1948 that Wat Umong became an active temple again.

Wat Umong is a fascinating and quite unique Temple in Chiang Mai. Surrounded by forest, Wat Umong’s idyllic situation creates a haven of peace and tranquility for both the resident Monks and the visitors. In the grounds of Wat Umong are a School of Pali, Buddhist Museum and the International Buddhist Education and Meditation Centre which has Vipassana Meditation programmes for both Thais and visitors. Perhaps the most interesting feature of Wat Umong is the series of tunnels with meditation cells and a revered Buddha image within. The tunnel walls at one time were covered in murals but unfortunately these are now no longer visible.

Some of the best fed fish and turtles in Thailand can be found in the small lake within the grounds which has become a popular spot for tourists and school children from all over Chiang Mai. Walking through the grounds of Wat Umong, the visitor will see many Buddhist sayings, many in English, attached to the trees offering good advice to all who stop and read. Another interesting area is the statue graveyard where many, mostly damaged, Buddha heads and other images can be seen.