About Wat Umong
Wat Umong is a historic forest Buddhist temple located at the foot of Doi Suthep in Suthep Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai. Built in 1297 and restored in the 14th century, it is known for its ancient brick tunnels, large ruined chedi, and tranquil wooded grounds. The temple functions as a meditation center and is notable for its forest setting, lake, and preserved Lanna architecture.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a quiet forest temple complex set among large trees west of Chiang Mai Old City. The site includes ancient brick tunnels with Buddhist images and murals, a large historic chedi, a small lake with fish and pigeons, open lawns, and meditation halls. Paths wind through woodland with Dhamma signs in Thai and English. Areas include the tunnel shrines, chedi platform, lakeside feeding area, and meditation and library buildings.
Key highlights
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Ancient man-made tunnels with Buddha images and faded murals
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Large 14th-century ruined chedi above the tunnels
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Tranquil forest grounds with mature trees and Dhamma teachings on signs
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Small lake for feeding fish, turtles and pigeons
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Active meditation center with regular practice and talks
History of Wat Umong
Founded in 1297 during the reign of King Mangrai, founder of Chiang Mai, as a forest temple for the monk Thera Jan. Abandoned and later restored in 1367 by King Kuena to accommodate the monk Mahathera Chand from Sri Lanka to promote Theravada Buddhism. The tunnel system was built to provide a quiet place for meditation and to prevent the monk from wandering into the forest. The large chedi and tunnels reflect Lanna period architecture.
Culture & Context
An important Theravada Buddhist forest temple and meditation center in the Lanna tradition. Known for its practice of forest meditation, Dhamma education, and display of Buddhist teachings on trees and signs in Thai and English. The temple remains an active religious site for merit-making, meditation retreats, and study.
Route
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