The history of Thailand is exceptionally colourful and goes back thousands of years. Although the nation has developed into a prosperous tourism-centric country with pockets of thriving metropolitan life, there are many places where you can experience the country’s astonishing past. One such place is Wat Umong, also known as the Tunnel Temple. It is situated in Chiang Mai, the largest city so there’s many a Chiang Mai hotel to choose from close by to the temple, such as the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort.
The temple is more than seven hundred years old and considered highly sacred. It was constructed by King Manglai who belonged to the Lan Na dynasty. One aspect of the temple is incredibly reminiscent of India and that is the Ashok Pillar. These pillars were constructed in various places by the Indian emperor Ashoka as a mark of his influence. It is fascinating why such a pillar exists in Thailand since it is a replica that was built under the behest of King Manglai.
The most famous aspect of the temple are the various tunnels that are present through the compound. These tunnels are having been lavishly decorated with scenes involving bushes. It is said that these tunnels were built in order to keep a mentally ill monk within the temple compound since he had a tendency to wander off.
The temple is a very peaceful setting, and if meditating isn’t one’s desired path to peace of mind, one could feed many of the temple’s animal residents. These residents include fishes, ducks and even turtles. There are various ‘talking trees’ scattered throughout the temple compound, and each of them contains various words of wisdom either in Thai or English.
If you find yourself in Chiang Mai, be sure to visit this temple for its historical wonder and unique spiritual offerings. It is bound to be an experience you won’t soon forget.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.