Chiang Mai
A northern Thai city where Buddhist temples sit beside spirit shrines, and where ancestor and guardian spirits are still given offerings.
Practised and told of here
Best time: November to February, for cooler weather.
Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna kingdom. The city keeps a strong local tradition in which spirits of the land, the city and the household are fed, asked and placated.
The city's guardians
The founding spirits of the city, called the pillar of the city and the guardian spirits, are honoured at the Inthakin shrine in Wat Chedi Luang. Households keep spirit houses, small shrines on posts, to which they offer food, flowers and incense, and spirit mediums hold rites of healing at annual gatherings in northern villages.
Monks and tattoos
Monks and lay experts across the north give protective tattoos and blessings, and a market for them has grown among visitors. Tradition holds that the person who receives them takes vows.
Visiting
Temples and shrines are for use, not for poses. Do not touch spirit houses and do not point your feet at images.
A respectful visit to Chiang Mai
Living communities are not a show. Ask before photographing a person or a ceremony, and follow local rules.
- Wat Chedi Luang Visit the city pillar shrine and the large ruined stupa.
- Wat Phra Singh See the temple with a revered Buddha image.
- A neighbourhood spirit house Look at the offerings of orange drink and garlands.
- Doi Suthep Climb to the mountain temple.
Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Chiang Mai" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and ceremonies change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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