Wat Umong

วัดอุโมงค์

The name means "tunnel temple". An ancient temple in the forest just outside Chiang Mai. King Mengrai built this temple for a highly respected forest monk who liked to wander in the countryside, hence the isolated location where the monk could stay quietly and meditate. It is unusual in that it has tunnel-like chambers in the ground, some of the walls of which still have the original paintings of birds and animals visible. The large stupa is magnificent, and there is an eerie statue of a fasting, emaciated Buddha next to it. You can also take a break by the ponds, where you can feed the fish and turtles. Has a meditation centre open to foreigners. Some monks and the abbot speak a little English.

• outdoors
• history

Address

Off Suthep Rd

Getting there

at the end of a long narrow road, off Suthep Rd; turn at the Italian restaurant

Hours

Closed · opens 8:30 am

Weekly hours

Mon	8:30 am–4 pm
Tue	8:30 am–4 pm
Wed	8:30 am–4 pm
Thu	8:30 am–4 pm
Fri	8:30 am–4 pm
Sat	8:30 am–4 pm
Sun	8:30 am–4 pm

Website

watumong.org (opens in a new tab)