Description of the attraction
Not the most famous, but the most unusual temple of Chiang Mai is Wat Umong Suan Puthatham. It was founded in 1297 by King Mangalai.
Wat Umong is a series of caves connected by tunnels. Translated from the Thai language, “umong” means “tunnel”. Illuminated by the living flame of candles, the Buddha statues inside the underground temple create a special impression. According to legend, an unusual clairvoyant monk lived in Wat Umong, who could wander through the tunnels without leaving the light for several days. Previously, underground corridors were decorated with skillful frescoes, but they have practically not survived to this day.
Most of the territory of the temple is occupied by a forest and a pond with huge carps and turtles. The monks living in Wat Umong sometimes meet deer in the local forest.
The "wise trees" of the Umong temple are also known, almost on each of them there are tablets with Buddhist sayings in English and Thai. Thanks to the resourcefulness of the monks, a forest walk at Wat Umong can be a real spiritual revelation.
Of great importance to all Buddhists is a replica of Ashoka's pillar with four lion heads and a Dharma wheel at the base, installed at Wat Umong in the 13th century. She is a worldwide symbol of the spread of Buddhism.
On the territory of the temple there are many ancient buildings, many of which have not yet been studied. Archaeological excavations are still ongoing at Wat Umong.
The temple houses a library-museum, which contains both ancient Buddhist scriptures, which are a world cultural heritage, and modern publications.
To foreign tourists, Wat Umong is known for its meditation school, where classes are held in English. Umong Temple is one of the best places in Chiang Mai province to practice Buddhism.
