Among the hundreds of Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai, the Wat Umong or “Tunnel temple” is unique because of its location in the forest and its system of tunnels. The serene and peaceful atmosphere at the 13th century forest temple near Doi Suthep mountain provides a welcome change from the much visited sites in Chiang Mai.

The temple’s full name is Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham, which translates to “Temple of the tunnels and Buddha Dhamma garden”.

A number of tunnels dug out of a mound contains shrines with Buddha images, where devotees can pay their respect to the Buddha.

The large, shady temple grounds are often filled with the sounds of monks’ chanting. The temple’s setting in a forested area with a natural lake makes the Wat Umong an excellent place for meditation. The meditation center hosts meditation classes and Dhamma talks.

History of the Wat Umong

The Wat Umong was founded at the end of the 13th century by King Mengrai, first King of the Lanna Kingdom and founder Chiang Mai.

According to local legend, the King regularly consulted a monk who lived at the Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan, a temple located within the old city walls of Chiang Mai. The monk named Thera Chan used a tunnel to meditate in peace and quiet.

When the city of Chiang Mai grew bigger and more crowded, the monk found it more and more difficult to meditate. King Mengrai wanted to accommodate the monk and ordered a number of tunnels dug out in a man made mound outside the city, in a forested area bordering Doi Suthep mountain. The tunnels were lined with brick walls, plastered and Buddhist murals were painted. Shrines with images of the Buddha were added, giving the monk a new place to meditate in peace and quiet.

The temple was abandoned during the 15th century. Only in 1948 the temple was restored and one year later reopened as a center for meditation and Buddhist teachings. Today the Wat Umong is an active temple with resident monks. The ancient tunnels have been restored. Unfortunately, most of the murals have disappeared.

On top of the mound is a large, circular bell shaped chedi. The Lanna style chedi has recently been restored. Near the chedi is a black image of a very thin fasting Buddha in the ascetic style. The kuti, the monks living quarters, are scattered in the forest.

Copy of an Ashoka pillar

On the temple grounds is a copy of an Ashoka pillar dating back to the founding of the temple in the 13th century. On top of the pillar are 4 lions and a Dhamma wheel over them. In the 3rd century BC, the Indian King Ashoka send out monks across South and South East Asia, and even as far as Europe to spread Buddhism. A large number of inscribed pillars were erected across India and surrounding countries, some of which still remain today. The pillars are inscribed with details about the spread of Buddhism.

Along the trail around the mound is a collection of damaged Buddha images scattered on the grounds between the trees. The images, of some of which only the head is left were brought over from several other temples. In the forest on the temple grounds is a pond with catfish, ducks and turtles waiting to be fed. Food can be bought from one of the vendors at the grounds.