Wat Phra Singh, formelly called Wat Lee Chiang, has been an important temple of Chiang Mai for 700 years. It was constructed by King Phayoo of Mengrai dynasty. When King Saen Muang was reigning the Lanna Thai Kingdom Pra Buddhasihing, one of the most renowned Buddha images was taken from Kamphaengpet to Chiang Mai by King Mahaprom to present to the Chiang Mai King. It so happened that the chariot carrying the image broke down at this spot and the Buddha image was consequently installed in this temple. Because of this incident, Wat Lee Chiang became known as Wat Lee Chiang Phra and later on, got the present name of Wat Phra Singh. In 2315 BE (1772 AD), this temple received a major reconstruction under the auspicious of King Kavila. Beside Phra Singh, this temple has the other important Buddha image called Phra Thongtip cast in 2020 BE (1477 AD). It is of the early Chiang Saen style and craftsmanship and made of the alloy of gold and copper. Wat Phra Singh was raised to the status of a royal temple (first class) under the royal patronage in 2483 BE (1941 AD).
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