Three Kings Monument – The Heart of Chiang Mai Old City
Locate on Prapokkloa Road in Tambon Si Phum, this monument can easily be reached from other top attractions like Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang and Lanna Folklife Museum. Adorned with images of Vishnu–who was considered an embodiment of ideal rulership–this structure features gold plating that adds beauty.
This iconic landmark pays homage to three powerful kings who collaborated to establish Chiang Mai during its formation in 13th Century. Let’s take a closer look at this impressive sculpture!
Sculpture
The Three Kings Monument stands as a symbol of unity within Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Center’s old provincial hall building in its center where palaces once existed. It honors three monarchs who joined forces rather than attempt to invade each other’s territories, while locals use this spot as a shrine by offering incense, candles and flowers for blessings from these three monarchs upon their lives.
These sculptures depict King Mengrai, King Ram Khamhaeng the Great and King Ngam Muang as founding fathers of modern northern Thailand who recognized that working together could achieve more than competing with each other. King Mengrai founded Lanna Kingdom while Ram Khamhaeng made major contributions to Sukhothai Kingdom; finally on the left is Ngam Muang who started Phayao Kingdom – three kings considered founding fathers who showed us what collaboration can achieve rather than rivalry can. These three are recognized as founding fathers because they saw it can achieve more together than apart – founding fathers that saw how working together could help achieve more together than competing individually.
Fronting the monument lies a charming square filled with vibrant flowers that come to life during the annual Flower Festival, while at other times serving as an excellent spot to take in Chiang Mai’s sights and sounds.
Additionally, this area boasts many more intriguing and enjoyable attractions, such as Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang with its breathtaking architecture and Lanna Folklife Museum that allows visitors to learn more about Thailand’s hill tribe history and heritage.
Chiang Mai’s Three Kings Monument should be included on any itinerary to fully appreciate all that Northern Thailand has to offer and create lasting memories from your visit here. Just remember to plan wisely so you can experience all its delights!
Statues
Visiting Chiang Mai will not be complete without seeing its beautiful architecture – the Three Kings Monument! A symbol of unity, this monument honors three kings who helped to found this city. Situated right at the center of Chiang Mai old town, there are plenty of attractions close by and nearby that you won’t want to miss seeing!
Monument to Chiang Mai was constructed as a tribute to three Northern Lao Kings who established it. Situated inside the walls of its old town near where palaces once stood, its statues of these three Northern Lao Kings have become iconic symbols for Chiang Mai, attracting visitors who come here just to view them. Tourists come here especially to view large, impressive statues that portray them in various poses; believed to have collaborated together when planning the city in 13th Century, providing one of the earliest examples of people from different regions coming together towards common goals.
The Three Kings Monument is a beloved site where visitors come to pray. Considered one of the holiest spots, devotees can often be seen kneeling beneath its statue and placing offerings of food, flowers and incense in front of it or just admiring from a distance.
Visits to Chiang Mai aren’t complete without visiting the Three Kings Monument, which can easily be done. Situated at Prapokkloa Road in Tambon Si Phum of Mueang Chiang Mai District and close to Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang temple, its location makes for convenient accessibility. Furthermore, other major landmarks like Old City Hall and Lanna Folklife Museum are within easy walking distance from it as well.
The Three Kings Monument offers visitors an exciting glimpse into Chiang Mai’s rich culture and history while learning more about its past. While you’re visiting, don’t forget all of Chiang Mai’s other exciting attractions! From exploring on foot or bicycle to tasting delicious cuisine and meeting local tribes – you won’t run out of things to do!
Flower Square
The Three Kings Monument serves as a focal point during major events, such as King’s birthday celebration and Yi Peng (sky lantern festival). At Yi Peng you can see millions of Thais release illuminated lanterns into the night sky; its square also provides an ideal place for locals to offer incense or flowers as tribute.
This monument honors King Mengrai of Lan Na, King Ram Khamhaeng the Great of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao of Northern Laos who chose cooperation over confrontation – becoming early examples of monarchs unifying kingdoms for mutual benefit, leading to what is today Thailand.
Though the statues themselves are impressive, what makes this place truly remarkable is the flower garden surrounding them. Surrounded by lush green ponds and beautiful lotus blossoms, creating an atmosphere of peace and serenity – locals come here to pay their respects by offering incense, flowers and candles as offerings to the kings themselves; students and visitors come here too to unwind and relax!
At Prapokkloa Road in Chiang Mai’s old city, the Three Kings Monument can be found close to several notable landmarks, including Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang temple and Lanna Folklife Museum. Other nearby attractions include Chiang Mai’s historic walls and moat.
Make the most of your visit to the Three Kings Monument by embarking on a self-guided walking tour using GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities app on your smartphone as your tour guide; this allows you to explore nearby monuments at your own pace while learning more about Thailand’s fascinating history and culture along the way.
Nearby Attractions
Three Kings Monument stands as an important symbol of heritage, history and unity in Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center’s immediate vicinity. This breathtaking landmark commemorates an important historic friendship among three northern Thai kings – Mengrai, Ram Khamhaeng the Great and Ngam Muang of Phayao.
These three monarchs formed an alliance and unification of parts of Thailand during the 13th century, ending centuries-long rivalries for land and resources. Working as one, they founded Chiang Mai as a symbol of their alliance and new beginnings; today this monument commemorates this culturally significant friendship by hosting annual commemorative services commemorating these three monarchs while providing locals an opportunity to offer incense, flowers, and prayers as offerings at this site.
The Three Kings Monument is home to several captivating attractions and venues, such as a square which transforms into an explosion of color during the annual Flower Festival. Additionally, celebrations for King’s Birthday celebrations, Loy Krathong festival festivities and more take place nearby.
One of the most iconic events to occur at this landmark is the annual Loy Krathong festival, held every November full moon. Locals and tourists come together to honor Buddha and the Thai Goddess of Water by releasing lotus-shaped boats – known as krathongs – into bodies of water – an elegant tradition which honors nature while celebrating community spirit.
Three Kings Monument should be visited between November and February when temperatures are cooler and less humid, as April and May tend to become increasingly warm during afternoon hours, when farmers burn agricultural lands that contaminate the air with fumes that make breathing harder.