description Wat Ku Tao Overview
Wat Ku Tao is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand, dating to the late 16th century. It is best known for its unusual gourd-shaped (ku tao means "watermelon stupa") chedi, which consists of five stacked spherical sections of diminishing size, each enclosed in a ring of narrow niches containing Buddha images. The stupa is attributed to the Lan Na kingdom period and shows Burmese architectural influence. Local tradition holds that it was built to enshrine the relics of a Burmese viceroy or nobleman who governed the region during Burmese suzerainty over Lan Na.
help Wat Ku Tao FAQ
Why does Wat Ku Tao's chedi look like a stack of watermelons?
Its five rounded tiers decrease in size as they rise, creating the appearance of stacked gourds or watermelons. The name Ku Tao is commonly explained through this distinctive shape, which differs markedly from the bell-shaped chedis seen at many Chiang Mai temples.
Who is believed to be buried in the Wat Ku Tao chedi?
The chedi is traditionally associated with Nawrahta Minsaw, a Burmese prince who governed Chiang Mai during the period of Burmese rule. It dates to around the late 16th or early 17th century, although accounts differ on the precise construction date.
What do the niches around Wat Ku Tao's five tiers contain?
The tiers are ringed with small arched niches containing Buddha images. Decorative stucco and colored porcelain or glass details accent the otherwise unusual spherical structure.
Where is Wat Ku Tao in relation to Chiang Mai's Old City?
Wat Ku Tao stands north of Chiang Mai's walled Old City, near the municipal stadium area. It is a functioning Buddhist temple rather than an isolated archaeological monument, so visitors should dress and behave respectfully.
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