Three Kings Monument (Anusawari Sam Kasat)

The basics

Although Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 and the three kings formed their pact before that, the Three Kings Monument is of much more recent vintage. Cast in bronze and black copper and crafted in the traditional style, the monument was built in just 1983—but that doesn’t stop locals from leaving offerings of flowers, incense, and candles. The square in front of the monument draws locals, families, and groups at all times of the year, and it is a popular choice for public events.

It’s easy to visit the Three Kings Monument independently, but many Chiang Mai city tours stop by here, with transport options including tuk-tuk, bicycle, and walking.

Things to know before you go

• A city landmark, the Three Kings Monument is worth visiting for fans of history.
• Although the monument is a shrine, there’s no strict dress code to visit the square.
• Chiang Mai is a challenging destination for travelers who rely on wheelchairs, but the square that houses the Three Kings Monument is flat and paved.

How to get there

The Three Kings Monument stands close to the center of Chiang Mai’s Old City, less than a 5-minute walk north of the Wat Chedi Luang Buddhist temple and under a 10-minute walk from the eastern Tha Phae Gate. It’s opposite the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre, a grand building that once served as Chiang Mai’s town hall.

When to get there

You can visit the Three Kings Monument at any time of day or night, but the early evening hours have slice-of-life appeal, as families tend to go on walks this time of day. The grounds are particularly magical during Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival), which falls on varying dates in November, while the area hosts King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s birthday celebrations on July 28.

Chiang Mai’s royal sites

Once the capital of its own Lanna kingdom, Thailand’s second city offers plenty of royal sights. The Bhubing Palace is a winter retreat for the royal family, with a famous rose garden; Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan is a royal temple that houses a revered Buddha image; and the Royal Park Rajapruek offers 200 acres (80 hectares) of landscaped gardens.