Constructed in 1297, Wat Umong (Umong is the Thai word for tunnel) is among the oldest of Chiang Mai’s temples.

Situated in the afternoon shadow of Doi Suthep Mountain, the temple was constructed by the Lanna King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai. According to legend, there was a monk in a temple in Chiang Mai named Thera Chan whom the king regularly consulted with. As Chiang Mai grew in size and became increasingly busy the monk had a hard time finding a quiet place to meditate. The king had Wat Umong constructed on the outskirts of town near just at the base of Doi Suthep so that the monk could meditate in peace in the tunnels that were constructed there. Some others believe that the tunnels constructed there were painted with bush scenes to keep Thera Chan occupied as he had become senile with age and often wandered off into the forest for days at a time. Whatever the truth is, the temple has continued to delight.

The temple itself was abandoned in the 15th-century and left to the jungle. During 1948, the temple was reclaimed and re-occupied and has since enjoyed a renaissance and remained occupied by monks ever since.