Chiangmai is most famous for its magnificent wats, or temples, that have been standing for a long time, many for centuries. Steeped in history, these wats have stood the test of time and seen Chiangmai through many changes, and they are revered by local and foreign worshippers alike. To help you with your trip, we’ve narrowed down 10 temples in Chiangmai that are a must-visit!
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is often referred to as just ‘Doi Suthep’, though that’s the name of the mountain that it rests on. The temple itself is one of the most highly venerated and respected holy sites for Buddhists in Thailand. Its construction began in 1386 and it is believed that the wat was built to house a piece of bone from the shoulder of the Buddha himself. The majestic chedi (monument) is plated in gold, making it shine ever so brightly in the tropical sunlight. When you’re done, explore the rest of the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park that’s all around you! You can get here by riding a songthaew (shared taxi), which can be found easily along the streets of Chiangmai. Admission costs THB 50, and the temple opens from 06:00 to 20:00 daily.
Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang was built during the reign of King Saen Muan Ma, and its main feature is a chedi, that’s built in the Lanna-style. Historians place the building of this wat between 1385 and 1402. While the chedi is only half its original size due to an earthquake in the mid-16th century, restoration work of the rest of the compound in 1992 has helped Wat Chedi Luang to maintain an air of grandeur and mysticism with its naga, or water serpent, staircase. The temple is open from 06:00 to 17:00 daily and admission costs THB 40.
Wat Phra Singh
After Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Phra Singh is probably the next most revered temple in Chiangmai, and stands as a prime example of Lanna-style architecture. The wat houses a significant Buddha statue, the Phra Buddha Sihing, whose origins remain unknown. Locals invite the Buddha Sihing every Songkran to partake in their ceremonial rituals to bathe the streets, a testament to this temple and deity’s importance to locals. The central chedi was built in the mid-14th century by King Pa Yo, and you’ll usually see local worshippers draping and wrapping it in bolts of orange cloth. The temple opens from 06:00 to 17:00 and the admission fee costs THB 40.
Wat Umong
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This 700 year old temple is Chiangmai’s only forest temple. It is not too far from Wat Phra Doi Suthep, sitting at the foot of the neighbouring Doi Pui mountain. Dating way back to the 13th century, this temple is older than several temples on this list, and contains many quiet meditation tunnels and ancient ruins. There’s also a small lake on the compound that is home to turtles, catfish and pigeons, which devotees usually feed to accumulate good merit, or karma. If you want to participate in this practice, there are vendors on-site that sell feed. Wat Umong opens from 06:00 to 18:00 daily and admission is free.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Translated to mean the Temple of the Gold Mountain, Wat Phra That Doi Kham is best known for its 17-metre tall Buddha that sits atop the hill, located just outside the city. The chedi on this temple is truly ancient, built in 687 and sharing some similarities with the chedi of Wat Phra Doi Suthep. The most authentic way to ascend the hill to reach the temple is simply by climbing the stairs. Not unlike Wat Chedi Luang, the staircases are adorned with the naga on each side. While it sounds tiring, the views you’ll get at the top are well worth your effort. The temple is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and admission is THB 30.
Wat Lok Moli
Sitting just outside the Old City is this tranquil Lanna-style temple. One of its main features is an impressive teak wood pavilion, in which you’ll find the statue of Queen Chiraprapha, one of the Lanna Kingdom’s former rulers. You’ll be greeted by two large statues of the naga. When you get closer to them, marvel at the artistry of the temple’s builders that can be seen in the intricate carvings. The complex mosaics and art around the grounds also contains imagery from Hinduism and Chinese Buddhism, an ode to their important place in Thai history. The temple opens daily from sunrise till 17:00, and admission is free.
Wat Sri Suphan
Visiting Wat Sri Suphan in the bright daylight, you’ll be amazed at the reflectiveness of the structures, which were constructed with silver. From the walls to the roofs and Buddha statues, the majority of this wat is made from or covered in silver! It’s a true representation of its history, as this wat was originally built in 1500 by a group of silver craftsmen from the local silversmith village. Now, there are some silver workshops in the vicinity, where you can find local artists still working on this intricate craft! Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday there are free monk chats where visitors can meditate with monks and find out more about Buddhism. The temple opens daily from 06:00 to 21:00 and the admission fee costs THB 50.
Wat Phan Tao
Located beside Wat Chedi Luang, this temple is often overlooked in favour of its more famous counterpart. However, these grounds are still worth your time. The name of this temple means the Temple of a Thousand Kilns, and it is so named for the ovens here that were used to fire up images of the Buddha for Wat Chedi Luang. The viharn is made completely from teak wood, and along with Wat Lok Moli, is one of the last few religious wooden structures in Chiangmai. Visit this place on quiet days and just roam the grounds for a while to get away from the other tourists, and admire the serenity as the monks around you go about their daily routine. The temple is open from sunrise till late, and there is no admission fee.
Wat Chiang Man
Behold Chiangmai’s oldest temple! Founded in 1296, many believe that it’s older than the city itself. The elephant chedi (pictured above) is the oldest structure within the temple grounds. Sitting on a gray square, the fifteen elephants at the base appear to be emerging and heading out of the chedi. The large viharn with the three-tiered roof also houses the oldest Buddha image of the standing Buddha holding an alms bowl in his hands. The newer viharn contains the Crystal Buddha, a 10cm Buddha statue that’s carved from clear quartz crystal. The temple is open from 08:00 to 17:00 and entrance is free.
Wat Suan Dok
Last but certainly not the least is Wat Suan Dok, known for the many pristine white chedis that adorn the temple compound. Literally translated to mean “flower garden temple,” the site was once the royal garden of one of Chiangmai’s ancient rulers. It also purportedly houses the smaller piece of the shoulder bone of the Buddha (the larger piece is said to be enshrined in Wat Phra That Doi Suthep) and thus is very sacred. Murals depicting fables from the Jataka about Buddha’s former lives decorate the temple walls, and among the things you’ll discover about this temple is also that there’s a grand entrance that’ll lead you to the Maha Chulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya university! Admission to Wat Suan Dok is free, and it opens from 06:00 to 17:00 daily.
General guide to Thailand’s temples
As a general rule of thumb, it’s important to show respect to local customs and culture whenever you travel. While visiting sacred religious sites such as Thailand’s temples, please dress appropriately by ensuring that your shoulders and knees are covered. It is considered rude to touch a monk on his head. Women are also not permitted to touch monks. If you wish to take pictures of monks, do ask for their permission first as a mark of respect. Do remove your footwear whenever it’s requested.
