The best temples in Chiang Mai
We spent 2 months in Chiang Mai and explored many of its temples. That’s not easy to do: just in the old city alone there are over 300 temples. Add to that the temples outside the walled city and those along the slopes and at the top of Doi Suthep.
With that many temples, which should you visit? This post covers our favorites. You’ll see many different kinds of temples. I think it’s the variety of temples in Chiang Mai that makes temple hunting so interesting.
Brace yourself for lots of photos in this post.
Accommodation. High-end: Tamarind Village (very expensive but gorgeous). Great value: Thongran’s House.
The Most Popular Temples in Chiang Mai
1. Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang was built in the 14th century and was at the time the tallest structure in the Lanna Kingdom (the kingdom located in Northern Thailand). It was damaged by an earthquake in 1545 and by cannon fire when Chiang Mai was conquered by the Burmese in 1775.
You can still see the temple from most parts of the city, the damaged chedi (situated right in the center of the old town) looming over everything nearby. It is one of the symbols of the city.
Entrance fee: 40 Baht
What makes it special? The structure. Unlike other temples in Chiang Mai, this is a chedi (also called a stupa) which were used to enshrine the remains of Kings or very important monks. But this chedi is huge and might make you think of an Egyptian pyramid. And don’t miss Sao Inthakhin (see just below)
Tour Options: Wat Chedi Luang is included in this tour.
Note there are other buildings of interest at Chedi Luang. One of those is Sao Inthakhin (or Chiang Mai City Pillar). The building houses the original city pillar erected when Chiang Mai was officially founded on April 12, 1296.
2. Wat Phra Singh
Built in 1345, Wat Phra Singh is famous for housing the city’s most important Buddha image, the Lion Buddha.
Entrance fee: 40 Baht
What makes it special? It is a beautiful wat with almost blindingly gold chedis and tranquil temple grounds with multiple buildings, buddhas, and even practicing monks. Because of all this, it is one of the most beautiful and most photographed temples in Chiang Mai.
Tour Options: Wat Phra Singh is included in this tour.
3. Wat Chiang Man
The oldest Wat in Chiang Mai, it was established 1297, a year after the city was founded. The chedi has 15 elephants at it’s base and is nicknamed the “Elephant chedi”.
Entrance fee: FREE
What makes it special? The unique Elephant Chedi, but also the simple but beautiful temples and grounds.
Tour Options: Wat Chiang Mai is included in this tour.
4. Wat Suan Dok
Wat Suan Dok is translated as “”flower garden temple” because the King’s flower garden was located in this spot previous to it’s founding in 1370. The grounds are large and contain a huge 48 m chedi built in Sri Lanka style.
Entrance fee: 20 Baht
What makes it special? Walking around all the white chedis which are unique. The praying hall is huge and colourful. But I admit this temple was a favorite for another reason – it is located right next to the airport and when we visited planes were taking off right above the grounds. I’m a plane spotter so I was pretty excited about that.
5. Wat Sri Suphan
One of the strangest Buddhist temples you’ll ever see. Originally built in 1500, it has been covered in silver over the years (the area around the temple is known for its silversmiths). And if there’s a weird fantastical/futuristic/ almost hard-rock theme to the temple it’s because it was the whole process was only finished in 2008.
Entrance fee: 50 Baht
What makes it special? It’s strange and fantastic at the same time.
But: Women are not allowed in the temple. Going inside costs 50 Baht, one of the highest of any temple in Chiang Mai.
Lesser known Temples that were among our favorites
6. Wat Lok Molee (or Lok Moli)
Built in the mid-1300’s, this temple is just across the canal from the northern wall of the old city but you’d swear you were in the countryside somewhere. You likely won’t see any other tourist if you visit.
What makes it special? A huge original chedi – a contrast to the stuccoed chedis of other temples in Chiang Mai. We also liked the gate and its colourful guardians as well as the peaceful grounds.
Entrance fee: FREE
Note: If you come here, visit Wat Rajamontean just across the street…
7. Wat Rajamontean
Right across the canal from Wat Lok Molee is not a typical Thai temple as it incorporates different styles. Most of its monks are from Laos.
Entrance fee: FREE
What makes it special? The huge Buddha, beautiful interior…and it’s proximity to Wat Lok Molee.
8. Wat Bupparam
Originally built in 1497, this Wat is built in Burmese style (for me, the Disney characters outside are a tip off – Burmese style Wats are very colourful in character). It is an unusual Wat, narrow and tall with 2 colourful floors filled with Buddhas. Behind the Wat is a large Burmese style Chedi.
Entrance fee: 20 Baht
What makes it special? There’s so much to see and it’s all very impressive. Definitely a favorite of ours.
9. Wat Mahawan
A combination of styles here: this wat has a Lanna style temple (with gorgeous doors) and Burmese style white chedi. You likely won’t see anyone else here.
Entrance fee: FREE
What makes it special? Small but beautiful and I love the whiteness of the chedi and the silver and gold adorning the points.
10. Wat Umong
One of the stranger wats you’ll see. Built in the woods outside the city in 1297, this wat is famous for it’s tunnels which are decorated by frescos. You’ll see practicing monks on the site and you can even take meditation courses here.
Entrance fee: FREE
What makes it special? The tunnels built into the side of the mountain are different than what you’ll see at any other wat.
Tour Options: Wat Umong is included in this tour along with Doi Suthep, the famous temple high on Mount Suthep located outside Chiang Mai (we didn’t cover it in this post because of its location. This tour is a great way to get there).
Accommodation in Chiang Mai
We splurged and stayed at the Tamarind Village on our first visit. It’s an extraordinary hotel but I would recommend it for more than a couple of nights because of the cost. If you’re looking for something for a few more days or weeks Pha-Thai House is a great option. In the old town, Thai style, Pool, simple, inexpensive. Thongran’s House is another option with very nice budget rooms right in the center. If you’re looking for something long term (a month +) then you should look at the Smith Residence. That’s where we stayed.
Related: A Month in Chiang Mai: thoughts, experiences, and some tips and recommendations
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Related: Ayutthaya or Sukhothai – which to Visit?
Cool. Thanks for this. Chiangmai has been on my bucket list. I was at Ankor Wat in Cambodia, which was amazing. So many things to see and so little time left.
Angkor is amazing Edith, we were there and it was fabulous except for the weather – we’d like to go back just to take better photos.
What’s amazing is that Chiang Mai is Thailand’s 2nd largest city, yet you’ll find these temples within the city and somehow you almost feel like you’re in the countryside somewhere. Best time if you go would be December – February. Weather nice and clear without the smoke and smog you get in the spring.