Top 10 must-visit temples in Chiang Mai
In one of the previous articles, we have listed a few temples that one should visit when in Chiang Mai. However, there are about 300 wat (temples) scattered across the city. We love you and so we have managed to come up with the top 10 must-visit temples in Chiang Mai. The list starts from the tenth to the one that you cannot miss irregardless of your plans in Chiang Mai!
Just so you are aware… only foreigners need to pay for entrance fee. The good news is that only a handful of temples require admission fees.
10. Wat Pa Dara Pirom
This may be one of the most not visited temples that visitors actually should visit! Wat Pa Dara Pirom is located in Amphoe Mae Rim, about half an hour’s drive from Hotel Furama.
Image source: Wat Pa Dara Pirom Facebook
It is often filled with locals paying homage to Buddha on the weekends. The surroundings of the temple is filled with greenery and is bound to give you a sense of inner peace.
The main reason for visitors to visit this place to enjoy its authenticity and beautiful Lanna architecture. Additionally, the temple offers meditation retreat program for locals and foreigners.
Address :
Rim Tai, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
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9. Wat Chiang Man
Located in Chiang Mai Old City, Wat Chiang Mai is highly popular with tourists. The temple was built by the first Lanna King named Mangrai (sometimes spelled as Mengrai) in 1297 CE.
Some of the most iconic parts of Wat Chiang Man other than the main building is Chedi Chang Lom or also known as Elephant Chedi. It is the oldest construction within the temple. This structure has 15 half-fronts of elephants. This structure seems almost meant to depict that these 15 elephants are supporting the upper side of the building.
It is also in the this temple that you can find the oldest mention of the founding date of Chiang Mai. Right in front of the ubosot (ordination hall) is a stone steele made in 1581 CE. According to this stone stele, Chiang Mai’s founding date is on 12th of April, 1296 CE at 4am.
Image source: Flickr
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Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai Old City
8. Wat Ched Yod
This temple is one of my personal favourites to visit for some peaceful time. It is less known to others and it is located 3 minutes right after Maya Shopping Mall by drive.
Rumour: This temple is the centre of pilgrimage for locals born in the year of Snake. It is said that by paying respect in Wat Ched Yod can help make your mind peaceful and help you achieve success easily.
By Thanyakij at Thai Wikipedia, via Wikimedia Commons
The architecture of this ancient temple is by far one of the most fascinating temples in this side of the city. According to Wikipedia, King Tilokarat, the 12th monarch of the Mangrai dynasty, commissioned the construction of the temple in 1455 CE after he had sent monks to Bagan in Burma. These monks were sent to study the design of the Mahabodhi temple in Bagan that is actually a copy of the actual Mahabodhi Temple of Bodh Gaya in northern India, where Buddha attained enlightenment.
The exterior of the buildings is one to admire. Each divine stucco relief is said to be built in resemblance of King Tilokarat’s relatives. This temple is the best representation for Hindu-Lanna architecture.
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7. Wat Suan Dok
You may have heard about the famous White Temple in Chiang Rai but you may not know that Chiang Mai has its very own version as well. It is located in between Chiang Mai University and Chiang Mai Old Town, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists to visit.
It may not be as spacious or extravagant as the white temple in Chiang Rai but Wat Suan Dok will not disappoint its visitors too. The temple is most visited during sunset as the stupas (Buddhist structure that looks like a pagoda) reflect the colour the of the sun, making the view stunning. The main shrine houses a large Buddha statue and a number of Buddha relics. There is a small admission fees to enter the main shrine but the exterior grounds is free.
By Somyot Sutprattanatawin, from Wikimedia Commons
Despite being located on Suthep Road and quite close to the main tourist hot spots, Wat Suan Dok is mostly tranquil in the morning and on weekdays. Additionally, the vegetarian restaurant located right behind the temple, Pun Pun, is a great place to visit for food! It is accessible through the temple grounds.
Address :
139 Suthep Rd, ตำบล สุเทพ อำเภอ เมืองเชียงใหม่ Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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Official website:
6. Wat Phra Singh
Wat Phra Singh is located in the western part of the old city centre of Chiang Mai, which is contained within the city walls and moat. The main entrance is guarded by Singhs (lions). However, according to Wikipedia, Phra Singh is an abbreviated form of Phra-Put-Tha-Shi-Hing and does not refer to the word Singh ("lion").
This is the second most venerated temple in the entire Chiang Mai city after Wat Doi Suthep. The building was initially constructed in 1345 by King Phayu, the fifth king of the Mangrai dynasty. However, from 1578 to 1774 the Burmese ruled Lanna and in this period the temple was abandoned and soon came under serious dilapidation. It was only when King Kawila assumed the throne as King of Chiang Mai in 1782, that the temple was restored. The whole complex was later on renovated in 1920s.
The temple is hard to missed as it is located in the heart of Chiang Mai Old City, at the western end of Ratchadamnoen Road. The second assembly hall, Lai Kam, will welcome you with its majestic glittering gold architecture. The larger main assembly hall (Viharn Luang) and library (Haw Trai) are two other structures in the temple premises that one must visit. The entire complex is the epitome of Lanna architecture making it one of the best must-visit temples in Chiang Mai.
Image source: Flickr
Address :
2 Samlarn Rd, ตำบล พระสิงห์ อำเภอ เมืองเชียงใหม่ Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Facebook :
Wat Phra Singh Unofficial Facebook Page
5. Wat Chedi Luang
Believe to be the one of the oldest structure in Chiang Mai, Wat Chedi Luang also houses the Chiang Mai city pillar or in Thai, Inthakhin. Only males are allowed to enter the city pillar shrine and not women. It is said that a woman on menstruation is deemed to be dirty and may anger Indra, the vedic guardian deity who bestowed the inthakhin.
(Yes, sounds sexist but this is the legend).
Disregard the sign outside of the city pillar and continue your walk to the main attraction in the premise. Walk towards the back of the main hall that a Giant Buddha statue is located in and you will find a partially crumbled 15th-century chedi.
Image by Nicholas Guthrie
Around the chedi are some other temple structures that are worth-visiting such as the small museum behind the chedi. Buddha relics from across the northern region are being showcased in the small building.
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Unofficial Page of Wat Chedi Luang
4. Wat Sri Suphan
Better known among tourists as Silver Temple, Wat Sri Suphan is indeed another unique coloured temple. As you may already know, most temples in Thailand are painted in gold and white or with a hint of red. However, Wat Sri Suphan earned its name by being a fully silver coloured temple.
The best time to visit this silver temple is not only in the day but during nightfall. As the temple is being lighted up, lights reflect against the walls of the temple make the temple even more fascinating than ever.
It is highly recommended to approach the reception at the temple to join or arrange for a monk chat session. Almost every visitor who has been in this temple for a monk chat has nothing but praises for their session.
Note:
Women are not allowed to touch monks. Please keep a distant with the monk and act appropriately.
By Justraveling.com, via Wikimedia Commons
Address :
100 Wua Lai Rd, ตำบล พระสิงห์ Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Facebook :
Wat Sri Suphan Unofficial Page
3. Wat Phra That Doi Kham
(FYI: The term Doi is only used for mountains in the northern region on Thailand.)
In other words, this temple is technically located on a mountain. The word Kham in Thai means gold. Thus, it is better known as Wat Doi Kham or the Golden Mountain Temple.
Right outside the temple’s main entrance, there is an impressive sitting Buddha that faces the city. It almost seems like it is overlooking the city and protecting Chiang Mai from coming to any harm.
Image by Nicholas Guthrie
Wat Phra That Doi Kham is one unique temple as it not only houses one religion. As you walk into the temple, you will find the Hindu elephant God, Ganesh, and a huge standing Goddess of Mercy, a Taoist goddess.
In my humble opinion, Wat Doi Kham has one of the best panoramic view of Chiang Mai! P/S: Its stairs may remind you of the stairs in Dragon Ball Z!
Image by Nicholas Guthrie
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Wat Phratat Doi Kham Unofficial Page
2. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
This is definitely the most-visited temple in the entire northern region of temple other than Chiang Rai’s white temple. The temple is made out of gold plated materials and it is definitely extravagant.
Image source: Flickr
It is crowded every single day since it was built and known to tourists. There are two ways to go up to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. The first route is to hike up to the temple via Suthep Road. You will be going through a smaller temple as you walk up by a waterfall that overlooks the city. It is the most recommended way to visit Wat Phratat Doi Suthep for those who like a little adventure. Also, do check out this Facebook group: Doi Suthep Walkers) to learn more and join others if you are keen.
The second route is to simply go up the mountain by car or a red truck. The fee should cost less than 150 baht per person. Remember to negotiate the prices before hitching onto a red truck! You can also continue your journey to Bhu Bing Palace and Hmong Village after visiting Wat Phratat Doi Suthep.
Address :
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Road Tambon Su Thep, Chiang Mai Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Facebook :
Wat Phratat Doi Suthep Unofficial Page
1. Wat Umong
100% off the beaten track! This is my personal favourite. Personally, I wish I visited this temple more often when I was in Chiang Mai!
Wat Umong is one of the first temples built in Chiang Mai other than Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Chiang Man. However, the main purpose for Wat Umong is the centre for meditation for monks. This purpose remains the same today.
Its architecture is definitely the most unique compared to all other temples that you will find in Chiang Mai. Almost resembling a man-made cave, it is surrounded by trees and a lake nearby. Thus, making this temple a great place to meditate and escape from the worldliness.
Look out for the witty Buddhist quotes outside the trees! Enjoy some light hearted jokes while taking a stroll down this beautiful temple to its lake. Buy a packet of bird food and head over to the lake to feed flocks of pigeons!
Address :
Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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Other temples worth-visiting near Chiang Mai are the blue temple, red temple, and a slightly more satanic ‘temple’ is Baan Dam (Black House).
