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Best Temples in Chiang Mai

Also called the Temple of the Great Stupa, Wat Chedi Lung is one of the prominent Chiang Mai temples. With its imposing pagoda, Wat Chedi Luang is a treat for the eyes.

It is one of the tallest buildings in the old city and famous for its Lanna styled Chedi which lends an interesting feature to the architecture of this renowned temple in Chiang Mai.

Location: 103 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Opening & Closing hours: 6 am to 5 pm

One of the renowned temples in Chiang Mai that represent the beauty of Lanna culture, Wat Phra Singh is a venerated place of worship. Attracting tourists from all over Thailand, Wat Phra Singh enchants the visitors with its Lanna styled roofs and the Lion style image of Buddha dating back to the 14th century.

Other striking features of Wat Phra Singh includes the fascinating murals, wood carvings etc along with the Viharn Lai Kham which is a large assembly hall.

Location: 2 Samlarn Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50280, Thailand

Opening & Closing hours: 6 am to 5 pm

One of the most historical Chiang Mai temples, Wat Suan Dok is famous for its white pagodas. Literally meaning the ‘flower garden temple’, Wat Suan Dok is built on the place where the ruler of Chiang Mai had his flower garden.

The temple is a must-visit for shutterbugs who can look forward to enjoying a breathtaking sunset during their visit. Moreover, tourists can brace themselves to be enticed by a number of interesting murals, scriptures and other structures in the temple complex of Wat Suan Dok. 

Location: 139 Suthep Rd, Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Opening & Closing hours: 6 am to 5 pm

Tucked away secretly amidst the tunnels, Wat Umong is one of the popular temples of Chiang Mai. It boasts of charming visitors with its tranquil ambience where they can spend some time in the reverence of Buddha.

The temple is a popular spot to indulge in meditation, listen to Dhamma talks by the monks, learn more about Buddha’s teachings and seek some relaxation away from the chaos of daily life.

Location: Suthep Road, Soi Wat Umong

Opening & Closing hours: 6 am to 5 pm

Also called the Golden Temple, Wat Phra That Doi Kham is located on the top of a forested hill in the outskirts of Chiang Mai. The temple was built in the late 7th century and known for the imposing image of Buddha which is 17 metres high.

One can reach the temple after climbing a set of 300 stairs that are adorned by golden-coloured Naga serpents on each side giving an impressive look to the temple.

Location: Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

Opening & Closing hours: 6 am to 5 pm

Renowned for its silver decoration, Wat Sri Suphan is also called the silver temple. The unique temple is built in the Lanna style and is one of the brilliant efforts of the silver craftsmen of the local community in Chiang Mai.

Although the temple bars the entry of women due to some old Buddhist traditions, it is a classic example of the heritage of Chiang Mai. 

Location: 00 Wua Lai Rd, Tambon Hai Ya, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

Opening & Closing hours: 6 am to 9 pm

Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in the city and known to house some of the most significant images of Buddha. The two most famous images of Buddha here include the standing Buddha holding the alms bowl and the crystal Buddha which is believed to have healing powers.

The temple is a wonderful spot to seek some relaxation and enjoy the company of loved ones.

Location: Between Phra Pok Klao 13 road and Ratchaphakhinai 1 road North East corner of the old walled town in Chiang Mai 

Opening & Closing hours: 8 am to 5 pm

Built-in the 14th century, Wat Lok Molee is known for having the most incredible Chhedis in Chiang Mai. The temple boasts of having a manicured garden and a massive prayer hall.

The temple has a lot of interesting sights to offer which include Buddha statues, mosaics and other fascinating images. Wat Lok Molee is also famous for housing the ashes of many prominent members of Meng Rai Dynasty. 

Location: 98/1 Manee Nopparat Road

Opening & Closing hours: Sunrise to 5 pm

Literally meaning the ‘temple of thousand kilns’, Wat Phan Tao is one of the famous Chiang Mai temples built in the 14th century. The unique temple is built with teak panels that adorn the ordination hall of the complex and boasts of an impressive look of Lanna style on the outside.

The temple is located in the old city and houses the sacred Phan Tao image of Buddha.

Location: 127/7 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Opening & Closing hours: 8 am to 5 pm

Also called the Elephant Temple, Wat Chang Kong is a 15th-century temple which is hailed as one of the important places of worship in Chiang Mai. It presents an architectural mix of Lanna and Thai Lu styles and has many old Buddha images.

The temple is mostly known for having the largest library of Thailand that stores the Tripitaka and the chedi which is a mix of Sukhothai and Lanna style.

Location: 44/6 Loi Kroh Rd, Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand 

Opening & Closing hours: 6 am to 6  pm

One of the must-visit temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Chetavan is located in the old city. There is a popular legend associated with the temple which says that the Buddha image which is enshrined here was brought by Queen Chamavethi from Lopburi to Chiang Mai.

One of the most prominent features of Wat Chetavan is the mosaic decorated stupa which gives a very ancient look. 

Location: Thapae Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand 

Opening & Closing hours: Dawn to sunset

One of the prominent Chiang Mai temples, Wat Buppaaram is famous for its Burmese style Chedi and the Lanna style ordination hall. The beautiful temple is located in the heart of Chiang Mai and houses many significant historical elements of Buddhism like murals depicting the tales of Jataka and the famous Buddha statue which was installed here 500 years ago.

The temple is unusual in its architecture as it is tall and skinny in contrast to other temples of Thailand.

Location: 143 Thapae Rd, Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

Opening & Closing hours: 6 am to 6 pm

Known for its unique Lanna style architecture, Wat Jet Yod is a 15th-century temple located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. The most amazing feature of this temple is the Viharn as Jet Yod refers to the 7 chedis on top of the temple.

The temple is surrounded by splendid greenery and often cited as the place where the eighth World Buddhist council was held in 1453. The temple amalgamates features from various cultures like Thai, Lao, Indian, Chinese and based on a similar architectural pattern like the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya.

Location: Near Chiang Mai National Museum 

Opening & Closing hours: 6 am to 6 pm

With a distinct influence of Burmese art, Wat Saen Fang is one of the prominent and ancient Chiang Mai temples. A typical feature of the temple is that it served as a place of residence for the local ruler Chao Kawilorot and later structured into a viharn.

The temple has many interesting architectural features like the ho trai (library) and the ubosot (ordination hall). 

Location: 188 Thapae Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

Opening & Closing hours: 8 am to 5 pm

Located centrally in the city of Chiang Mai, Wat U Mong Mahathera Chan is another fascinating temple to see on your visit.

It is often referred to as the Temple of the Great Monk’s Cave which refers to the place of meditation used by the monk. 

Location: 129 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Also called Wat Sadue Muang, Wat Inthakin is one of the unusual temples in Chiang Mai. The temple has the Inthakin pillar which was installed here in 1296 by King Mangrai. Located in the centre of the city, Wat Inthakin celebrated the Inthakin festival during May when the temple is venerated.

The week-long celebration attracts a lot of crowds from Thailand and it is celebrated with joyful music, dancing and feasting.

Location: 13 Intrawarorot Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand 

Opening & Closing hours: Open during daylight hours

Wat Ku Tao is most famous among Chiang Mai temples for its eye-catching watermelon shaped chedi. The temple is a striking example of Burmese style architecture with splendid decorations and many fascinating images of Buddha.

Wat Ku Tao means the “Temple of the Guard Pagoda” and a popular site among the Shan community in Thailand. One must visit this temple during the month of March to see an extravagant Burmese style celebration. 

Location: 40 Ku Tao Road, Tambon Sri Phum, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mai, Thailand. 

Opening & Closing hours: 8 am to 5 pm

With its roots in the eighth-century Haripunchai kingdom, Wiang Kum Kam is one of the important Chiang Mai temples. The temple is a storehouse for many interesting exhibits like stone tablets with Mon inscriptions, Buddhist sculptures and architecture, earthenware and pottery.

The temple complex sprawls over a vast land and it is best enjoyed on a pony carriage, open-air tram or a bicycle assisted by a local guide in Chiang Mai.

Location: Between Km.3-4 along Chiang Mai-Lamphun route, Tambon Wang Tan, Amphoe Saraphi, Chiang Mai, Thailand 

Opening & Closing hours: 8 am to 5 pm