Discovering Chiang Mai: Best Temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is one of the most beautiful cities in Thailand and, quite frankly, in all of Southeast Asia. It combines the old timey charm of an ancient capital, the modern life of a vibrant city and fantastic nature all around that make for great day trips. However, its most amazing feature is the sheer amount of incredible temples that plague Chiang Mai’s Old Town! The walled city, covering a square grid of 15 x 15 blocks, has a shocking 75 temples, with over 300 of them in and around the city. Only second to the capital Bangkok in that regard and with a population about 10 times smaller, that is quite impressive! Choosing which temples to visit is quite difficult, especially if your time in the Rose of the North is limited. In this post, I will list the best temples in Chiang Mai (at least according to my own subjective taste). I will focus mostly on the Old Town but include a few temples on the outskirts of town. Let’s dive in!
READ: Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Top 12 Must-Do Activities
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15 Best Temples in Chiang Mai’s Walled City
1. Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang is, in my opinion, the most impressive temple within the Walled City of Chiang Mai. Its most characteristic feature is the ruins of the main chedi, which reach 80m tall making it the tallest structure in Chiang Mai’s Old City. This temple was built in the 14th century and was once home of the famous Emerald Buddha (originating in Chiang Rai and currently housed in Bangkok). In the temple grounds you’ll find also San Lak Mueang, the City Pillar Shrine, with beautiful and colorful murals of the Buddha’s teachings.
Price: 40 THB (1€); Schedule: 5am – 10pm
2. Wat Phra Singh
Another very important temple is Wat Phra Singh, a large complex that is a perfect example of the tilted Lanna roofs and intricate facades. It is also famous for its very shiny golden pagodas that have been thoroughly renovated and repainted with gold sheets.
Price: 20 THB (0.5€); Schedule: 5am – 6pm
3. Wat Chiang Man
Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. In fact, it was built by King Mengrai in the 13th century as he founded the city, and it even served as his residence for a while! The chedi at Wat Chiang Man is one of the oldest remaining structures, with a Lanna style spire and a Sinhalese (from Sri Lanka) base.
Price: free; Schedule: 5am – 6pm
4. Wat Phan Dao
Wat Phan Dao (or Wat Phan Tao) is not the most visited temple in this list and perhaps not as grand as some of the more famous temples in Chiang Mai. However, it is one of the most peaceful and it sill boasts the beautiful Lanna architecture and the blindingly golden stuppas that characterize these temples. It also has a renovated teak hall to visit.
Price: free; Schedule: 8am – 5pm
5. Wat Sri Suphan
Wat Sri Suphan stands out among all the temples in Chiang Mai because it replaces the typical gold plating and colors for silver! While most of it is silver paint, the tips of the stupas are solid silver. This 16th century temple glistens brightly when the sunlight hits it.
Price: 50 THB (1,25€); Schedule: 6am – 6pm
Travel tip: unfortunately, Buddhism comes with a few sexist rules and the Silver Temple (Wat Sri Suphan) is off-limits for women.
6. Wat Saen Mueang Ma Luang
Wat Saen Mueang Ma Luang (also known as Wat Hua Khuang), is an absolutely stunning temple located in the Old Town of Chiang Mai and somehow a bit of a hidden gem, being often overshadowed by the more popular Wat Chiang Man. The temple boasts several red and white buildings with intricate gilded details as well as a beautiful contrasting old chedi.
Price: free; Schedule: 6am – 6pm
7. Wat Phuak Hong
Wat Phuak Hong is still quite unknown for most visitors, making it kind of a hidden gem despite being smack in the center of Chiang Mai. While it is perhaps not the most impressive of the temples in the city, its main chedi built in te 16th century is quite unique, being multi-tiered and holding 52 enshrined images of Buddha.
Price: free; Schedule: 6am – 6pm
8. Wat Ratcha Monthian
Wat Ratcha Monthian (or Wat Rajamontean) is not particularly famous among the temples in Chiang Mai but I found it to be very charming, especially because we only met locals in the temple and found a beautiful ceremony inside. It is located on the northern edge of the Walled City. The entrance to the viharn is highly decorated, with many little colorful details and there’s a big Buddha statue facing the street. It is called the Dragon Temple because of its many dragon statues.
Price: free; Schedule: 8am – 5pm
Best Temples around Chiang Mai’s Walled City
9. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most spectacular temples in the Chiang Mai area. Perched atop the Doi Suthep hill, this temple is one of the most venerated Buddhist temples in the region. It’s most stunning features are its beautiful golden chedi and its dramatic views of the city. You can follow the pilgrimage Monk’s Trail from Chiang Mai to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which is one of the best ways to get to know the temples and the area. I wrote a post dedicated to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and the Monk’s Trail, so you can have a look below:
READ: Hiking the Monk’s Trail in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Price: 50 THB (1.25€); Schedule: 6am – 8pm
10. Wat Suan Dok
Wat Suan Dok is a lesser visited temple, since it is not located in the Old Town. However, the white chedis and central golden chedi of this 14th century temple definitely make it a great addition to your itinerary! It is located outside of the city walls next to Chiang Mai University, which makes it a perfect stop on your way to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Price: 100 THB (2.5€); Schedule: 6am – 5pm
11. Wat Lok Moli
Wat Lok Moli is located just outside of the northern wall of the city, and it’s one of the most fun temples to visit! The most important structure is its 16th century chedi, which remains in great shape after all this years. The courtyard just in front of the chedi was covered by colorful silk lanterns that made a very unique view. In front of the temple, you’ll also find a newer teak structure with prayer hall.
Price: free; Schedule: 6am – 7pm
12. Wat Pha Lat
This one was one of the biggest surprises for me. Wat Pha Lat is located halfway through the Monk’s Trail in the Doi Suthep hill. It is a gorgeous temple in a gorgeous setting, built around a river and waterfall and offering fantastic views of the city. Also, the temple is quite decadent, having been overtaken by the jungle, which makes it more eerie and beautiful. If you’re going to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, I suggest that you follow the Monk’s Trail and have a stop at Wat Pha Lat! You can read more about this trail in the dedicated post below.
READ: Hiking the Monk’s Trail in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Price: free; Schedule: 6am – 6pm
13. Wat Umong
Wat Umong is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai. Located quite far from the center (actually near the airport), this temple has been standing for over 700 years! The central stupa is its most impressive feature. It is surrounded by gardens with ponds where you can feed the fish and turtles. There are also tunnels with shrines that you can visit.
Price: free; Schedule: 6am – 5pm
14. Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Wat Phra That Doi Kham is located in the Doi Kham hill (as the name suggests). Literally meaning the “Temple of the golden Mountain”, this temple dates back to the 7th century, even though it has had many renovations. Its most characteristic feature is the white and gold giant Buddha statue, although it has massive grounds with many shrines and prayer rooms to discover, as well as a terrace with nice views of the city.
Price: 30 THB (0.7€), free for locals; Schedule: 6am – 5pm
15. Wiang Kum Kam
Wiang Kum Kam is not really a temple but an archeological site of the capital before it was established in Chiang Mai 700 years ago. The site was abandoned because of repetitive flooding, but there are several temples still visible, the most stunning one being Wat Chedi Liam with its beautiful five-tiered square pagoda.
Price: free (tours are available for a fee); Schedule: 9am – 4pm
Tips for Visiting Temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you’ve traveled in Thailand or another Buddhist country, you’re probably familiar with the main rules for visiting Buddhist temples. In case you haven’t or need a quick refresher, here are a few tips on how to respectfully visit temples in Chiang Mai (and any Buddhist temple):
READ: Tips for Visiting Buddhist Temples in Southeast Asia
How to Get to Chiang Mai, Thailand
Getting to Chiang Mai is actually very easy!
By Air
The quickest and most convenient way to reach Chiang Mai is by flying. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has frequent flights from major cities in Thailand such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi, as well as international flights from neighboring countries.
By Train
If you’re looking for something more scenic, consider taking a train. The State Railway of Thailand offers daily services from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station to Chiang Mai. The journey takes approximately 11-14 hours, depending on the type of train. You can choose between different classes, including sleeper cabins for overnight travel. The train ride is a great way to see the beautiful countryside of Thailand.
By Bus
Buses are another popular option, with several companies offering daily services from Bangkok and other major cities to Chiang Mai. Buses from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal take around 9-11 hours to reach Chiang Mai. We chose this option on our way back so we could stop on the magnificent ancient city of Sukhothai, very hard to reach otherwise.
How to get around in Chiang Mai, Thailand
If you stay in or around the Old Town (the walled city), you can visit most attractions by foot! Chiang Mai’s city center is surprisingly walkable for an Asian city, so take advantage of that! For sites located farther away, you can use their songthaews, the unofficial public transportation of the city. They are pick-up trucks turned into passenger trucks that go around the city picking and leaving passangers. think of it as a shared taxi. Some of the main routes have specific stops and fixed prices, while other routes are less intuitive and depend on where the car and its current passengers are going. It is less convenient than a regular taxi, but it is much more affordable. Lastly, you can use one of the many car hailing apps to move around cheaply in Chiang Mai. My favourite ones are Bolt and Grab. I do not recommend riding a motorbike in Chiang Mai, as the traffic can get quite hectic.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget, from cozy hostels to luxurious resorts. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to stay in the city, categorized by budget.
Budget
If you’re traveling on a budget, one of the best options is Amaka Bed and Breakfast, which has gorgeous bunkbed rooms for less than 350 THB (8,5€). They also offer gorgeous private suites for those that want to spend a bit more for privacy and comfort. If you’re traveling as a couple or two good friends and want to save some money, a good alternative is Khunluang Hostel. They offer double bunkbeds for a very reasonable price. Of course, there are also options for single travelers. It is also located in the very heart of Chiang Mai. Lastly, if you want a central clean room with a feel of a mid-range hotel for a budget price, book a room at Rena House Chiang Mai.
Mid-range
If you like more local experiences, your best bet is Pao Come Boutique House. Their wooden house with local decor and ideal location just outside of the city wall makes of this a perfect stay in Chiang Mai. If you like a hipster vibe, one of the best hotels in the city is The Locals Chiang Mai. It is also located outside of the city wall and it has a really amazing price for its quality. Another option with similar characteristics is QUU HOTEL Chiang Mai.
As I mentioned in the Budget section, Amaka Bed and Breakfast also offers beautiful wooden and white private rooms for a perfect stay in Chiang Mai. Lastly, if you prefer more modern decor and ammenities, you should check POR Arak, ON Thapae Chiangmai or NANEE Phra Singh. For longer stays, you may prefer to stay further away from the Old Town, so I suggest the hotels from the Wualai chain, such as iWualai or Hotel De Wualai.
Luxury
If you’re ready to pay for luxury and comfort, Chiang Mai is not short of options! If you’d like to stay in a beautiful well-maintained local building with all ammenities in the heart of the Old Town, my suggestion is Rachamankha Hotel. A similar option, with all kinds of beautiful local luxury but removed from the busy streets of the city center is Raya Heritage. If you prefer a more standard resort feel for complete relaxation, then go for Hotel Sensai Nimman Chiang Mai or Smile Lanna Hotel.
For those that are more into a modern decor, one of my personal favourites is Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai. Lastly, if you want your hotel to have a spot on decor, someplace between industrial, hipster and colonial, go for Shamrock Chiangmai Hotel. They really put some effort in creating the image of this central hotel. It is one of my favourite hotels in Chiang Mai.
Map of the Best Temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand
To make things easier for you, I’ve created this map with all the best temples in Chiang Mai I have mentioned in this post. I will also include my accommodation recommendations.
Closing Statement
I hope you found this post listing the best temples in Chiang Mai helpful. I want to highlight that this is by no means an exhaustive list, and I only mention the temples that, in my opinion, deserve a privileged spot in your itinerary. But there are many more temples in Chiang Mai! Make sure to leave space to be surprised by everything Chiang Mai has to offer.
If you are visiting Thailand, some of these posts may be useful:
Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Top 12 Must-Do Activities
What to do in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Pai: Northern Thailand hippie escape
What to do in Bangkok: top 10 activities
Ayutthaya: a day trip from Bangkok, Thailand
Also, since you’re thinking of visiting Southeast Asia, maybe these will inspire you:
Ultimate 3 weeks Vietnam Itinerary: North to South
Perfect 3 days itinerary in Ubud, Bali
What to do in Singapore: Top 11 things to do in Singapore
Ultimate 3 Weeks Malaysia Itinerary for First Timers
Perfect 10 days Flores itinerary in Indonesia
A 4-day Komodo boat expedition in Indonesia with Wanua Adventure
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