When the topic is about Chiang Mai, what comes to your mind? For sure, you may think of countless temples. But you can’t visit all the temples in Chiang Mai when visiting only a few days.
For this reason, I created a list of the most beautiful, unique, and interesting temples you should not miss during your visit to Chiang Mai.
While living in Chiang Mai, I visited most of them, and I can proudly say that these temples have something different and offer an incredible and spiritual experience.
Make sure to read until the end to see the best temples in Chiang Mai to include in your Thailand itinerary.
10 Best Temples in Chiang Mai
Your Chiang Mai trip is never complete without visiting some of the best temples in the old city. Before packing your things, here are the 10 best temples in Chiang Mai temples that should be part of your bucket list:
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Known for: Shortly called Doi Suthep, the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is renowned for its brilliant craftsmanship and architecture.
It is one of the most famous and beautiful temples in Chiang Mai. Visiting this golden temple allows you to enjoy wonderful views from Doi Suthep Mountain. Since the temple complex is reached only via Naga stairs (a long staircase decorated with snakes), you should be light on your feet.
You need to complete over 300 stairs to reach the top. Then, a fantastic view, large 600-year-old golden chedi, and beautiful buddha statues await you. The place is believed to house Buddha’s shoulder bone.
You may need to climb stairs, but the unforgettable view is worth your time and effort.
Last tip: I highly recommend you to come in the evening to enjoy the sunset over Chiang Mai, this is definitely one of the best views in the city.
Entrance fee: 50 baht per person
Opening Times: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Want to know more?
Check out this guide about
the best tours to Doi Suthep.
Wat Chedi Luang
Known for: Wat Chedi Luang is one of the highest buildings in Chiang Mai. This temple is approximately 600 years old. It has a pyramid-like design and stands in the temple complex middle.
One of the best parts of visiting this temple is that it’s conveniently located close to the most popular markets in Chiang Mai and hotels. The term “Luang” means “very big” in the old Lanna language.
Besides having a huge crumbling central structure, the main chedi is also 80 meters tall, making it the Old City’s highest point. The temple complex was built in 1395. However, different revamps, re-builds, and additions were made.
This temple was once the home of Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew), the most important Buddha image in Thailand. It has now been moved to was moved to Luang Prabang, Laos, but you can see the replica in Bangkok’s Grand Palace.
While Wat Chedi Luang is stunning during the day, I suggest coming during the evening for 2 reasons – it’s free and it’s illuminated with lights in every corner, giving you an even better experience.
Entrance fee: 50 baht per person – Free in the evening
Opening Times: 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM – Open until 10.00 PM on Sundays
Wat Phra Singh
Known for: Wat Phra Singh houses the Lion Buddha, the most important Buddha image of the city. It is in a small chapel at the back of the temple complex past the golden chedi.
This beautiful temple was built in 1345 when Chiang Mai was Lanna Kingdom’s capital. It signifies the beauty of Lanna culture and is a respected place of worship. It attracts not only tourists throughout Northern Thailand but also from other countries.
Wat Phra Singh features Lanna-styled roofs, wood carvings, and fascinating murals alongside Viharn Lai Kham, a large assembly hall. This temple is also classified as a first-class royal temple’s highest grade.
Aside from beautiful architectural details and golden chedi, the temple is also visited because of the real wax figures that represent the monks.
Entrance Fee: Entrance is free
Opening Times: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Wat Umong
Known for: Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham or simply Wat Umong is located on Suthep Road, not far from the Nimman area of Chiang Mai. This temple is also referred to as the Forest Temple, and it’s easy to see why.
Unlike other temples in the city, it remains very natural. Despite having magnificent temple structures on the grounds, you can still experience tranquillity and seclusion. You will meet monks living in this temple who have harmony with nature.
You will find lots of Buddha statues along the labyrinth of tunnels under the massive chedi. After the tunnels, you will find a staircase that will lead you to the impressive huge chedi. Although different touch-ups were done to the temple over the year, it can still display its 700-year age.
The temple’s weather-worn and crumbling central stupa, green lawns, and tropical garden are some of the main features you should not miss during your visit.
You can also enjoy different activities, like walking around the talking trees to get words of advice and feeding the turtles and fish in the garden’s main pond. Many people join a tour to Doi Suthep and Wat Umong together, and it’s one of the best day tours in Chiang Mai.
Entrance fee: Entrance is free
Opening Times: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Want to know more?
Check out this complete
guide about Wat Umong.
Wat Chiang Man
Known for: Wat Chiang Man is best known for housing some of Buddha’s most significant images. The two famous Buddha images in this temple are the crystal Buddha which many people believe has healing powers and the standing Buddha that holds the alms bowl. These two statues are hidden behind the lattice window.
If you wish to enjoy the company of family and friends and seek relaxation, this temple offers you a wonderful spot. This temple is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple, dating from 1296. In the temple complex, you will discover plenty of beautiful things.
On the large chedi’s base, you will find 15 elephant figures. Do not miss the Ubosot and the old wooden library. This Chiang Mai temple offers an insight into the city’s rich city through the old pagoda, while the newer temple hall introduces a perfect epitome of the traditional Lanna architecture.
Wat Chiang Man temple is well-maintained, so you can really feel the 13th-century atmosphere.
Entrance fee: Admission is free
Opening Times: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Want to know more?
Check out this full
guide about Wat Chiang Man.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Known for: Also referred to as the Temple of the Golden Mountain, the Doi Kham Temple is situated on the top of a forested hill and you can expect impressive views over Chiang Mai.
This temple is known for imposing the 17-meter-high Buddha image. After climbing a set of 300 stairs, you will reach the temple. These stairs are decorated with golden Naga serpents.
The golden temple is most popular among locals due to its large seated Buddha, but a less known temple for foreign tourists because of the slightly out-of-the-way location. Even so, it is one of the most spectacular temples you should not miss.
You will find here the Giant Buddha structure towering around 20 meters into the sky. This Buddha structure is painted gold and white. The entire temple complex was built over a thousand years, offering plenty of relics, pagodas, and shrines to explore in the tropical garden in Doi Suthep Mountain foothills.
Overall, it’s one of the best Chiang Mai temples to visit on a holiday to Thailand, despite being a little out of the city.
Entrance fee: Entrance is free
Opening Times: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Wat Ban Den
Known for: Wat Ban Den combines different traditional folk beliefs, so you will find symbols from Chinese Mahayana, Thai Theravada Buddhism, and Indian tradition’s mythological animals.
The temple was built in 1894 below a low hill. Initially, the temple was called Wat Sahari Sribunrang. You will see the happy Chinese Maitreya-style Buddha, the seated Buddhas, the reclining Buddha, and the Chinese Zodiac’s 12 animals.
This temple is close to different attractions, like Mae Ngat Dam, Bua Tong sticky waterfall, and Treehouse Resort.
Entrance fee: Admission is free
Opening Times: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Want to know more?
Check out this full
guide about Wat Ban Den.
Wat Sri Suphan – The Silver Temple
Known for: Wat Sri Suphan is best seen at night and known for its silver decoration. This unique temple is also called the Silver Temple and comes in Lanna style.
The entrance is on the same street where you can find the popular Walking Steet, just outside the town. The silver pain’s shiny coat makes this temple stand out.
The stupa tips are solid silver with a neon light display, making the temple glow in different colors at night. The purple-blue shine is the most noticeable, and I couldn’t recommend it enough when planning a night out in Chiang Mai.
The temple complex was built in the 16th century, but the main silver structure is newer, with monks’ buildings and additional halls nearby. You will also find a silver-working school that passes on the traditions.
While women cannot enter this temple because of old Buddhist traditions, it is undeniable that the Silver Temple is a classic epitome of Chiang Mai heritage.
Entrance fee: Entrance is free
Opening Times: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Wat Lok Molee
Known for: Wat Lok Molee is famous for its striking three-tiered wooden roof. Many tourists also visit this temple because of its prime location, which is nearby Chang Puak Gate.
The weathered chedi displays the temple’s age, dating back to the 14th century. However, the main temple hall was well-restored. Even if the temple is centrally situated, it is still hidden away. This means most tourists did not discover it, allowing you to enjoy more tranquillity and peace than other temples in the city.
The chedi was commissioned by Phra Kaew Muang, Lanna Empire king. His ashes, as well as ashes of other Mengrai dynasty, are entombed within it. Each side of the chedi’s upper section has a recess where you will find a Buddha statue.
Entrance fee: Admission is free
Opening Times: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
RELATED GUIDE: Best Day Trips From Chiang Mai
Wat Chai Mongkhon
Known for: Wat Chai Mongkhon is one of the most important temples not only in Chiang Mai but also in entire Thailand. People visit this temple to pay respect to Buddha and King Naresuan the Great, one of Thai’s most respected kings.
The main bell-shaped chedi is one of the best features of the temple. You can climb the steps to reach the platform and enjoy scenic views over the complex.
The chedi is also surrounded by a rectangular gallery lined with plenty of stone Buddha images. The original images were covered in gold, but saffron-colored sashes were used instead.
Lastly, Wat Chai Mongkon is one of the most original temples of Chiang Mai for being able to buy animals and release them in the river, which is a symbol of good luck.
Entrance fee: Free entrance
Opening Times: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Temples in Chiang Mai – FAQ
How Many Temples in Chiang Mai?
You can find over 300 temples in Chiang Mai. Yes, you read it right.
You will notice that the temples are characterized by curved wooden roofs pointing up to the sky. Interestingly, the majority of the Chiang Mai temples are still operating and intact, unlike others from the three former capitals of Buddhism, which are now ruins.
Why Are There So Many Temples in Chiang Mai?
It is no surprise to see temples in Chiang Mai anywhere you go. But why is that?
Historically, temples are where parents bring their children to learn about Buddha and life. People go to temples to pray for good fortune, health, or wealth. They even seek advice from monks.
Temples serve as a central gathering place where people go there to perform rituals, learn, and meet others. They are residing places for monks. They were also used as hospitals long ago and a place to seek healing.
How Old are the Temples in Chiang Mai?
Most of the temples in Chiang Mai date back to the Lanna Kingdom, dating 13th-18th centuries.
The oldest temple is Wat Chiang Man, which was constructed in 1296 by Chiang Mai founder King Mengrai. This temple is known for its Lanna-style chedi aided by elephant-shaped buttresses rows. It is located off of Ratchapakhinai Road.
What to Wear at Buddhist Temples in Chiang Mai?
Tourists are expected to dress appropriately when visiting temples in Thailand. Women should wear long pants and can wear skirts, but they must be knee length.
Clothing should not be too tight or too loose for convenience while meditating and worshipping. Tight leggings are not allowed.
Men must wear a shirt with sleeves and long pants. Men and women must cover their shoulders; no sleeveless tops and see-through clothes can be worn. In some temples, sandals are acceptable.
When entering the temple’s main building, take off your shoes, sunglasses, and hat. Most temples have a space where you leave your shoes. You do not need to remove your socks.
Conclusion
When taking a trip to Chiang Mai, never miss a chance to see some magnificent temples. While they differ, they still share several things like history, beauty, background, and creative design. So, pack your things and explore these beautiful temples.
