Thailand is an utterly spectacular holiday destination that provides a peek into the odd and unusual mélange of modern and traditional. And if you decide to visit Chiang Mai, don’t forget to drop by one of the most visited attractions, the Wat Ban Den temple.
Wat Ban Den is one of the most extraordinary temples in the province, and it’s easy to see why. The complex has many structures, including an ordination hall, a meditation hall, and many other structures.
While Wat Ban Den is quite far from Chiang Mai, 30km away, it should definitely be on your itinerary when visiting Thailand.
Where is Wat Ban Den?
Wat Ban Den is located about 30 km away from Chiang Mai, in the district of Mae Teng. Stunning landscapes enclose this; the wat stands highly on the peak of a hill and can be seen from far away.
How to Get to Wat Ban Den?
The temple is situated in Mae Taeng district in Inthakin village. The best and most comfortable way to get to the temple is by calling a Grab taxi, which will cost you about 800 Baht one way, or around $25.
Alternatively, you can ask a Songthaew (red cars) to take you there, but you should negotiate the price first, about 1500 Baht is a reasonable price for a round trip.
That being said, if you’re traveling with friends or family, the most convenient option is to hire a van for the day and it will cost you overall less, since they charge per group of 9 people.
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How Far is Wat Ban Den from Chiang Mai?
You can find Wat Ban Den in the village of Inthakin in the district of Mae Taeng, which is 45 kilometers north of the city of Chiang Mai. If you call a taxi or hire a van, it will take you around 1 hour to get there from the Old City.
Wat Ban Den Opening Times
The temple is open daily from 7.00 AM to 6.00 PM. While it isn’t one of the most crowded temples around, you’ll definitely meet other people and I recommend coming early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
Apart from that, you’ll have to take your shoes off and walking around the massive area barefoot, and the floor gets very hot during the day, so don’t forget to wear socks.
Wat Ban Den Entrance Fee
There’s no entrance fee at Wat Ban Den and you’ll get to enjoy the complex for free. However, there is a donation box at the entrance, which goes for the upkeep of the temple and different halls inside.
Related Guide
Check out this guide about
the best day trips from Chiang Mai.
Wat Ban Den Temple History
Kruba Thueang Natsilo, an ancient abbot, founded this temple back in 1804 and it was initially built as a place to find peace of mind rather than for religious purposes only. This could have allowed tourists and locals to come and eventually learn more about Buddhism.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the abbot also founded Wat Ban Den to worship the 12 Zodiac animal signs, which is why you will see animal figures around the temple, making it one of the unique places to visit in Chiang Mai.
However, the temple was in bad condition until 1988, when it was eventually rebuilt with local donations and Buddhists from all over Thailand. After this, Wat Ban Den became very popular across the country. Today, it is one of the most beautiful temples you can visit during your vacation in Thailand.
What to Expect at Wat Ban Den
Being one of the most diverse temples to visit, you’ll find endless figures to photograph and more, here’s what to expect at the temple.
Newly Renovated Structures
When this temple got a new priest in 1988, it was in a messy condition. Kru Ba Tuang, the new abbot, has been able to come up with a large amount of money from donations from local people and Buddhists from different parts of Thailand. Kru Ba Tuang has totally refurbished this wat and added a lot of remarkable and impressive structures.
Viharn Made of Wood and other Structures
One remarkable structure of this wat is the massive Lanna style viharn made of teak wood and has a 3 tiered roof. This stunning structure has its golden barge boards and blue roof, accentuated with complex wood carvings.
Some of the extremely ornately accentuated all wooden structures with golden chofah and blue rood decorating the ends of the room; some have many shades set on a white concrete platform. Many buildings have detailed wood carvings in conventional style showing different animals and mythological creatures.
Big mythical Naga serpents protect many structures on every corner of the stairs. On the wat grounds, big figures of a white lion known as Singha serve as the guardian.
12 Animals in the Zodiac Animal Signs
Every animal sign comes with an official temple. Since most of these wats are located far from the city, the abbot chose to develop 12 pagodas in the complex, and each one represents one of the zodiac signs.
Even if the complex is new, it has already become a vital place to pray for Buddhists and local people in the area. During the commemoration of the founder’s birthday, a lot of people visited the temple and donated to the temple, allowing it to become even more stunning.
Conclusion
What is there not to love about Wat Ban Den? From its location – nestled atop a hill in the rural outskirts of Chiang Mai – to the beautiful temple and lush gardens that surround it, this place is sure to take your breath away.
With its convenient location and ample amenities, Wat Ban Den makes for the perfect day trip destination, whether you’re a local or visiting Chiang Mai for the first time. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore!
