Chiang Mai is a city filled with temples. As exploring the Old City you can’t go more than a few feet without seeing any temples.

Each sacred site has its own characteristics and they are all worth your time as a traveler. However, most visitors don’t have enough time to visit over 300 temples in this city. So how to choose which one to see?

The team of Thai Unika is here to help! To answer the most troublesome problem when coming to Chiang Mai, we gladly offer the list of Top Temples to see in Chiang Mai.

Top best temples to see in Chiang Mai

1. Wat Chedi Luang

Our next place in the top 10 sacred temples to see in Chiang Mai is Wat Chedi Luang. It is also widely known by another name, the “Temple of the Great Stupa”.

The main chedi (a large tower enshrined holy relics inside) at Wat Chedi Luang was initially approximately 85 meters tall and over 50 meters wide at the base. This historic spot dates back over 600 years with the first building founded during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma.

Come to Wat Chedi Luang, visitors will have the chance to witness the marks of time on every wall and to hear the stories about the temple, and the land from the monks living here. Apart from the famous Chedi ruins, Wat Chedi Luang also has other famous attractions, such as the replica of the Emerald Buddha, two Viharns, the City Pillar, and Dipterocarp Trees.

Location:
Wat Chedi Luang: 103 Phra Pokklao Road, Phra Sing Mueang, Chiang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Entrance fee: Adult 40 Bath, Child 20 Bath
Opening hours:
Every day from 8 am to 5 pm

 

2. Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh is also a name that can’t be missed on our list of top temples to see in Chiang Mai.

You might have heard of this temple with the name “The Monastery of the Lion Buddha” or “The temple of the Lion Buddha”. Wat Phra Singh houses several highly revered and ancient Buddha images. It is home to Phra Phutthasihing, Chiang Mai’s most sacred, Chiang sean-style Buddha image. Every Songkran festival, from April 13 to 15, Phra Phutthasihing is carried in a chariot and parade around the town. On its way, the locals splash scented water onto the statue, which brings good luck according to a traditional belief.

Wat Phra Singh is a temple that visitors have to see if you happened to come to Chiang Mai in April.

Location:
Wat Phra Singh: 2 Samlarn Rd, Phra Sing, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50280, Thailand
Entrance fee:
Admission to the temple is free
Opening Hours:
Every day from 7 am to 10 pm.

3. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

The first temple we want to introduce to you in the list of top temples to see in Chiang Mai is the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

Located high on Mount Doi Suthep is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – a magnificent Buddhist temple draped in gold. It is one of the most sacred temples in Chiang Mai Province.

Come here, visitors can admire and climb the stunning 306-step staircase flanked by two emerald-green Nagas. That is one of the symbols of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and also the longest Naga staircase in Thailand. If you don’t want to climb the stair, there is also an elevator to get straight to the top. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep also holds a mysterious legend of the white elephant.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a temple you have to visit when coming to Chiang Mai if you love to discover the culture of Thai Buddhism.

Location:
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: 9 Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Entrance fee: 30 THB
Opening hours:
Every day from 06:00 am to 05:00 pm

4. Wat Chiang Man

Of course, we have to mention in our list of top temples to see in Chiang Mai, the oldest temple of this city, Wat Chiang Man.

Established around 1296, Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. The temple contains several ancient and important Buddha images. One of the highlights among them is a small Buddha statue carved in quartz crystal which is also known as the crystal buddha.

Another impressive building for tourists to have a look at in Wat Chiang Man is the big stone chedi or also call it, the elephant chedi. The building is a blend of Lanna and Sri Lankan styles and sits on a square base, supporting the second tier of 15 elephants which carry the upper level on their back. The carved elephants are so detailed, it’s hard to believe it’s been craved almost 800 years ago.

Location:
Wat Chiang Man: 171 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Entrance fee:
Admission to the temple is free
Opening Hours:
Every day from 8 am to 5 pm

 

5. Wat Umong

Among the hundreds of Buddhist temples for the visitots to see in Chiang Mai, the Wat Umong, or “Tunnel temple” is unique thanks to its location in the forest and its system of tunnels.

Built in 1296 by King Meng Rai, it is situated in a rustic forest setting on Suthep Road and was renovated during the reign of King Keu Na. As the name suggested, this temple is special for several tunnels dug out of a mound containing shrines where devotees can pay their respect to many Buddha statues.

Come to Wat Umong, visitors can also experience meditation classes and Dhamma talks. Due to its peaceful location and natural surroundings, Wat Umong can offer an authentic relaxed meditation experience. The lack of crowds and general city chaos also it a perfect destination for some visitors.

Location:
Wat Umong: 135/10 Moo 10, Ratchaphakhinai Road Suthep Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Entrance fee:
Admission to the temple is free
Opening Hours:
Every day from 7 am to 8 pm

 

6. Wat Phan Tao

Located right next to the sacred Wat Chedi Luang that we’ve mentioned before, Wat Phan Tao is no less interesting with its special origin.

Wat Phan Tao can be translated to “temple of a thousand kilns”, the name is probably derived from the ovens used to cast Buddha images for another temple, the Wat Chedi Luang. What’s special about this temple is that its viharn was originally a Ho Kham, a throne hall for one of Chiang Mai’s Kings built in 1846.

After a new King ascended the throne, the Palace Hall was taken down to make room for a new Palace building. The wooden panels of the old structure were reused to build the viharn of Wat Phan Tao in the year 1876.

Therefore, Wat Phan Tao is not as spectacular or glamorous as the others, but it’s worth spending some time here especially if you are visiting the neighbor Wat Chedi Luang. It’s also a lovely spot to witness the various religious ceremonies and special events throughout the year.

Location:
Wat Phan Tao: 105 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Entrance fee:
Admission to the temple is free
Opening Hours:
Every day from 6 am to 6 pm

7. Wat Suan Dok

Wat Suan Dok located just a little to the West of the old walled part of Chiang Mai city is a very old temple known for its large number of white chedis or pagodas.

The literal translation of Wat Suan Dok is “flower garden temple”. Its name is inspired by the location where it was built which used to be a Royal flower garden of the ruler of Chiang Mai. Visitors can find many attractive buildings as well as interesting activities in this temple, such as the Large standing Buddha in viharn, Murals in the ubosot.

If you are interested to learn about Buddhism or meditation techniques, the Wat Suan Dok offers everyone the monk chat program and the meditation retreat. They will offer you the chance to discuss with the monk about Buddhism in English. You can ask anything you want to know about this religion and the monk will help you resolve your question. Meanwhile, the meditation retreat will lead you to peace in your soul and help you to improve the quality of your daily life.

Location:
Wat Suan Dok: 139 Suthep Rd, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Entrance fee:
Admission to the temple is free
Opening Hours:
Every day from 6 am to 5 pm

8. Wat Sri Suphan

Our list of the top 10 temples to see in Chiang Mai won’t be complete without Wat Sri Suphan, or “The Silver Temple”.

This unique temple is almost completely clad in silver, making it one of a kind in Thailand and perhaps in Asia. Wat Sri Suphan’s entire surface, inside and out, is covered in sparkling silver handcrafted decoration. Visiting this temple, you can admire the sophisticated silver pieces of art, from the whole architecture to the smallest detail of the Buddha statues inside the temple. Wat Sri Suphan is a small but impressive silver temple; the details are majestic, and you will certainly take some minutes to observe every inch of the building’s artwork.

The architecture is built in the Lanna style of masonry and the aluminum-and-silver decoration over delicate carving. This three-dimension art portrays stories of Buddhism, dharma puzzles, and the history of the temple with the purpose to preserve the religion and conserve the local wisdom of silverware. Its presence is also a reminder to boast the pride of Lanna’s kingdom for generations to come.

Location:
Wat Sri Suphan: 100 Wua Lai Rd, Tambon Hai Ya, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Entrance fee:
50 Baht
Opening Hours:
Every day from 6 am to 7 pm except Saturday closed at 9:30 pm

 

9. Wat Inthakhin

The Wat Inthakin is a small temple in the heart of the old walled town of Chiang Mai. This active temple comprises a very ornate viharn, two chedis, and the monks’ living area.

The temple is named after the Sao Inthakin, the Pali name for the Chiang Mai city pillar, which translates to “Indra’s pillar”. In Hindu belief, Indra is the Great Lord of Heaven. According to the legend, this region was once threatened by evil. Knowing the situation, Lord Indra gave the pillar to the people who inhabited the area to protect them against evil forces.

Location:
Wat Inthakhin: 13 Intrawarorot Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Opening Hours:
Every day from 8 am to 6 pm

 

10. Wat Chiang Yuen

Last but not least on our list of top temples to see in Chiang Mai is Wat Chiang Yuen.

Located just outside the old walled center of Chiang Mai, Wat Chiang Yuen is a small temple comprising a viharn, a chedi, and several small structures. In Thai, Wat Chiang Yuen can be understood as “the temple of long life”. Although its founding date is unknown, this ancient wooden temple is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai.

Coming inside this temple, visitors can find the Phra Suppunyu Chao, a gigantic golden Budda statue that holds historic significance. A long time ago, Wat Chiang Yuen was an important temple in the Lanna Kingdom. Every new King before being crowned is believed to pay homage to the Phra Suppunyu Chao Buddha image and ask for good luck and a successful reign.

Location:
Wat Chiang Yuen: 160 Manee Nopparat Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Opening Hours:
Every day from 8 am to 5 pm