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Best Temples In Chiang Mai

Best Temples In Chiang Mai

Discover Chiang Mai's Timeless Treasures: A Journey Through Its Majestic Temples
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Best Temples In Chiang Mai

Best Temples In Chiang Mai Overview

Explore the colorful and captivating world of Chiang Mai Temples, where centuries-old history and spirituality converge to form an intricate tapestry of cultural richness and stunning architectural beauty.

Surrounded by the ancient walls of the old city, these holy places occupy places of spiritual significance and serve as monuments to devotion and reverence, inviting visitors from near and far to explore their blessed locations.

Join us on a journey of discovery as we unveil the Best Temples in Chiang Mai, with each one showing a different angle of the city's rich history and vibrant daily life.

From the towering pagodas of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to the finely worked teak panels at Wat Phan Tao, Chiang Mai's temples are a living reminder of the city's rich inheritance and spiritual tradition.

Join us as we traverse the streets of the old city, uncovering hidden gems and ancient treasures that have stood the test of time. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, some of the best Chiang Mai Temples promise an unforgettable experience filled with beauty, tranquillity, and the charm of Thailand's cultural heartland.

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01

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

The Temple of Chiang Mai Wat Phra That Doi Suthep called by the name of the spiritual Buddhism and architectural creativity towers above the green Heaven. Loved for the magnificent craftsmanship, this temple is a symbol of ultimate spiritual values, representing the strongest force of Thai culture and faith that has always been there.

As climbers tend 306 stairs that take you towards the shrine, their lungs exhale the surroundings with an aura of peace that envelopes every particle of air. As you hike up, each step wraps you up with the tranquil beauty that waits for you at the sanctuary's heart, where the spiritual vibes take hold of you.

At the peak, a stunning panorama unfolds; below the Golden monuments which seem to spin around their axis. In this limitless, serener environment, I cannot avoid feeling the absolute pleasure of awe in the very presence of the ages-old beauty before me.

It is said that the pagoda, located at the top of Doi Suthep mountain in Chiang Mai, houses a fragment of Buddha's bone, and this is the subject of deep devotion among many people who regularly come to offer prayers and receive blessings.

Either alone in a place of solitude to seek comfort in the silence of the moment or on a journey of discovery with a loved one, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep will entice you to rejoice in the present time. 

  • Location: Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
  • Timings: 6 am to 5 pm
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02

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang

Surrounding the ancient city of Chiang Mai's heart, a thousand-year-old temple, in Thai language called Wat Chedi Luang or The Great Stupa Temple, became a symbol of the city's cultural legacy. Rising over nearby pavilions with their majestic description of the stupa, these holy places symbolize a great deal for both visitors and locals who see it regularly.

On the wings of fame, this important landmark of Lanna style Wat Chedi gives a spark to the overall architectural beauty of the city. Not merely for its intricate decor and imposing height, this impressive attraction's great sensation leads to people coming from all across the world.

  • Location: 103 Prapokkloa Rd. Tambon Si Phum, this landmark of Chiang Mai culture is conveniently accessible to the people who are willing to explore the city’s rich cultural depth. 
  • Timings: 6 am to 5 pm
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03

Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh

The glory of Lanna culture permeates everywhere in Wat Phra Singh, one of the most beloved landmark buildings in Chiang Mai that has stood proudly in the center of the city as a hallmark of spiritual grace and architectural genius of the past.

Being a magnet for people from across the country, primarily tourists and pilgrims, this temple holds the most intricate carvings on Lanna-style roofs and it is rumored to have many ancient relics, the oldest of which date back to the 14th century.

The moment you enter through the ancient Wat Phra Singh, you will be rewarded with a glance at the magnificent Buddha the Lion Picture of Peace, a symbol of the enlightenment and wisdom that countless of our ancestors have only begun to discover.

The epitome of Thai craftsmanship and art, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, is a historical marvel woven through its intricate mural paintings, intricately designed wood carvings, and the majestic grandeur of Viharn Lai Kham, a vast hall boasting the soothing and rejuvenating sounds of prayer.

  • Location: 2 Samlarn Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Wat Phra Singh achieves the goal of making Chiang Mai's cultural heritage live and breathe by allowing visitors to travel through the soul of Chiang Mai. 
  • Timings: Opening from six in the morning until five at night, the temple is a little oasis of quietness in the tumult of the city and visitors can find peace and meaning in the shrine’s sacred setting.
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04

Wat Suan Dok

Wat Suan Dok

Embedded in the life of the city since the olden times and splendorful for culture, the temple that is Wat Suan Dok becomes a symbol of everliving artwork, right in the middle of Chiang Mai. Instead of a 'garden temple,' by translating to this legendary flick, it embraces its history, being an illustrious relaxation enclosure of a fabled ruler in the olden times.

On the one hand, this temple is decorated with sparkling pagodas whose spires shine on the sky – it is not only scenery but also a plot worthy to be in the visitor’s photo albums telling the bright story of the past.

Twilight moments are astoundingly spectacular; the tranquil environs of the temple glisten in the golden glow of the setting sun and it looks bewitching that the shutterbugs are left awe-struck.

Apart from its photogenic beauty, Wat Suan Dok bellows out its depth of history to visitors who are willing to pay more attention to the pious grounds of the temple and at the same time take in the treasure trove of murals, scriptures, and architectural wonders.

Every structure within the temple complex is associated with spiritual devotion and artistic excellence, which makes it a place of great hope and the desired destination for those in search of incognizance and higher knowledge.

  • Location: This Wat is situated in the Wat Suan Dok area at 139 Suthep Rd, Tambon Suthep, quite reasonable, but it is a symbol of Chiang Mai's resilient cultural legacy. 
  • Timings: The temple operates from 6 am to 5 pm, a simple operation, a focal point for people who want to spend time in the tranquillity and beauty of its sacred sanctuary.
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05

Wat Umong

Wat Umong

Tucked away from the frenzy of modern life in Chiang Mai, Wat Umong is a place both secluded and peaceful where visitors can revel in its idiosyncratic charm. Carved into massive age-old caves, there is a temple in which you can get peace and soul rejuvenation next to the Buddhist monks.

When you enter Wat Umong's stunning gardens, all the troubles of the world slip away like water from a lotus leaf, leaving only an atmosphere of contentment and joy to wrap you in, making you forget about the noise and hustle of the outside world.

In this area, visitors will be free to meditate in the morning time, listen to Dhamma speeches by the Pali-speaking monks in Thai in the afternoon, and explore further the words of Buddha.

Going beyond its serene face, Wat Umong is a higher ground for a voyage of self-discovery and a spiritual journey for those thirsty and in quest for peace of mind and soul. It doesn't matter if you are an old hand or a newcomer, come and enjoy the rites, the rituals, and the meditations while sitting in the hallowed walls of the temple.

Locals of Soi Wat Umong, at Suthep Road, is a place that motivates travelers to take on that path of soul-searching and rebirth. The Novelty of this Monastery is that from 6 am it Opens till 5 pm, as it provides a relaxing edge to the demands of modern life, here someone can easily meditate and draw inspiration from the holy surroundings.

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06

Wat Phra That Doi Kham

Wat Phra That Doi Kham

The beautiful Wat Phra That Doi Kham ( the Golden Temple) located on the green hillside on the outskirts of Chiang Mai reincarnates the color and the life of that fantastic city. The heritage of the ancient settlement here is from the seventh century, and the honor and beauty of the church keep travelers visiting this site with great interest.

The road is starting to become steeper with woods on both sides. The whole atmosphere here seems charged with a sense of expectancy that you’re getting close to the temple’s magnificent doorway. Walking to Wat Phra That Doi Kham is not just a physical trip but also a spiritual exploration and with every step you are one more step in the direction of being enlightened.

At the peak of the hill, there will be a statue of the Buddha who is a man of generous heights standing at 17 meters. With striking features and expertly crafted details, this statue projects an atmosphere of harmony and blissfulness defying tangible parameters of time and space.

300 steps up on which glowing Naga reptiles that guard this holy place are depicted. Only then can one get to the grounds of the temple. As you move up, the snakes’ overflowing presence capitalizes on this beauty and takes you into a peak of ecstasy, from which you awaken the reverence.

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07

Wat Sri Suphan

Wat Sri Suphan

The temple is made of intricately woven silver adornments, Wat Sri Suphan, the name of which is familiar to it as the Silver Temple. It is a silver temple which is a token of the craftsmanship and hard work of Chiang Mai’s local artisans.

A Lanna-style temple built with this peculiar theme, the face-grabbing glazing and craftsmanship of the details are what would engross anybody passing by.

Wat Sri Suphan will take you into the kingdom of traditional beauty and culture if you will, and you will be astounded by how time has managed to keep it wonderful. Apart from the golden motifs of the temple, the delicate and exquisite work of talented artists.

which were silently created by tasteful craftsmen, reflecting the great historical past of the Chiang Mai community and the lively community here that is striving to preserve traditional art and culture.

Although people praise Wat Sri Suphan for its architectural beauty, note that the retention of some old Buddhist traditions, just like restricting entry to women, is also mandatory here. Alongside this inconvenience brought by construction projects, however, the temple continues to be a beloved embodiment of Chaing Mai’s cultural legacy, revealing a window into the beautiful past of this region.

  • Location: On 00 Wua Lai Road, Hai Ya Subdistrict of Wat Sri Suphan bids its travelers to come and discover the things of beauty in its extensive silver-clad environment.
  • Timings: Opening from 6 am to 9 pm, the temple introduces tourists to these cultural traditions and gives them the feel of the spiritual significance of Chiang Mai's cultural legacy.
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08

Wat Chiang Man

Wat Chiang Man

In the very heart of Chiang Mai, one can step through the ancient walls to the oldest and most sacred temple of Wat Chiang Man, which bears ages of history and serves as a sacred place for many people.

It is the president of housing some of the most sacred and top revered images of him. It's a zestful location for travelers on a journey of discovery and enlightenment.

As you wander through the temple's hallowed halls, you'll encounter two of its most iconic treasures: the seated Buddha holding the begging-bowl, denoting spiritual knowledge, and the crystal Buddha.

known for its alleged therapeutic energy channels among the most celebrated objects. Such potent artifacts function as artistic evocations of the sanctuary's proud and triumphant historical significance.

Being a symbol of historic importance, Wat Chiang Man serves as a quiet place to take a respite from the chaos of the city, where the spiritual ambiance and tranquillity of the sanctuary give one that joyous sense of peace shared between oneself and someone special.

  • Location:  Phra Pok Klao 13 road and Ratchaphakhinai 1 road in the north-east corner of the old walled town.
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09

Wat Lok Molee

Wat Lok Molee

Deep-rooted in history and cultural richness, the Wat Lok Molee serves as a prominent historical sign of Chiang Mai's resolute legacy of the past. The immensely famous ancient temple dates back to the 14th century and still bewitches us with its beautiful Chedis which are probably the most fascinating structure of the city.

Enter the temple complex, and your senses will be overwhelmed by a sense of peace, as you gaze at the well-kept garden, with a large prayer room at the heart of it that seems to absorb the whispers of many past generations.

Moreover, Wat Lok Molee is more than just a place of prayer. In its mystical surroundings, the visitors will find themselves before a trove of Buddha statues, mosaics, and other astonishing images that highlight the cultures of this place.

Another intriguing aspect of Wat Lok Molee is that its buildings have been the final ritual monitor for the ashes of several leading members of the Meng Rai Monarchy, contributing a further dimension of historical significance to this sacred complex.

  • Location: Wat Lok Molee, 98/1 Manee Nopparat Road is a perfect place that not only offers travelers an incredible chance to discover the mystical ambiance of Chiang Mai but also to touch the timeless beauty of the spiritual culture of northern Thailand.
  • Timings: Opening from sunrise and through 5 pm, the worshipers will embark on a trip to discover their inner self and reality through the surrounding peaceful environment.
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10

Wat Phan Tao

Wat Phan Tao

Uniquely located within the historic boundaries of Chiang Mai's ancient city, Wat Phan Tao draws tourists with its remarkable aura and cultural wealth. Through the metaphor of the place as the 'temple of a thousand kilns,' this glorious sanctuary surmounts the preservation of the royal architecture of Lanna that dates to the 14th century.

As dawn breaks, you will notice the temple's uniquely ornamented facade, graced with a teak cladding which renders an equilibrium of grace and majesty to the ordination hall. The elaborate Lanna style of the building depicts the talented artisans who crafted this timeless architectural monument.

Nevertheless, the most cherished relic of Wat Phan Tao is the Phan Tao Buddha image, which is placed inside this temple's ancient walls. With its implied spiritual character, the antique object is a point of focus for the worshippers and pilgrims who pray and meditate there.

  • Location: 127/7 Prapokklao Rd, Tambon Si Phum, the sacred site of Wat Phan Tao urges you to unwind yourself and bask in the glory of Chiang Mai's illustrious historical essence.
  • Timings: Opening at 8 am till 5 pm, the temple encourages travelers for a trip of wisdom and self-realization within its tranquil spaces.
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People Also Asked

How many temples are there in Chiang Mai?

There are over 300 temples in Chiang Mai spread across the city and its surrounding countryside.

Which temples should I visit in Chiang Mai?

Explore some of the best temples to visit in Chiang Mai:

  • Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
  • Wat Chedi Luang
  • Wat Phra Singh
  • Wat Suan Dok
  • Wat Umong
  • Wat Phra That Doi Kham
  • Wat Sri Suphan
  • Wat Chiang Man

What is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai Old Town?

The oldest temple in Chiang Mai's Old City is Wat Chiang Man, nestled within the ancient city walls.

Which temple in Chiang Mai has lots of steps?

The iconic Doi Suthep Temple is a must-visit in Chiang Mai. Established in 1383, it sits atop a mountain and is reached by climbing a staircase of 306 steps.

Where is the White Temple in Chiang Mai?

The White Temple, also known as Wat Rong Khun, is located in Pa O Don Chai, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Which are some of the best places to visit in Chiang Mai Old City?

Discover the charm of Chiang Mai temples old City with these must-visit spots:

  • Wat Phra Singh: A beautiful temple with intricate architecture and rich history.
  • Wat Chedi Luang: Home to a ruined temple with a large chedi, a popular landmark.
  • Tha Phae Gate: One of the main gates of the old city walls, perfect for photo opportunities.
  • Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: A lively market offering a variety of goods for sale.
  • Chiang Mai Art and Cultural Centre: Explore the art and culture of northern Thailand.
  • Wat Chiang Man: The oldest temple in Chiang Mai, housing a relic of the Buddha.
  • Three Kings Monument: A tribute to the founders of Chiang Mai.
  • Lanna Folklife Museum: Learn about the indigenous Lanna people and their culture.

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