Temples in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Province and its capital city, which bears the same name, are home to some of the most magnificent temples in Thailand, some of which date back to the 13th century. Since in those days those temples were often built of wood, which has not survived over the years, the original buildings that exist today are usually only a part of them, that part built of stone. The remains of these temples often also contain the remains of Buddha, the remains of kings and important monks. Some have been restored over the years and even, in some cases, rebuilt. 

in the city of Chiang Mai More than 300 decorated, stylish and very special temples were built alone, rich in beautiful murals, depicting scenes from the Buddha's life on their walls. In many of them you can also see huge snake figurines, called "Nagas", which are the ones who protect the temple. The oldest temples of Chiang Mai can be found today in the old part of the city, within its walls. The oldest temple in it is Wat chiang man, which is inside the walled old city. It was built after the founding of the city, in 1296. Just outside Chiang Mai, on Mount Doi Suthep is one of the most important temples of northern Thailand, named after the city. It was built in the 13th century and plays a very important role in the various Buddhist holidays.

Hotels in Chiang Mai

First of all, when you arrive in the city you need a place to lay your head. Here are some of the best hotels in the city:

To all the recommended hotels in Chiang Mai >> 

Do's and don'ts in temples in Chiang Mai - important to know

The list of recommended temples to visit in the city is endless, but there are definitely some that stand out in it that you should not miss. Although it is a tourist attraction for all intents and purposes, let's not forget that first of all it is a sacred place for the locals and also for quite a few visitors, who travel a very long way to reach that temple. Therefore, before you set off, take out your camera or phone to take a picture, it is important that you know a few things: 

First, you must respect the place, the tradition and the other visitors and locals. Dress in modest clothes (this is not the time to wear flip flops, wear a tank top or a short dress), and keep in mind that there are temples with a particularly strict dress code (you cannot reach them with bare shoulders or knees - relevant for both men and women).

Wear shoes that are easy for you to take off, since at the entrance to the temples you will have to take them off and leave them outside. Check in advance what the entry hours are and arrive according to the announcements.

When you enter, be careful not to turn your back to the Buddha (unacceptable and inappropriate) nor point your feet directly at the various Buddha statues.

If you are debating what is right and what is not right, watch the locals and wait for their behavior or, before entering, find out what the local rules are. You can go to certain temples as part of guided tours, which will provide you with a lot of important information about each and every temple and help you better understand the local culture. If you do not find such a tour and you want to go to the place independently, read about the history and the temple itself before your visit.

The recommended and important temples in the city

As mentioned, there are hundreds of temples in the city, as well as in its surroundings. Some of them are known to be very important to the locals, and there are also some that attract crowds of visitors. Here is a short list of some of the recommended ones to visit, temples in Chiang Mai that you should not miss:

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

This temple, as mentioned, is among the most important temples in all of Thailand, and as such is at the top of the list. To get to the top of the mountain, wherever it is, you can use a rented scooter or do it as part of a day trip, which of course includes direct access to the entrance. There is a climb of 309 steps, from which you can see the spectacular views of the city from the northwest and the beauty that surrounds it. In 1981, along with the 161 square kilometers that surround it and include lovely forests, the temple became Thailand's national park number 24. The highest point in the park is 1,685 meters high, making it the eighth highest peak in Thailand itself. 

Wat chedi luang

If you are short on time and want to take the opportunity to visit another special temple, this temple is one of the recommended in the city and is located in the center of the old city, within walking distance of most of its hotels and popular markets. The word Luang in the local language means "very large", and indeed the central structure of the place is enormous in size. The highest point of the temple is 80 meters high, making it also the highest point in the old city of Chiang Mai. The temple itself dates back to 1385, but since then it has undergone renovations and changes. In the past it was the home of the Buddha statue made of emerald, which is now in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The temple is open to visitors every day from 06:00 in the morning until 17:00. 

Wat phra singh

Thanks to the massive renovation that this temple underwent in the 19th century, and later the correction of some paint defects, it is considered one of the most impressive temples in Chiang Mai, in terms of its visual and design aspects. The main building where it is the highlight when visiting the place, this, among other things, thanks to its sloping roofs and the spectacular facade. The place is open to visitors every day, from 06:00 in the morning until 17:00 in the afternoon.

Wat Suan Dok

Compared to the other temples of Chiang Mai, it is actually among the least known and the one that is visited by fewer visitors, but it definitely justifies a visit and a stop if only for its appearance. It is located just outside the city walls and was built in the late 14th century by the King of Chiang Mai. Its visitors can take part in the meditation classes, which are held there on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between the hours of 17:30 and 21:00. 

Wat Umong

This is a temple over 700 years old, among the oldest in the city. Its age is evident, as you can guess, in its structure, even though it has undergone quite a few renovations over the years. Its central stupa is a little crumbling and worn, but around it is a well-tended tropical garden and beautiful green lawns, which add color and interest. There is a pond of fish and turtles, which you can feed, a lovely and pleasant area to walk around comfortably, and also ancient tunnels, which are worth a stop when visiting the place. 

Wat phra that doi kham

This temple is famous, especially among the locals, for its huge Buddha statue, which is right at its entrance. Although it is among the least known in the city, thanks to its unusual location, it definitely warrants a stop like the other prominent temples of Chiang Mai. The Buddha statue in it stands almost 20 meters high, is painted in gold and white and its complex dates back more than 1,000 years. It has pagodas, ancient ruins and also a beautiful tropical garden. It is open to visitors every day, from 06:00 in the morning until 18:00 in the evening.

Wat Sri Suphan

This glittering temple stands out from all the rest because of its shiny top layer, a silver layer, which sparkles thanks to the sun's rays. In the hours of darkness, it will be performed with beautiful colored lights, creating a breathtaking sight and a wonderful setting for the whole place. It dates back to the 16th century, although the main silver structure in its compound is much newer. There is a school for silver works in its compound, which they finance.