Top must-visit temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is a beautiful historic city in northern Thailand. It has amazing street food, great restaurants and bars, and a cute walled old town surrounded by what was once a moat. There are also an astounding number of glittering temples lining its ancient streets. It is hard to know where to start, so this is the list of the 7 most incredible Chiang Mai temples that you need to visit.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

This Wat is located further west than the city walls, up the mountain named after the temple ‘Suthep Mountain’. It takes some time to get to but it is so worth it. The temple is located within Doi Suthep National Park which is a beauty in itself, with waterfalls sprinkled amidst the forest, traditional hill tribe villages dotted around, and many viewpoints overlooking this beautiful city, you can be sure to spend quite a chunk of your day here.

It is 30 baht entry to Doi Suthep and the actual temple is open from 6 am – 6 pm. Once, you have finished exploring the temple, you can take yourself outside and look out on the wonderful city of Chaing Mai from this mountain throne at 1,676 metres.

Wat Phra Singh

Thanks to a huge renovation in the 19th century, plus numerous licks of paint ever since, Wat Phra Singh stands as one of the most visually impressive temples in Chiang Mai. The main temple building is the star of the show, featuring those iconic slanted Lanna-style roofs and an intricately decorated façade that shines brightly in the sunlight.

There is also various stupas and pagodas dotted around the grounds, which are free to enter. Walking distance from Wat Chedi Luang in the Old City, our recommendation is to fit in both during a morning or afternoon sightseeing trip on two feet or tuk-tuk.

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang is one of the most famous temples in Chiang Mai. This approximately 600-year-old temple is one of the highest buildings in the old town. Built pyramid-like, it stands in the middle of the temple complex and can already be seen from afar. But also the other temples of the area are impressive. For example, here you will find a beautiful reclining Buddha and you can listen to monks praying. Above all, in the morning or in the late afternoon, you will experience an incredibly beautiful and tranquil atmosphere.

Wat Umong

Still standing after 700 years, Wat Umong certainly shows its age, despite numerous touch-ups over the years. The crumbling, weather-worn central stupa towers into the sky, set around a well-maintained tropical garden and smart-looking green lawns.

While the main stupa provides a neat photo-op, there is plenty more to do at Wat Umong; feed the fish and turtles in the garden’s main pond, walk around the ‘talking trees’ that offer words of advice (in Thai and English), and head underground to check out the series of ancient tunnels. Find it just beyond the airport, in the foothills of Doi Suthep Mountain next to the zoo.

Wat Suan Dok

You may have heard about the famous White Temple in Chiang Rai but you may not know that Chiang Mai has its very own version as well. It is located in between Chiang Mai University and Chiang Mai Old Town, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists to visit.

It may not be as spacious or extravagant as the white temple in Chiang Rai but Wat Suan Dok will not disappoint its visitors too. The temple is most visited during sunset as the stupas (Buddhist structure that looks like a pagoda) reflect the color of the sun, making the view stunning. The main shrine houses a large Buddha statue and a number of Buddha relics. There is a small admission fees to enter the main shrine but the exterior grounds is free.

Wat Lok Molee

Another visually striking temple in Chiang Mai is Wat Lok Moli, well-known for its three-tiered wooden roof and prime location very close to Chang Puak Gate on the north edge of the Old City. The main temple hall has been well-restored, although the weathered chedi at the back shows the temple's true age, dating back to around the 14th century. Although Wat Lok Molee is located very central, it is just hidden out of the way meaning most tourists miss it, allowing it to enjoy a little more peace and tranquillity compared to some of the city’s other temples.

See more: Chiang Mai – pretty little town in Northern Thailand

Wat Chiang Man

Wat Chaing Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai (1296) and should not be missed on any temple tour. In this complex there are several beautiful things to discover. Particularly impressive are the 15 elephant figures on the base of the large chedi, the lotus pond, an old beautiful wooden library and the Ubosot.

In addition, there are two important statues in Wat Chiang Man, the Phra-Sila statue and the Crystal Buddha, which are hidden behind a lattice window. This temple is located in the northeast of the old city of Chiang Mai and a visit is highly recommended.

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The complete guide to Chiang Mai's Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai is a city filled with temples. As you explore the Old City you can’t walk more than a few feet without seeing one and they are all well worth your time as a traveler. But one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, the one that crowns the Doi Suthep mountain on the western outskirts of Chiang Mai, is definitely something that shouldn’t be missed. Planning a trip up the mountain to see the temple is a fairly easy endeavor from Chiang Mai and there are various ways to do it. No matter which option you choose, the views from the temple and the beauty of the surrounding area make for a worthwhile day trip from the city.

History

Suthep itself is a district of western Chiang Mai city and one that gets its name from the adjacent mountain (doi means mountain in northern Thai), and the temple on the summit—Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, is found on the mountainside. The mountain, plus neighbouring Doi Pui, form Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. In terms of the impressive temple, construction on Wat Doi Suthep began in 1386 and according to popular legend, the temple was built to hold a piece of bone from the Buddha’s shoulder.

One of those bones was mounted on a sacred white elephant (an important symbol in Thailand) who then climbed Doi Suthep mountain and stopped near the peak. After trumpeting three times, the elephant laid down and gently passed away in the jungle. The place where he lay is now the site of where Doi Suthep’s temple was founded.

How to get to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

There are several ways to get yourself up Doi Suthep to see Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, including renting a car, a motorbike or scooter if you’re an experienced rider, hiking, getting a ride in a red songthaew (red trucks that act as shared taxis all over Chiang Mai), hiring a songthaew for the duration of your trip, or by doing a guided tour.

Driving: If you decide to drive yourself (either via car or motorbike), you’ll be taking the 1004 (also called Huay Kaew Road) towards the Chiang Mai Zoo and passing Maya Mall en route. The route is a straight one, but the road itself has some curves, so anyone with minimal motorbike or scooter experience should consider alternate transportation. But if you have your international drivers licence and feel comfortable riding, this is a good DIY option up the mountain. Drive until the road finally widens and you see the crowds and flags in the trees.

Taking a songthaew: One of the most popular ways to get to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is via the many red songthaews that ply the streets of Chiang Mai. If you want to take one to the temple, they leave from Huay Kaew Road near the Zoo, costing 40 baht per person each way. Normally drivers wait for eight to 10 passengers before leaving.

You can also charter songthaews from anywhere in the city, which is a good option if you are traveling with a group. This should cost 300 THB for one way (as many people as you can fit), or 500 THB if you want the driver to wait at the top and bring you back down after visiting the temple.

Hiking: Anyone in the mood for some exercise can opt to hike up to the temple, via Suthep Road, past Chiang Mai University to find the start of the hike. When you see a green area, you'll notice some billboards and a sign reading “Nature Hike”. Turn right onto this narrow road, go straight for about 100 meters then take the first (and only) left. Follow the road to the trail head.

Once you get to the base of the temple, you have two options for getting up to it. You can walk up the 306 steps if you’re feeling energetic, or you can take funicular-style cable car, which runs from 6.00 am – 6.00 pm. The fee is 20 THB for Thais and 50 THB for foreigners.

Layout

Once you’re up the mountain (via whatever method you’ve chosen), you’ll see a large cluster of souvenir stands and stalls selling food and drinks before you head up to the temple. Grab a snack if you’re hungry, and then it’s time to climb the 306-step staircase (or take the funicular). The staircase is flanked by beautiful jeweled naga (ornate serpents) and as you walk, the majestic staircase is a great spot to take pictures.

The terrace at the top of the steps is where you’ll find a statue of the white elephant that (as legend has it) carried the Buddha relic to its resting place on the temple grounds. This is also where you’ll find various other shrines and monuments to explore. The temple is split into outer and inner terraces and steps lead to the inner terrace where there is a walkway around the golden Chedi (shrine) enshrining the relic. The grounds are lush and peaceful and there are many spots for good photo ops or just simple quiet contemplation.

What to Expect

Plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring the temple and surrounding area and if you have more time, there’s the option to hike various trails and swim in waterfalls in the national park that is home to the temple. Entrance to the temple costs 50 THB per person and as you’re planning your trip, remember that dress needs to be respectable, meaning modest and shoulders and knees should be covered. If you forget, wraps are available if needed. You’ll also need to remove your shoes upon entering the temple.

Something else to remember is that Wat Phra That Doi Suthep can get very busy, so if you can, try to time your visit for as early as possible during the day. Otherwise, a day trip to the temple makes for a refreshing and culturally interesting day (or half-day) excursion from Chiang Mai.

Highlights

It’s no secret that Chiang Mai is home to many temples, which you may have seen several of on a visit to the Northern Thai city. But even if you’ve had your fill of temples (or think you’ve seen them all), planning a trip to see Wat Doi Suthep is worth your time, even if just for the photo-worthy views.

In addition to those aforementioned views, the golden, gleaming temple itself is a highlight, but don’t rush your visit. There’s something beautiful to see at every turn.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple also houses a meditation center, where both locals and visitors can learn and practice meditation.

Read more: Take a trip to Northern Thailand

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