7 Recommended Temples in Chiang Mai: From Classics to Hidden Gems
チェンマイ坂田
It's no exaggeration to say that Chiang Mai's charm as an ancient capital lies in its old, storied temples. Its beautiful temples convey a rich history and culture to this day.
At the same time, many people feel: "Chiang Mai has so many temples, I don't know which to visit."
For them, this article introduces 7 temples handpicked by a Chiang Mai local! (In Thai, a temple is called a "wat.")
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① Doi Suthep
Wat Doi Suthep is one of Chiang Mai's most important temples, sitting atop Doi Suthep mountain at 1,080 m. It's such a landmark that people say, "You haven't really visited Chiang Mai unless you've paid respects at Doi Suthep."
Doi Suthep was founded over 650 years ago by King Kuena, who ruled the Lanna dynasty.
To reach the main hall, you climb a 306-step stairway watched over on both sides by nagas (serpent deities). (A cable car is also available.)
At the top of the stairs awaits a golden stupa about 22 m tall! It enshrines Buddha relics and draws the deep devotion of many.
From the terrace you can see all of Chiang Mai city, earning it the name "temple in the sky." Greeting the first sunrise of the new year here is also recommended.
For more on Doi Suthep, see here.
ManiTabi 
| English name | Wat Phra That Doi Suthep |
| Hours | 5:00–20:00 (the paid cable car runs from about 05:30 to 20:00) |
| Admission | 30 THB (cable car 50 THB per person) |
| Access | About 45 min by car from Chiang Mai Old Town |
② Wat Pha Lat
Wat Pha Lat is a mystical temple tucked quietly away in the mountains of Chiang Mai.
Founded in 1383 by King Kuena of the Lanna Thai dynasty, this temple's name means "temple on the rock of the slope." It sits partway up the road to Doi Suthep, so visiting it together with Doi Suthep is recommended.
The moss-covered Burmese-style stupa deep in the grounds gives off an atmosphere like a scene from a Ghibli film.
Do savor the mystical, green-shrouded atmosphere you won't find at other temples.
It used to be a hidden gem with few visitors, but lately it's grown popular, mainly with Western tourists. When it's crowded, the temple's precious tranquility is lost, so going early in the morning when it's quiet is recommended.
| English name | Wat Pha Lat |
| Hours | 6:00～18:00 |
| Admission | Free |
| Access | About 30 min by car from Chiang Mai Old Town |
③ Wat Phra Singh
Wat Phra Singh, considered the most prestigious temple in Chiang Mai, strongly preserves the Lanna culture nurtured in northern Thailand.
This temple was founded in 1345 by King Phayu, the fifth king of the Lanna dynasty. It is the largest temple in Chiang Mai's Old Town.
The main hall and the Lai Kham chapel on the grounds hold the Phra Singh Buddha image, delicate wood carvings, and Lanna-style murals, drawing devotion.
Rather than the morning, visiting in the evening when it's lit up is also recommended.
| English name | Wat Phra Sing |
| Hours | 7:00～22:00 |
| Admission | Free |
| Access | Central Chiang Mai Old Town |
④ Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang sits at the heart of Chiang Mai's Old Town, and its magnificent 42 m stupa is breathtaking.
It was founded in 1391 by King Saen Muang Ma of the Mangrai dynasty.
Beside the stairway leading up to the stupa are carvings of five-headed nagas. Other highlights include the Lanna-architecture main hall.
Beyond the main hall, the reclining Buddha is also striking.
Wat Chedi Luang is best visited at night when it's lit up!
| English name | Wat Chedi Luang |
| Hours | 5:00～22:00 |
| Admission | 50 THB for foreigners |
| Access | Central Chiang Mai Old Town |
⑤ Wat Suan Dok
Wat Suan Dok, whose name translates to "flower garden temple," is a beautiful Chiang Mai temple.
It was founded in 1383 by King Kuena, the sixth king of the Lanna Thai dynasty.
The central golden stupa is a Sri Lankan-style stupa standing 48 m tall. It enshrines Buddha relics.
The main hall, too, is impressively built.
| English name | Wat Suan Dok (Wat Bubharam) |
| Hours | 6:00～21:00 |
| Admission | Free |
| Access | About 5 min by car from Chiang Mai Old Town |
⑥ Wat Sri Suphan
Wat Sri Suphan is Chiang Mai's "Silver Temple." Said to be the world's first temple made of silver, it's known for its beautiful silverwork.
Founded in 1500 during the reign of King Muang Kaeo of the Mangrai dynasty, it was renovated in 2008 by silversmiths into its current all-silver beauty.
Fine silverwork adorns the inside of the main hall too; the more you look, the more you sense the artisans' skill. (Women are not permitted to enter the main hall.)
Visiting at night when it's lit up offers a solemn atmosphere different from daytime, and is recommended.
| English name | Wat Sri Suphan |
| Hours | 7:00～18:00 *1 |
| Admission | 50 THB |
| Access | 5 min by car south of Chiang Mai Old Town |
*1: After 18:00 you can't enter the main hall, but the grounds are still open.
⑦ Wat Umong
Known as the "temple of caves," this mystical place is one of Chiang Mai's most unique and historic temples.
It was founded in 1297 by King Mangrai, the founder of the Lanna dynasty. Surrounded at first by bamboo groves, it was called "Wat Wela Kataram."
Later, during the reign of King Kuena, the sixth king of the Lanna dynasty, caves were built and it was named "Umong" ("cave" in Thai). These caves were used for meditation practice.
An underground tunnel with multiple entrances is a signature of the temple, dug so that practicing monks could immerse themselves in meditation.
With its historical background and harmony with nature, this temple lets visitors experience Chiang Mai's quiet and peace. It's especially recommended for those interested in history or seeking peace of mind.
| English name | Wat Umong |
| Hours | 5:00～20:00 |
| Admission | Free |
| Access | Central Chiang Mai Old Town |
| HP | Temple website |
Summary and temple map
Here's how the temples introduced today are located.
＜7 recommended temples in Chiang Mai＞
① Doi Suthep (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep)
② Wat Pha Lat (Wat Pha Lat)
③ Wat Phra Singh (Wat Phra Sing)
④ Wat Chedi Luang (Wat Chedi Luang)
⑤ Wat Suan Dok (Wat Suan Dok)
⑥ Wat Sri Suphan (Wat Sri Suphan)
⑦ Wat Umong (Wat Umong)
Touring Chiang Mai's temples offers more than just pretty photos. Give yourself a little extra time, head to a temple, and close your eyes in the calm. You should feel Chiang Mai's culture and spirit more deeply.
Visit a variety of temples and find your favorite. I'd be glad if this article becomes your first step toward Chiang Mai.
