Top Temples in Chiang Mai

While on one of my tours a couple that I was chatting with said, once you have seen 10 you have seen them all. To be honest, I don’t agree. Each temple brings its own specialness, whether it be different colors, young, old or the way each does its ceremonies. 

Chiang Mai located in the northern part of Thailand is home to over 100 temples. So which ones should you visit? After visiting around 40. here is a list of the ones that I personal fell in love with.

Wat Umong

Wat Umong located just outside the city set in a tranquil forest. This temple was built in 1297 by King Mangrai of the Lan Na dynasty. What I love the most was the talking trees, with words of Wisdom in Thai and English. You can also venture through the underground tunnels and walk around the Chedi. The grounds here are beautiful.

How to get here: From the city center take Suthep Rd West out to the 121 it is west of that but to be honest you will want to hire a cab to get out here as most of the roads are not named in this area.

Wat Suan Dok

Wat Suan Dok is the White temple of Chiang Mai. This is a stunning temple to visit if you want to see a white temple but can’t make the journey to Chiang Rai. It houses a gold Chedi and was built in the centre of Wiang Suan Dok, home of the Lawa people.
How to get here: Located just 1 km from town it is a nice easy walk. Take Suthep Rd west from the city center about 1km you will see faculty of destistry Chiang Mai university on the right side and the temple will be on your left.
How to get here: 103 Prapokkloa Rd, at the center of the Old City.

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang is one of the more popular temples in the city center. This temple took a century to build, as it was started by King Saen Muang Ma in the 14th century as a place to bury his father. It was then finished during the reign of King Tilokarj mid 15th century. 

Wat Phan Tao

Wat Phan Tao is a must visit during the Loy Krathrong and Yi Peng festival. Arrive early as you will want a good standing spot. I was here about an hour before it started and had a great view. The ceremony starts with younger monks placing the candles around the water and on the water. A short time after they come out and light them and then the older monks come out with chants. This was a must visit during my time here and it did not disappoint.

How to get here: 127/7 Prapokkloa Rd this is located in the center of the Old City

Visit here for the Lantern Festival guide

 

Wat Mahawan

Wat Mahawan is located just 300 m outside the Old city not far from the gate. You can find shade on these beautiful grounds and a relaxing massage.

How to get here: From the Tha Phae Gate walk east 2 streets up on your right hand side.

Doi Suthep

Doi Suthep is the most popluar Temple to visit while in Chiang Mai. Now yes this is a high traffic tourist attraction and some may say because of that they don’t want to visit. Please do, it is filled with tourists for a reason. This place is stunning and the views are spectacular. Take your time to walk around there is so much to see so allow yourself a few hours at least.

How to get here: There are buses you can take as well as tours from your hotel. I would suggest getting a driver for the day to see here and you can have them also stop at a few other places in this area. We went to visit the Hmong Village the palace and a few temples and it was about 1500 baht (65 CDN) each for about 6 hours worth.

My adventure in Chiang Mai

Looking for more things to do while visiting this amazing city, check out my adventures.