Sept 21, 2022

It's impossible to spend time in Chiang Mai without visiting some of its many Buddhist temples. Since the city is home to hundreds of them, we're sharing our personal favorites. Discover the 5 most beautiful temples of Chiang Mai you absolutely must see!

1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai, for several reasons. Not only does this remarkable structure showcase its splendor from an architectural perspective (with its chedis, statues, gardens, and mural frescoes…) but the setting is truly exceptional!

Located about fifteen kilometers from the city center, this temple clings to a mountain (the Doi Suthep mountain range) at an elevation of 1,073 meters. It thus offers magnificent panoramic views of the city and a particularly special atmosphere that invites contemplation and meditation… It's no wonder that Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most renowned places of worship in the region and therefore an essential site for any visit to Chiang Mai.

For your information, the temple is not solely a place of prayer and pilgrimage. It's also a meditation center where visitors can learn and practice meditation in the company of monks.

Practical Information

Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: 50 baht
Address: 9 หมู่ที่ 9 Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Accessible via stairs or by cable car (fee required)

2. Wat Sri Suphan

Better known as the "Silver Temple," Wat Sri Suphan is a Buddhist temple that stands among the most beautiful reinterpretations of Lanna art. Built in the 16th century, this temple is located south of Chiang Mai's old town in the former silversmiths' quarter. This is what sets it apart from other temples—its architecture is essentially based on silverwork. Even today, you can watch artisans at work and even participate in silversmithing workshops (fee required and by reservation).

Beyond visiting the temple, guests can participate in "monk chats"—exchange sessions with monks where you can learn more about the temple's history, the daily lives of monks, and Chiang Mai residents. Meditation sessions are also available to visitors.

Practical Information

Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: 50 baht
Address: Wua Lai Rd, Tambon Hai Ya, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

Note: Women are not permitted inside the temple's inner sanctum.

3. Wat Chedi Luang

Located in Chiang Mai's historic center, Wat Chedi Luang is one of the city's most popular temples and one of its most important. It is particularly renowned for its impressive stupa, built in the 14th century and rising to a height of 82 meters. Towering above all the buildings in the old city, it was once, at the time of its completion, the tallest monument in all of Lanna! It remains today the city's tallest stupa, hence its name, which can be translated from Sanskrit as "temple of the great stupa."

Although the temple is in a state of ruin due to the Burmese invasion and the earthquake that occurred in the 15th century, and despite renovations in the 1990s, many consider it one of the most beautiful temples in Chiang Mai. We recommend visiting in the late afternoon when its façade glows in sublime golden and ochre hues beneath the sun's final rays…

As in many temples, it's possible to participate in "monk chats" during which visitors can converse with monks.

Practical Information

Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: 40 baht
Address: 03 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

4. Wat Umong

Head west to the city's outskirts to discover another must-see temple in Chiang Mai: Wat Umong. This temple too benefits from an exceptional setting, nestled in the heart of a forest. Built in 1297, this temple is notable for containing tunnels where you'll discover magnificent mural frescoes that reveal more about the site's history.

Beyond exploring the temple, its underground passages, and its natural surroundings, visitors are invited to learn meditation. Indeed, since renovation work in 1948, Wat Umong has become a meditation center open to the general public.

Practical Information

Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Address: 135 หมู่ที่ 10 Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

5. Wat Chiang Man

We close with a temple of considerable importance—Chiang Mai's oldest. Located northeast within the old city, Wat Chiang Man was constructed in the 13th century under the command of King Mengrai, the founder of the Kingdom of Lanna.

Here you'll find two revered Buddha statues: Phra Sila, a representation of Buddha seated in marble created in the 10th century, and Phra Satang Man, a crystal Buddha representation estimated to date from the 2nd century. Visitors can also admire a magnificent stupa surrounded by elephant sculptures.

Practical Information

Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Address: 171 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by a desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, listen, and understand. Because for her, travel isn't about ticking countries off a map, but about weaving connections—often invisible yet always powerful—with places, peoples, and all manner of creatures. Her philosophy? Advise travelers with integrity, awaken their consciousness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble, sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a path, in the course of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to truly listen to…