15 Best Temples in Chiang Mai to Visit When in Thailand

Chiang Mai is a temple lover’s paradise, home to some of the most breathtaking Buddhist temples in Thailand. As I’ve explored this ancient city, I’ve discovered that each Chiang Mai temple has its own unique story, stunning architecture, and deep spiritual significance.

From the golden stupas of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to the serene ruins of Wat Chedi Luang, the temples here offer a glimpse into centuries of Lanna history and Thai Buddhism.

Many visitors wonder, which temples in Chiang Mai are truly worth seeing? With over 300 temples scattered across the city and surrounding mountains, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why I’ve put together this expert guide to the most beautiful temples in Chiang Mai, covering their history, cultural importance, and why they should be on your Chiang Mai itinerary. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a chance to witness traditional monk chanting ceremonies, or simply want to admire intricate Lanna-style temples, I’ll help you find the best spots.

In this article, I’ll share insider tips on what makes each temple special, the best times to visit to avoid crowds, and how to respect Thai temple etiquette. If you’re planning a trip to northern Thailand, these must-visit Chiang Mai temples will leave you in awe. Let’s explore the sacred wonders of Chiang Mai.

How to behave in a Buddhist temple

When visiting temples in Thailand, you will have to follow certain rules of conduct out of respect for their culture. Therefore, you should keep these guidelines in mind before visiting any of the best temples in Chiang Mai:

Wear appropriate clothing : cover your legs below the knees and do not wear bare shoulders or low-cut tops.
Before entering the temple you must take off your shoes , although they can be worn in the rest of the complex.
One should not sit with the soles of one's feet facing a Buddha image.
In principle, it is permitted to take photos of Buddha images, unless specifically prohibited on signs.
In some temples women are not allowed to enter , it will be written on the signs at the entrance.

Best temples in Chiang Mai's historic center

There are hundreds of temples around Chiang Mai, of varying importance, but you will probably focus on those in the square bordered by the moat, in the old part of the city. Here are the best temples in the centre of Chiang Mai :

1. Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh Chiang Mai

It is the largest temple in Chiang Mai and the most prestigious, as it houses a highly revered 14th century image of Buddha: the Phra Singh Buddha , donated by the King of Sri Lanka and brought from Chiang Rai (although it is apparently not the original).

The temple dates back to 1345 (it is not the oldest) and the complex consists of the main temple where the image is kept, a large golden stupa built to protect the remains of an ancient king and various smaller shrines and auxiliary buildings, in one of which you can find a rather interesting statue of a reclining Buddha.

You can't miss a visit to this temple, especially if you happen to be there during Songkran (Thai New Year, in April).

Entrance: 50 baht to the main temple, free to the rest of the grounds

2. Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang Chiang Mai

The ruins of this enormous pagoda (or chedi) stand out in the centre of the historic city of Chiang Mai, even after partially collapsing in the earthquake of 1545. It was built in 1401 and originally stood 86 metres high . Its translation is “royal pagoda” and it was the official temple of the Lanna kings. In addition to its enormous size, the figures of elephants emerging from the base of the pagoda are also striking .

In the secondary temples of the complex there is also an image of a reclining Buddha and the so-called " City Column ", a pillar that was once used in fertility rites.

By the way, if you wake up today in the mood to talk, here you will find some very nice monks who will want to practice their English with you (" monk chats "), a good opportunity to learn more about them and monastic life.

Entrance: 50 baht

3. Wat Phan Tao

Wat Phan Tao temple Chiang Mai

Although it is not one of the most famous temples, it is worth visiting as it is next door to Wat Chedi Luang. It is from the same period as its neighbour, although its structure and teak roof , the most notable feature of this temple, are from the 19th century. The gilded carving of a large peacock above the main entrance is noteworthy (it was the symbol of the kings of Chiang Mai).

At the back of the temple you can walk along a walkway on bamboo poles making a milky sound, you will see a beautiful garden with a pond and the figure of a Buddha under a sacred tree that is more than 200 years old. It is one of our favorite temples.

Entrance: free

4. Wat Chiang Man

best temples in chiang mai wat chiang man

It is the oldest temple in the city , and is believed to have been built in the year Chiang Mai was founded, back in 1296. In fact, according to legend, it was the first home of King Mengrai while the city was being built.

Its main treasure is two ancient statues of Buddha ( Phra Sila, the 2,500-year-old marble Buddha, and Phra Satang Man , the 1,800-year-old crystal Buddha), which are kept in a cabinet in the secondary viharn on the right.

The oldest part of the temple is located behind the main temple and is the beautiful Chedi Chang Lom pagoda ("chedi among elephants"), with a square base on elephant statues and a gold-plated top. It is truly one of the most attractive pagodas in the city.

In the ubosot located to the left of the main temple, a 16th-century stone is preserved with an inscription in an ancient local language describing the creation of Chiang Mai and this temple.

Entrance: free

Things to do

5. Wat Inthakhin

Wat Inthakhin

Although it is not one of the most talked about, this small wooden temple surprises us every time we pass by it. It is known as Wat Muang Sadue (i.e. the temple of the navel of the city), and its official name refers to the "Column of the city", which was originally placed on the land where the temple is located.

It is about 700 years old and its highlights are the two nagas flanking the entrance staircase, the decoration of its interior and the two ancient brick pagodas at the back. It is located in a super central location and on that same street you can find local restaurants where you can eat cheap.

Entrance: free

6. Wat Lok Molee

Wat Lok Molee Chiang Mai

It is a temple that is rarely visited by tourists, as it is outside the walled enclosure (or rather, "coved"), right in the northern part, but to us it seems without a doubt one of the best temples in Chiang Mai.

There are typical elements of Thai Buddhist temples, none that stand out from other temples, but the complex itself is very interesting. The main viharn has a beautiful metal facade with stone inserts and behind it stands an ancient stupa from the 14th century .

The entrance to the enclosure is guarded by the statue of two enormous elephants and during the walk we can find some rare Hindu images in the corners of the garden.

Entrance: free

7. Wat Sri Suphan

Wat Sri Suphan

The so-called “ Silver Temple” because of its spectacular silver decoration throughout the main temple, both on the walls and roofs, as well as in the decoration and statues inside (the figures on the floor are a bit geeky…). It was built in a silversmiths’ district in 1500 and still houses silversmiths today. If you are a woman, stop reading here…

It has a spectacular interior ! But only men are allowed to enter… According to a Lanna precept, if women enter sacred places like this one they can damage the place or even themselves! It's amazing! Although just to see the exterior and the beautiful reliefs we recommend you come.

On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays they hold talks with the monks (with a 200THB donation), so if you're strolling through the Saturday Market, make sure to stop by this temple! Although it's worth visiting during the day to better appreciate all the little details.

Entrance: 50THB

Fun Things to do

8. Wat Buppharam

Wat Buppharam

Although it is not in the city centre, we put it in this group because it is on the way to the Night Market , so you will probably pass it if you are planning to buy some trinkets and souvenirs for the family. We have very fond memories of this temple, because it was from where we launched our first lantern into the sky during the Loi Krathong in 2011, helped by a group of very nice young monks!

It is especially interesting for its Burmese influence and for its enormous teak Buddha image in the main temple , the largest in this material in Thailand. Also cool are its mosaics , the exterior decoration in its garden with many representations of animals and some of Disney characters !

Entrance: 30THB

Take out IATI travel insurance with a 5% discount here . Whatever your destination, save yourself trouble and don't take any chances.

Best temples outside Chiang Mai

We cannot forget some temples that are located outside the historic city of Chiang Mai but are equally or more impressive than the others. Rent a scooter for a couple of days and spend time at these wonders. These are the best temples in Chiang Mai outside :

9. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

This is the most famous temple in Chiang Mai . It is located 18 km from the city on the slopes of Mount Suthep, on the site where the elephant carrying Buddha's relics lay down to take its last breath in 1383, a sign indicating the perfect place to build the temple.

To get there you can take a songthaew for 50 baht (although they may ask for more, try to negotiate) or by motorbike. From the parking lot you will have to climb a steep staircase of about 300 steps flanked by two enormous nagas (the longest in all of Thailand).

Once at the top, the most important part of the temple is the 24-metre Chedi, completely covered in gold , one of the most sacred places in the country and a destination for many pilgrims. There is also a replica of the Emerald Buddha and other sacred images.

Heading towards the terrace you will pass a set of bells, ring them for good luck, and further on you will have splendid views of Chiang Mai (if the day is good, of course!).

Entrance: 30 baht

10. Wat Umong

Wat Umong Chiang Mai

“The Tunnel Temple” This little-known ancient temple in a forest outside Chiang Mai is a hidden treasure. King Mengrai built it in 1297 for a respected monk who lived away from the hustle and bustle of the forest.

But there is something that makes it special… when you arrive you will see a sign that indicates the “ tunnels ”… That’s right, the fact is that the king also ordered the construction of a series of tunnels that connected the temple grounds with the forest so that the poor monk, who was already completely senile, would not get lost for days.

In addition to these tunnels, which you can walk through (remember to take off your shoes to enter as it is a place of worship), there is a magnificent, perfectly preserved pagoda and a collection of Buddhist statues placed in the exterior gardens.

If you want to spend some quality time, reconnect with nature and breathe peace, this is your place. And if you want to go further and join a spiritual retreat lasting several days, this is also your place! Take advantage of your visit to visit Baan Kang Wat .

Entrance: free

11. Wat Ched Yot

Wat Ched Yot temple

Wow! That's how we stood when we entered and saw this temple, with our mouths wide open. The fact is that we had passed by the intersection where it is located dozens of times, near the Maya shopping center. We live just 500 meters from the temple but it was not until our fourth week in Chiag Mai that we decided to visit it. And it was totally worth it.

Its translation would be " The temple of the 7 towers ", and as you can guess, what draws attention is its enormous pagoda with seven towers rising from its base, richly decorated with Lanna-style reliefs, some very well preserved. You can enter the interior of the pagoda, where there is a statue of Buddha.

This temple is modeled after the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya , India, where the Buddha found enlightenment. The seven towers represent the seven weeks that the master spent in meditation at that place.

The rest of the grounds are a very nice garden with another beautiful pagoda, a sacred tree and a very well decorated ubosot . By the way, don't be surprised to see a huge number of snakes (fake ones, eh?), it is a temple intended for the pilgrimage of those born in the year of the snake.

Entrance: free

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12. Wat Chedi Liam

Wat Chedi Liam Thailand

This is the main temple in the Wiang Kum Kam Historical Park , south of Chiang Mai. Its pyramidal shape makes it unique. In addition to this temple, you can enjoy a pleasant walk through the ruins of the rest of the complex, which was the capital of the Lanna kingdom before it moved to Chiang Mai.

Entrance: free

13. Wat Suan Dok

Wat Suan Dok Chiang Mai

The origin of this temple is linked to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, let's see why. In the 14th century, the construction of Wat Suan Dok began with the idea of housing a relic of Buddha , a bone that the Sukhothai monk Sumana Thera discovered after having a vision. When the time came to deposit the relic, it miraculously split into two pieces (come on, someone gave it a shake and broke it): a smaller one, which would stay here according to the original plan, and a larger one, which would be placed on the back of the elephant that pulled it towards the mountain (the origin of the location of the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple).

The fundamental elements of this temple are the 48-metre-high stupa which, in theory, houses the relic of Buddha, the main hall or viharn and the ubosot (more recent), with several images of Buddha inside (measure the fingers of the one in the ubosot , and see what they tell you...), and a set of smaller white stupas where the remains of the members of the royal family of Chiang Mai were deposited.

It is a beautiful temple in the Nimman area . If you decide to visit it, we recommend stopping by the “Hana Zono Cafe” for a coffee afterwards.

Entrance: 20 baht

14. Wat Phra That Doi Kham

Wat Phra That Doi Kham temple

Also known as the “Giant Buddha Temple ”, you can guess why. The 17-metre-high Buddha statue is the symbol of this temple, although there are other interesting buildings throughout the complex. Perhaps the best thing of all is the viewing platform with panoramic views of Chiang Mai.

The temple is located quite far from the center, on Doi Kham hill, perhaps this is the reason why it is one of the least visited by tourists, so it is best to arrive by motorbike.

Entrance: free

15. Wat Pha Lat

Wat Pha Lat temple in Chiang Mai

This is a hidden treasure in the middle of the jungle but just a short distance from Chiang Mai. When I visited it with my friend Moha they were packing up all their filming gear after filming an episode of one of the most popular series in Thailand. It's a shame we didn't get there in time to be extras! The natural surroundings of this temple make it almost like something out of a fairy tale!

The history of this temple is peculiar. Searching on the internet, it dates back to 1935, but speaking to a monk, he told us that it is much older and that it was built to provide accommodation for pilgrims heading to the Doi Suthep Temple , a little further up. What is clear is that it is one of the most impressive places we visited in Chiang Mai.

You can get there by motorbike along the road to Doi Suthep, although we recommend walking along the " monk's path ", a winding path that climbs from the vicinity of the university through the hill.

→ This was our visit to Wat Pha Lat temple in Chiang Mai

Entrance: free

Map of the best temples in Chiang Mai

Below is a map with the location of the best temples in Chiang Mai, so you can organize your visits and prepare a beautiful temple route:

You know, take advantage of your visit to Chiang Mai to learn more about the culture and religion in Thailand with a route through the best temples in the city . What are the best and most beautiful temples in Chiang Mai for you?

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