Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is one of the holiest Buddhist Temples in Northern Thailand. Its location overlooks Chiang Mai City from the mountain slopes.
Chiang Mai Temples
Chiang Mai is home to hundreds of Buddhist temples, from famous mountain sanctuaries and major Old City monasteries to quieter neighbourhood wats with strong local significance. The current Chiang Mai Travel Hub temple inventory includes Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and many other temples across Chiang Mai and the wider north.
The strongest visitor experience comes from combining the major temples with smaller historic sites. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the city’s best-known mountain temple, Wat Chedi Luang is famous for its enormous ruined chedi, and Wat Phra Singh remains one of the Old City’s most important active monasteries.
Explore Chiang Mai Temples
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – Visit Chiang Mai’s landmark mountain temple for its gilded chedi, religious importance and elevated setting above the city.
- Wat Chedi Luang – Explore one of the Old City’s most important temple complexes, centred on a huge partially ruined historic chedi.
- Wat Phra Singh – See elegant Lanna architecture, historic murals and the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image in this active monastery.
- Old City temples – Walk between major and smaller temples within Chiang Mai’s moat, where many important sites are close together.
- Mountain and regional temples – Go beyond the centre to discover temples on Doi Suthep and across northern Thailand, where religious sites are often closely tied to mountain landscapes and local pilgrimage traditions.
Browse the listings below to discover Chiang Mai temples, Buddhist landmarks and historic religious sites across the city and northern Thailand.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai
Wat Chedi Luang
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Chedi Luang is one of the many Buddhist temples that dot Chiang Mai City, and which seeks to direct devout locals and foreigners to enlightenment.
Wat Phra Singh
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Phra Singh ranks as one of the most revered temples in the northern parts of Thailand. Consequently, it attracts visitors from all over the world.
Wat Rong Khun
Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang RaiWat Rong Khun is not the typical Buddhist temple. Popularly known as the White Temple, this unique sanctuary is the highlight of temple tours in Chiang Rai.
Wat Phra Kaew
Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiWat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai is closely associated with the discovery of the Emerald Buddha, one of Thailand’s most revered religious images. The original is now in Bangkok, but this quieter temple preserves the...
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiSacred Heart Cathedral is the principal Roman Catholic church of the Diocese of Chiang Mai. It stands on Charoen Prathet Road in Chang Khlan, southeast of the Old City, and serves a living parish community as well as...
Wat Phra Singh
Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiWat Phra Singh is a historic Buddhist temple in central Chiang Rai, known for its Lanna architecture and association with the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image. Layered roofs, carved wooden decoration and a golden chedi...
Wat Chiang Man
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Chiang Man stands out as one of Chiang Mai’s most remarkable temples simply because it is the oldest Wat in the city, yet still stands strong.
Wat Suan Dok
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Suan Dok is believed to have been constructed in the 14th century under the reign of King Keu Na who ruled over the ancient Lanna Kingdom.
Wat Phan Tao
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Pan Tao is a small but very interesting temple, especially for visitors who are thrilled by Thailand’s unique heritage and religious framework.
Wat Umong
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Umong, in full, Wat Umong Suan Puthatham, is an old temple nestled in Chiang Mai in the northern parts of Thailand. Locals also refer to it as Oomong.
Wat Pha Lat
Su Thep, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Pha Lat is a forest temple on the slopes of Doi Suthep, below Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Shrines, a chedi, shaded paths and a small cascade sit among trees and rocks, giving the temple a close connection with the...
Wat Huay Pla Kang
Rimkok, Mueang Chiang RaiWat Huay Pla Kang is a large Buddhist temple complex north-west of Chiang Rai, combining Lanna and Chinese design with three very different landmarks. Its nine-storey pagoda, white ordination hall and enormous white...
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
Lampang Luang, Ko KhaWat Phra That Lampang Luang is one of northern Thailand’s most rewarding places to look closely at Lanna temple architecture. Its walled compound sits on a raised mound in Ko Kha district, outside Lampang, with...
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Phra That Doi Kham is a spectacular temple located on the lush mountain slopes just close to Chiang Mai town. It is a popular tourist attraction too.
Wat Ram Poeng
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Ram Poeng, also known as Tapotaram, is a meditation retreat for visitors who would like to tap into the power of meditation during their travels.
Wiang Kum Kam
Tha Wang Tan, SaraphiWiang Kum Kam is an ancient settlement of historical importance in Thailand as it is not just a rich archaeological site, but also a popular attraction.
Wat Chetawan
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Mahawan is a must-visit prime tourist attraction located close to the old walled city of Chiang Mai, right next to the popular Tha Phae Gate.
Wat Lok Molee
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Lok Molee, also known as Wat Lok Moli, is a temple located in the old Chiang Mai city, just about half a kilometre from the famous Chang Phuak gate.
Wat Chet Yot
Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Chet Yot, also known to the locals as Wat Jed Yod, is a beautiful temple nestled in Chiang Mai’s serene surroundings, and a popular tourist attraction.
Baan Dam Museum
Nang Lae, Mueang Chiang RaiBaan Dam Museum, often called the Black House Museum, is an art and architectural complex in Nang Lae, north of Chiang Rai. Created by Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, it brings together dark timber buildings, paintings...
Wat Rong Suea Ten
Rim Kok, Mueang Chiang RaiWat Rong Suea Ten, better known as the Blue Temple, is one of Chiang Rai’s most distinctive contemporary temples. Deep blue surfaces, gold ornament and sculptural guardians create a dramatic exterior, while the...
Wat Chai Si Phum
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Chai Si Phum is a community Buddhist temple on Wichayanon Road near the northeastern corner of Chiang Mai’s Old City moat. Its gilded façade, carved gable and naga stairway ornament give it a distinctive...
Wat Chiang Yuen
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Chiang Yuen stands just outside the northern side of Chiang Mai’s Old City, on Manee Nopparat Road. Its white-and-gold chedi, lion guardians and Burmese-influenced buildings give it a distinctive place on a...
Wat Chomphu
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Chomphu is a neighbourhood Buddhist temple tucked into the Chang Moi streets just outside Chiang Mai’s eastern moat. Its golden chedi is the main visual landmark, rising above a compact compound surrounded by...
Wat Ou Sai Kham
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Ou Sai Kham is a small temple on Chang Moi Kao Road, just outside Chiang Mai’s Old City near Tha Phae Gate. Jade Buddha images are its defining feature, accompanied by a decorated prayer hall, a scripture...
Wat Sai Moon Myanmar
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Sai Moon Myanmar is a Burmese Buddhist temple near the southeastern corner of Chiang Mai’s Old City moat. Its decorated entrance, Burmese-style religious imagery and active Myanmar community give it a...
Wat Puak Hong
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Puak Hong is a small Buddhist temple in the south-western part of Chiang Mai’s Old City. Its unusual round, stepped chedi gives it a distinctive place among the city’s temples, making it a worthwhile...
Wat Prasat
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Prasat is a small historic temple in Chiang Mai’s Old City, just north of Wat Phra Singh. Its timber worship hall, carved decoration and unusual relationship between the main hall and chedi make it a rewarding...
Wat Duang Dee
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Duang Dee is a compact temple on Phra Pok Klao Road in Chiang Mai’s Old City, close to the Three Kings Monument. Its name is commonly translated as ‘Good Luck Temple’, and its mix of worship halls...
Wat Dab Pai
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Dab Pai is a small Buddhist temple on Singharat Road in the north-western part of Chiang Mai’s Old City. Its decorated halls, naga stairways and sacred well make it a worthwhile short stop when exploring the...
Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong
Ban Luang, Chom ThongWat Chom Tong is a beautiful temple nestled about 60kms to the south of Chiang Mai. The temple is also referred to as the Chom Tong Meditation Center.
Wat Ku Tao
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Ku Tao is an outstanding temple whose ancient roots and rich history make it a treasured travel destination for Thais as well as international tourists.
Wat Srisuphan
Hai Ya, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Sri Suphan, also known as the silver temple, is located close to the Wualai Street Market. This makes it a must-visit tourist attraction in Chiang Mai.
Ban Ho Mosque
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiBan Ho Mosque, also known as Ban Haw Mosque or Masjid Hidayatul Islam, is an active place of Muslim worship near Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar. It reflects the city’s Yunnanese Muslim heritage and provides a...
Wat Bupparam
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Bupparam is a Buddhist temple on Tha Phae Road, east of Chiang Mai’s Old City. Its elaborate two-storey hall, murals and Burmese-style chedi make it a rewarding stop on the walk between Tha Phae Gate and the...
Wat Chai Mongkhon
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Chai Mongkhon is a Buddhist temple on Charoen Prathet Road beside Chiang Mai’s Ping River. It sits east of the Old City on the river’s west bank, providing a quieter religious stop within the busy Chang...
Wat Chedi Liam
Tha Wang Tan, SaraphiWat Chedi Liam stands in Wiang Kum Kam, the historic settlement south of Chiang Mai, with a square, tiered chedi that looks strikingly different from the rounded stupas of many city temples. Rows of standing Buddha...
Wat Fa Ham
Fa Ham, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Fa Ham is a neighbourhood temple on Charoen Rat Road in Fa Ham, on the eastern side of Chiang Mai’s Ping River. It is a compact stop whose interest lies in the detail of its halls, shrine buildings and chedi...
Wat Mahawan
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Mahawan is a temple on Tha Phae Road just east of Chiang Mai’s Old City. Lanna worship halls stand alongside Burmese-style buildings and a white chedi, making it an interesting stop for visitors who enjoy...
What are the best temples to visit in Chiang Mai?
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are three of the best-known choices, while the Old City also contains many smaller historic temples within easy walking distance.
What is the most famous temple in Chiang Mai?
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is generally regarded as Chiang Mai's signature temple, with a gilded chedi, major religious importance and a mountain setting overlooking the city.
Which temples are in Chiang Mai Old City?
Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are among the most important Old City temples, with many additional monasteries and historic religious sites spread throughout the walled centre.
What should I wear when visiting temples in Chiang Mai?
Visitors should dress respectfully, with shoulders and knees covered at active Buddhist temples. Shoes are usually removed before entering certain shrine buildings, and quiet, respectful behaviour is expected around worshippers and monks.