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 is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Rai and was built sometime in the 14th Century. The date of construction of the temple is unknown, but the original name was “Wat Pa Yeah” (Bamboo Forest...
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiSacred Heart Cathedral is the principal Roman Catholic church of the Diocese of Chiang Mai, located on Charoen Prathet Road in the Chang Khlan district southeast of the Old City. It serves an active Catholic community...
Wat Phra Singh
Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiWat Phra Singh Chiang Rai one of the oldest temples in Chiang Rai, having been built by the Lanna people in 1385. The temple is located right in the centre of town, just 1km north of the popular Night Bazaar and is easy...
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 one of the most magical temples in Chiang Mai. That’s because unlike others, it’s nestled in the lush forests and you’ll have to take a short but rewarding hike to get there. Unlike...
Wat Huay Pla Kang
Rimkok, Mueang Chiang RaiWat Huay Pla Kang is a famous temple just outside the city centre of Chiang Rai; one of the most popular, and frequently visited temples by both tourists and locals. It gets its name from the 9-storied pagoda which...
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
Lampang Luang, Ko KhaWat Phra That Lampang Luang is a temple that was founded in the 13th century and some buildings were constructed in the 15th century. The temple was built in honour of Buddha who it is said visited the site 2,500 years...
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Suthep, 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 RaiThe Baan Dam Museum (also known as the Chiang Rai Black Temple or Black House Museum) is a museum and gallery that was home to the renowned Thai artist, Thawan Duchanee. The attraction isn’t actually a temple per...
Wat Rong Suea Ten
Rim Kok, Mueang Chiang RaiWat Rong Suea Ten Temple (also known as the Blue Temple) is a little known temple located just north of the Kok River in Chiang Rai. Wat Rong Suea Ten, Blue Temple Dress Code, Chiang Rai Built in 2005, the temple takes...
Wat Chai Si Phum
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Wat Chai Si Phum is a beautiful historic temple located on the edge of Chiang Mai’s old city. It’s most famous feature is the stunning, intricately carved golden facade. Although it’s one of the...
Wat Chiang Yuen
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Chiang Yuen is a unique 16th-century temple in an area of Chiang Mai, which served as the residential area of the Shan people in the past. Also known as the ‘Temple of Long Life’, it is widely believed...
Wat Chomphu
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Chomphu is a lovely Buddhist temple found just outside the Old City of Chiang Mai. This temple is famous for its intricate golden chedi (which can be seen in many other wats), although this one is worth visiting for...
Wat Ou Sai Kham
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Ou Sai Kham is a small Buddhist temple located just outside the historic walled town centre in Chiang Mai. Also known as The Temple of Golden Sand, the temple features a viharn, a Ho Trai scripture library, an...
Wat Sai Moon Myanmar
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Sai Moon Myanmar is a colourful historic Burmese temple located in the old city of Chiang Mai. It was built by the Burmese king Bayinnaung after he successfully conquered Chiang Mai back in 1558, so don’t mind...
Wat Puak Hong
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Wat Puak Hong is an ancient temple located on Samlan Soi 7 in Chiang Mai. The temple’s origins are unknown, but it is assumed that it was erected sometime during the 16th or 17th century, with its name meaning...
Wat Prasat
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Prasat is a stunning, unique temple complex in Chiang Mai. Located within the old walled city, the temple is right across the equally famous Wat Phra Singh. The ancient temple was erected sometime during the end of...
Wat Duang Dee
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Duang Dee is an early 16th-century temple in Chiang Mai; located on Phra Pok Klao Road in the heart of the old walled city. The temple’s name translates to ‘Good Luck Temple’, and features an...
Wat Dab Pai
Si Phum, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Wat Dab Pai is a small temple located in the north-western corner of Chiang Mai’s old walled city. It is known as the temple that can end suffering, although in the past it was called Wat A-Pai, after a monk...
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
Chang Phueak, 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 MaiThe Ban Ho Mosque is an iconic mosque located near the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. It is revered for being one of the largest mosques in Chiang Mai, and it is also one of the only 7 mosques in the whole province. The...
Wat Bupparam
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Wat Bupparam is a famous temple in Chiang Mai. Ornate dacor and evident Burmese influences are what set this temple apart from the others. It’s one of the most frequently visited temples here, found on Thapae...
Wat Chai Mongkhon
Chang Khlan, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Chai Mongkhon is an impressive Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai. It’s one of the top temples to visit in the area and is steeped in a rich, colourful history. The temple has numerous exciting details to discover...
Wat Chedi Liam
Pa Daet, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Wat Chedi Liam is one of Chiang Mai’s most beautiful temples. Also known as the Chedi Ku Kham, this magnificent 13th-century Buddhist temple was built by King Mengrai of back when Chiang Mai was part of the...
Wat Fa Ham
Wat Ket, Mueang Chiang MaiThe Wat Fa Ham is a beautiful temple found on the eastern banks of the Maenam Ping river in Chiang Mai. Although small, this temple is one of the most intricately adorned, and features numerous interesting little...
Wat Mahawan
Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang MaiWat Mahawan is a beautiful temple designed with Lanna and Burmese influences. Located just outside the old walled city of Chiang Mai, this temple features many incredible, intricate carvings of mythical creatures. Wat...
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.
