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
As a very religious Buddhist country, Thailand literally has thousands of temples, with hundreds of them in and around Chiang Mai.
Temples (known as “Wats”) are one of the most popular tourist attractions whilst visiting Chiang Mai, with many temples hundreds of years old.
Best Temples in the Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai & Pai, Thailand Map
The most prominent of all Chiang Mai Temples Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Located at the peak of Mount Suthep, history has it that the temple was built in the 14th century. Look out for the replica of the Emerald Buddha, a statue whose original piece is found in Thailand’s capital.
Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are two other prominent temples which are located right in the heart of the old city. Both built in the 14th century, these historic temples are a great way to learn more about Buddhism and Thai culture.
The most famous attraction in Chiang Rai is probably the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). This temple was designed and built by artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat in 1998 and the building still continues today. Visitors will be enthralled by the detail contained in each of the buildings on site. The temple is covered in mosaic style with glass covering every square inch. This gives a dazzling impression with the temple glistening in the sun.
One of the most sacred temples in Chiang Rai is Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong. Built in the year 940, this temple has a number of buildings including a golden pagoda and a Chedi which is the focal point of the compound.
As with all temples in Thailand, visitors must ensure they are dressed respectfully. This includes covering knees, shoulders and midriffs.
Wat 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 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 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 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 is a unique attraction in its own right for the simple reason that it is a church nestled in a land where Buddhism is predominant.
Wat 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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 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, 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 is an ancient settlement of historical importance in Thailand as it is not just a rich archaeological site, but also a popular attraction.
Wat 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, 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, 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.
Chiang Rai Black Temple is one of those temples that you tour when you want to go off the beaten track in Thailand; and it rarely disappoints.
Wat 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...
The 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 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 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 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 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...
The 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 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 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...
The 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 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 is an outstanding temple whose ancient roots and rich history make it a treasured travel destination for Thais as well as international tourists.
Wat 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.
The 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...
The 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 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...
The 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...
The 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 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 most popular temples to visit in Chiang Mai?
The most popular temples to visit in Chiang Mai are:Check out the whole list of temples in Chiang Mai.
Where are the most popular temples in Chiang Mai located?
The most popular temples to visit in Chiang Mai are:
- Suthep
- Si Phum
- Pa O Don Chai
- Wiang
- Chang Khlan