Wat Saen Fang in Chiang Mai is a magnificent temple with interesting features. It is one of the lesser-known temples of the city, but definitely worth a visit especially if you’d like to see its impressive details...
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 Tha Ton is a magnificent Buddhist temple complex at the Bat Thaton Village in Chiang Mai. Located just a few kilometres away from the border of Myanmar, the temple is perched on top of a hill with beautiful views of...
The Wat Phra That Doi Saket is a glorious ancient Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai. Located in the city’s outskirts, the temple is filled with many different kinds of decorations and paintings that reflect...
Wat Loi Khro is one of Chiang Mai’s many ancient temples with a rich history. Located on Loi Khro Road, the temple isn’t as touristy as many of the others in the area despite being on a busy street. Wat Loi...
Wat Pong Noi is situated in the charming artists’ village of Pong Noi. Located in the outskirts of Chiang Mai, this temple is more of a working temple than a tourist attraction. That’s one of the many...
Wat Klang Wiang is one of Thailand’s most ostentatious temple, thanks to the elaborate pattern work on each and every structure on location.
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong has been one of the most sacred sites in Thailand. It is the abode of spirits prior to the spread of Buddhism in the region.
Wat Phrathat Doi Tong, also Wat Phra Maha Chinathat Chao, is situated at the peak of Doi Din Daeng, and is believed to be the site of the first chedi.
Wat Phra That Pha Ngao is a small Buddhist temple located in Chiang San of Chiang Rai. It gets its name from the fact that it has a chedi that was erected on a large rock within the temple compound, with its name in the...
The Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn is one of the newest attractions in Lampang. Located on the mountaintops of the Jae Hom district, the sight of these temples will be unlike anything you’ve ever...
Wat Chedi Sao Lang is a unique temple, not too far from Lampang in northern Thailand. Sao translates to ’20’ in the local dialect, and it gets its name from the 20 chedis that are spread throughout the...
The Wat Pong Sanuk is a magnificent Burmese temple located in Lampang. The temple, which has received the UNESCO Award for Merit, was built back in 1886 by wealthy immigrants from Burma who were working in the lucrative...
The Chedi Phra That Mae Yen is an iconic temple located in Pai, Northern Thailand. The temple features a massive white Buddha statue which sits on top of a hill; seeming that he keeps a close watch on the valley, as...
Wat Phan On is a remarkable but small temple located within Chiang Mai’s old walled city; built back in 1501 during the rule of Lanna King Mueang Kaeo. The temple has numerous notable features and designs that...
Wat Chai Phrakiat is a historic Buddhist temple located in Chiang Mai. Located near the city centre, this temple’s name means ‘temple of the renowned victory. Although small, the temple is worth checking out...
The Wat Fon Soi is a small, quiet, and charming temple in Chiang Mai. Like many temples in the area, it is designed using the traditional Lanna style, although it has a unique personality and significance all its own...
The Wat Khuan Khama is an old, lovely temple in Chiang Mai; located in Sri Poom Road at the Sri Phum area. This temple is best known for having a theme centred around horses, and can easily be seen from miles away...
Wat Muen Nguen Kong is a small, quaint Buddhist temple located on Samlan Road in Chiang Mai. This temple may be old, but it has been well-preserved through the years, making it a top attraction in the city for visitors...
The Wat Pan Waen is a small but exquisite temple in Chiang Mai; exhibiting all the classic elements of a northern Thai temple. Located in Phra Singh in the Old City, the grounds are so peaceful and tranquil; not too...
Wat Samphao is a one-of-a-kind temple found within the city walls of Chiang Mai; located west of the Tha Phae Gate, and was built sometime between 1260-1578, which was during the reign of the Mangrai Dynasty. Its name...
The Wat Si Koet is a popular temple in Chiang Mai. Located along Ratchadamnoen Road, the quaint temple is distinct for its white colour accentuated by beautiful golden borders. It may be small, but its architecture...
The Wat Thung Yu Temple is one of Chiang Mai’s many beautiful and interesting temples. Located in the Si Phum Subdistrict in the Old City, there are many features that set this temple apart and make it so unique...
The Chiang Mai City Pillar Shrine is a crucial landmark of the old city. Also known as Wat Inthakhin, the pillar was erected by the famous King Mangrai when the city was founded on April 12, 1296 CE. Its name, which...
The Wat Jedlin is a 16th-century temple situated in the old walled city of Chiang Mai. Located on Prapokklao Road, the temple is also known by its other names such as Wat Jet Lin, Wat Nong Chalin, and Wat Chedlin. It is...
The Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Great Prince Vladimir Temple is the only Orthodox church found in northern Thailand. This beautiful church is tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood, far from the main road, so visitors are...
Wat Gate Khar Rnam is a small and charming temple in Chiang Mai. Located on Charoen Rat Road, the temple has hundreds of little exciting details to discover. What makes this temple unique from most of the others in...
Wat Intharawat is a temple found in Chiang Mai’s countryside. Its design makes it an outstanding example of classic Lanna architecture and consists of an open pavilion, an open mondop, and a viharn. The temple is...
Wat Pan Sao is an important Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai. Although it isn’t as popular as many of the city’s other temples, what makes this one interesting are the numerous legends that are attached to it...
Wat Muen San is a one-of-a-kind temple in Chiang Mai; distinct for the incredible silver reliefs found throughout the temple, which depict scenes from Buddha’s life, floral patterns, and religious figures. It is...
Wat Ku Kham is an ancient Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai. Currently known as Wat Chedi Liam, this historic place of worship was built around 1287, and was widely used during the Lan Na era after Chiang Mai was recently...
The Wat Sri Rong Muang is a unique, incredible temple in Lampang famed for its impressive teak wood design; built during the reign of Rama V and took all of seven years to complete. The location of the where the temple...
The Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao Suchadaram is a popular centuries-old temple in Lampang. Also known as the temple of the Emerald Buddha, the imposing chedi is one of its most striking features alongside the Burmese shrine and...
The Wat Phra That Hariphunchai Woramahawihan is an ancient temple found in Lamphun. The temple, whose name means Temple of the Sacred Hariphunchai Relic, is known for its large size and majestic, imperial ambience. Wat...
The Wat Phraphutthabat Tak Pha is a well-known ancient temple located in Lamphun. It is not like many of the area’s temples, as it was built on two levels that have been separated by a long stairway. The staircase...
Wat Nam Hoo is a key temple in Pai, and it attracts both devout locals and tourists. Home to the sacred Buddha image, this is a must-visit temple.
The Wat Ket Karam Museum is an important aspect of the cultural heritage of Chiang Mai. This museum is a wonderful place to visit if you’d like to learn about the history and the local community, which was once...
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
