Chiang Mai is a famous northern Thailand city known for its rich culture and long history. One of the most exciting things about Chiang Mai is its many beautiful temples. These temples are not only places of worship but also essential parts of Thai culture and history. When you visit Chiang Mai, exploring these temples is a must. Each one has its own unique story and stunning architecture.
Being religious places, you should adopt the proper dress code during visits to these temples. In this article, we will take you on a journey through some of the must-see temples in Chiang Mai. You’ll learn about their history, architectural beauty, and helpful tips for your visit.
Table of Contents
Must See Temples in Chiang Mai
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai. It was founded in 1383. According to legend, a monk had a vision that told him to bring a sacred relic, a piece of Buddha’s shoulder bone, to the mountain.
When they reached the hill, a white elephant carrying the relic climbed to the top, trumpeted three times, and died. This was seen as a sign, and the temple was built on that spot. You can reach here by bus or car from Chiang Mai.
You can reach Phra That Doi Suthep Temple by adopting one of the two ways, by foot or an electric tram from 6 am to 6 pm. However, before reaching the temple’s golden chedi, you are required to walk over 300 steps.
The staircase includes seven-headed serpent statues. The statues of the headed naga (serpent) line with the staircase to the temple’s Lanna styled golden pagoda, offering a spectacular view of the Chiang Mai.
You pay an entrance fee to watch the beauty of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai. You can enjoy overlooking the Chiang Mai city, the amazing views of the quarters for monks, and the surrounding area of this temple.
Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang is one of Chiang Mai’s most famous temples. It was built in the 14th century by King Saen Muang Ma to hold his father’s ashes. Over the years, it became an important spiritual center in the city.
In 1545, a massive earthquake caused significant damage to the chedi (a type of stupa). The top part of the chedi collapsed, reducing its height by almost half. Despite this damage, the temple remains a significant historical site. Efforts have been made to restore parts of it, allowing visitors to appreciate its former glory.
The statues of the standing Buddha with two disciples attract visitors. This complex includes a large reclining Buddha and many temples as well. The front ordination hall with its serpent statues is a beautiful masterpiece of Lanna architecture. The visitors can chat and learn the ways of the monks who live at Wat Chedi Luang.
The visitors are facilitated to learn about Buddhism and the monks are encouraged to improve their English language. The temple remains open from morning till evening daily. You can take a guided tour for a detailed understanding and to learn the historical background of this temple and the surroundings.
Wat Chedi Luang is a hub for several important festivals. One of the most notable is Inthakin, the City Pillar Festival, which takes place in May. During this time, locals come to pray for good luck and prosperity. Visitors are welcome to join in the celebrations and witness traditional ceremonies.
Wat Phra Singh
This 14th-century magnificent and attractive temple, located in the walled old city of Chiang Mai is one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai . Wat Phra Singh was built in 1345 by King Phayu to house his father’s ashes. It quickly became one of Chiang Mai’s most revered temples.
The temple is named after the Phra Singh Buddha statue, a highly revered image of the Buddha. Pilgrims from all over Thailand come to pay their respects to this sacred statue, especially during the Songkran Festival in April.
Wat Phra Singh is an active monastery and famous as the temple of the lion Buddha. It houses many ancient and revered Buddha images and hundreds of monks and novices.
If you visit the Northern areas of Thailand, this temple is a remarkable example of classic Lanna styled construction with many buildings of this style on the temple grounds. The main circular-shaped chedi of Wat Phra Singh is the oldest building and enshrines the ashes of King Pha Yu’s father.
The chedi is ornated with elephant figures. Formerly, the temple was known as Wat Li Chiang Phra, but the name changed in 1367 when the highly revered Phra Sing Buddha image was brought into this temple. This historical temple is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily
Wat Lok Molee
Wat Lok Molee with the largest and most remarkable chedis, is one of the 14th-century temples and is located outside the walled city center. The temple is known as a Royal Wat during the Mengrai dynasty kings. The temple houses a massive chedi constructed in 1527, with Buddha images on different sides.
The chedi includes the ashes of many Mengrai kings from the 13th century until the mid-16th century, after that, the temple lost its importance. The Burmese occupied the area and their rule continued for almost two centuries until 1775.
The temple was renovated during the second half of the 20th century. Similarly, the wooden viharn before the chedi was built in 2003 in Lanna style with two large mythological serpents at the entrance, and wooden carvings.
This building contains a large Buddha image. There are also living quarters for the monks in Wat Lok Molee temple. The temple opens from morning to evening daily without an admission fee.
Wat Phan Tao
Next to Wat Chedi Luang comes the 14th-century small-sized Wat Phan Tao. The temple seems modest in comparison with the other nearby temples in the old city. However, this temple served as a palace for many rulers of Chiang Mai and is iconic for its Lanna style carved teakwood walls intricate carvings, and detailed designed statues.
The ceremonial hall of Wat Phan Tao is one of the few remaining wooden halls in Thailand. In addition, it includes a Buddha statue Thai Buddhists consider as one of the most famous Buddha statues in Thailand. You can visit the temple from morning till evening.
Wat Suan Dok
Visit Wat Suan Dok is an unforgettable experience of sightseeing, built in the second half of the 14th century, located outside the walled city of Chiang Mai. The 48 meters tall golden chedi contains the relic of Buddha. The temple is also famous for many white chedis, that contain the ashes of numerous members of the Chiang Mai Royal family.
Wat Suan Dok includes several Buddha images. In addition, the ubosot includes a historical five meters tall bronze Buddha statue that was cast in 1504. There are mural paintings on the walls that explain Jakata. The Chiang Mai campus of the Maha Chulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya University offers the monk chat program and meditation retreat at the temple to those who are interested in in Buddhism or meditation.
The monks can answer your queries in the English language about Buddhism, Thai culture or customs, and meditation. The temple remains open from morning to evening without any admission fee.
Further recommendations
Chiang Mai boasts over 300 temples, in this article some of the best and must-see temples in Chiang Mai have been discussed. However, if you have time and resources to visit some more, you can visit some more historical and iconic temples in Chiang Mai including Wat Chiang Man, Wat Prasat, Wat Buppharam, Wat Phan On, Wat Jed Yod, Wat Umong, Wat Phuak Hong, Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Duang Di, and many more. In addition to these temples, you can also visit some of the historical and must-visit temples in Ayutthaya.
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