Neil Aronson This article focuses on the best temples in Chiang Mai that you can walk to around the city center. Outside the city center there are more amazing one’s, which are featured in out other article, 10 Must See Temples.
Northern Thailand is famous for its Buddhist Temples dating back over 700 years to the end of the 13th century. If you are visiting Chiang Mai, these are 5 of the my favorite and best temples in Chiang Mai old city. They are unique and historic in their own way, and I am transported to another world, time, and culture.
They are some of the most popular for tourists for a reason. While these temples in Chiang Mai are popular with tourists, they are also popular with locals. They are still active and being used by locals for teachings and meditation.
Chiang Mai city alone has over 300 temples. These are just some of the best temples in Chiang Mai that are close to the city center. I am amazed at how some of them have survived for so long, especially considering tough weather conditions.
It is a bonus that you can walk to all temples in Chiang Mai city center. I usually walk around the old city going from one temple to the next. With the exception of a few, the grounds are relatively small, so you can completely look at everything in less than an hour for each one.
Most temple grounds will have signs before you enter, but don’t be a unprepared tourist. Know before you go, and respect their culture and traditions.
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Table Of Contents
Act Respectfully
Dress respectfully when you visit any temple in Thailand. Make sure your shoulders are covered (no vests, tank-tops or spaghetti straps). Although skirts or shorts are acceptable at many temples, they should be smart and at least knee-length.
Take off your shoes before entering the temple buildings. If you are wearing a hat, that should also be removed before going inside.
Don’t sit on the platform or chairs reserved for monks. Monks are prohibited from touching women and women should never hand anything directly to a monk.
Wat Ket Karam
If you are walking around and over by the Warorot Market, which is by the Ping River, you can walk over this this unique temple. I think it is one of the best temples in Chiang Mai. Go across the pedestrian overpass across the river from the Chinatown markets, by the flower market. Cross over Charoen Road, and there will be Wat Ket Karam.
Wat Ket Karam was believed to be built in 1428 during the King Phra Jao Sam Fang Kaen era. He was the King during the Mung Rai dynasty that ruled the region. They also state at the temple that the official original name has never been found. There is a museum that exhibits antiques and old photos that are hard to find, which tell some of the history of Chiang Mai city.
To me what makes this a favorite to see and some of the so called decorations you will find. Also I thought the buildings are a little more unique than others. The grounds are relatively small so this won’t take a lot of time to look at.
The most important buildings are the Lanna style assembly hall and the Stupa.
What makes this one of the best temples in Chiang Mai is that in one corner there is a large area with meticulously positioned figurines. They are placed all around some amazing gardening and water features.
Wat Chedi Luang
This one is probably my favorite temple in Chiang Mai. It is also considered by many the best temple in Chiang Mai. Without a doubt, Wat Chedi Luang Varaviharn is one of the most visited and photographed temples in Chiang Mai. One reason that makes it ideal is that is site right in the center of the Old City, making it easy to find, and walk to.
The expansive grounds and multiple historical buildings on this temple in Chiang Mai mean you can spend hours on the grounds. There is also an active Buddhist school and many other events.
Since ‘luang’ in northern Thailand means large, the chedi is the largest in Chiang Mai, reaching 98 meters tall. The construction of the original chedi was completed in 1481 during the reign of King Mengrai. However an earthquake in 1545 meant the current one is a restoration of the original.
Walking the grounds is bit like Wat Umong, in that is is large, with many buildings and attractions to see and photograph. The main Chedi may be the main attraction to see, however I find all the smaller buildings even more interesting. You can spend hours looking at everything and reading all the interesting posted information.
The Chedi Luang Temple in Chiang Mai boasts two impressive viharns, or temple halls, that serve as gathering places for the local community. The first viharn is a large, striking building with a three-tiered roof and a golden front facade. Constructed in 1928, the high red ceiling is supported by two rows of tall round columns. Inside, visitors can admire the large standing Buddha image.
The second viharn, much smaller in size, is noted for its elegant front facade, decorated with intricate wood carvings.
Also on the temple grounds is the city pillar (Lak Mueang) of Chiang Mai, named Sao Inthakin. It was moved to this location in 1800 by King Chao Kawila.
Wat Chedi Luang temple in Chiang Mai hosts monk chats every day and you are encouraged to ask questions. Tourists are invited to speak with monks (usually novices) and ask them anything about Buddhism or Thailand.
Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan
I put this on my best temples list because like Ket Karam, there is a uniqueness about it. It is also small, so you only need 30 minutes to visit it. But it is old. Built 1296-1297, it shows its age, there some interesting areas on the grounds to look at. The temple has a Viharn, an Ubosot and two chedis as well as ancient Bodhi tree said to be over 700 years old. There is a meditation area.
Wat Umong Mahathera Chan, is located on the busy Ratchapakhinai Rd. It is close to the city center and the Three Kings Monument. It is a little confusing as there are several temples starting with Wat Umong, including one of the best temples in Chiang Mai Wat Umong.
I think it is more interesting than Wat Chiang Man, which is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. And I never went inside for over a decade, until I decided to one day.
The assembly hall is a rectangular Lanna style building adorned with apex finials, Naga bargeboards and pediments. The stairway at the front on the hall is flanked by two stucco lions.
Wat Phra Singh
Wat Phra Singh is for sure the most popular of the best temples in Chiang Mai. It is a large complex much like Wat Chedi Luang. Therefor it is easy to spend a couple hours, as there is a lot of look at. At night, when I took some of these pictures, is also when it is amazing to look at.
Wat Phra Singh is another easy one of our must see temples as you tour the old city of Chiang Mai. The temple grounds are located off the main road of Rachadamnoen road, west of the Thai Phae Gate. Also just minutes walk for Wat Chedi Luang and the Three Kings Monument.
Phra Singh is an abbreviated form of Phra-Put-Tha-Shi-Hing and does not refer to the word Singh (“lion”). One of the more famous and visted temples in Chiang Mai, similar to Wat Chedi Luang, with multiple sights to see on the complex.
It was constructed by King Phayoo of the Mengrai Dynasty some 700 years ago. In 1772 the Wat received a major reconstruction under King Kavila. Beside the Buddha Image of Phra Singh, this Wat has the other important Buddha image called Pra Thongtip, casted in 1477. The temple was raised to the status of royal wat (first class) under the royal patronage in 1941.
Vihan Lai Kham, below, is one of the main attraction of the complex. It was built in 1345 to house the Phra Buddha Singh statue and it is a prime example of classical Lanna architecture.
During Songkran festival, the Buddha status is taken from this Vihan and paraded through the streets of Chiang Mai. The chedi was built to house the ashes of King Mangrai’s father, King Kham Fu.
Wat Mahawan
This temple is probably on no ones best temples in Chiang Mai list, except mine. For one, I am talking about one’s you can easily walk to. But also this one to me is really cool looking. The impressive white Chedi is maybe the highlight.
It is also very easy to walk to for a quick look at a temple close to Tha Phae Gate. If you go east on Tha Pha Road towards Chinatown, you will pass Wat Mahawan on the right side of the road.
Despite not being very large or full of tourists, I think it is worth visiting as the temple has both Lanna and Burmese style buildings and many sculptures of mythical creatures. Several gate houses in the surrounding wall are guarded by Chinthe, mythological lions often found in Burmese temples.
Behind the principal assembly hall (viharn), stands the attractive chedi, ornamented with very detailed stucco work. The Burmese style chedi is enclosed by a low crenellated wall, at each of its corners stands a large guardian Chinthe.
Towards the back of the temple you will find a place to get a massage. I have not tried it, but reviews are good.
To see more on temples around Chiang Mai, visit our article about the 10 of the best to visit.
