Chiang Mai has over 300 Buddhist temples. Where should you begin? I’ve made it easy for you by narrowing it down to six must-see temples (to start with anyway). The majority of temples are free to enter. Below are my personal favourites!
Wat Chedi Luang
First constructed during the 14th century, this complex was originally made up of three temples.
The most impressive part for me is the ancient ruins of the Lanna-style chedi. An earthquake damaged the top part of the temple in the 15th century.
Here you will also find the city pillar and city pillar shrine.
Wat Phra Singh
Located in the Western part of the old city of Chiang Mai, construction on this temple started in the 14th century.
Six major buildings on the temple grounds house various religious and ancient relics.
Tip: Combine your visit to Wat Phra Singh with the Sunday Walking Street Market on Ratchadamnoen Road.
Wat Chiang Man
This is the oldest temple of Chiang Mai constructed the 13th century. It is located in the Northern part of the old city.
My favourite part was the peaceful garden with elephant-shaped shrubs!
Wat Saen Muang Ma Luang
This is a smaller, lesser known temple (also called Wat Hua Khuang) close to Wat Chiang Man. This 19th-century temple has a beautiful façade.
Wat Sri Suphan
This is my favourite temple in Chiang Mai! I happily stumbled upon it during my visit to the Saturday Night Market. Located just outside the southern wall of the old city, it’s nicknamed ‘The Silver Temple’.
What makes this 16th-century temple unique is the silver that covers the whole exterior and interior of the building.
Visit the temple during daylight hours, but be sure to return after dark to see the building illumined in coloured lights!
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Doi Suthep is on my list because it’s probably the most famous and visited temple in Chiang Mai. As such, it’s a little bit commercial and quite crowded, but still worth a visit.
This 14th-century temple is located on a mountain 15 km outside the old city of Chiang Mai.
The easiest and cheapest way to reach the Doi Suthep is by red songthaew. Make your way to the Northern gate of the old city, cross the moat and walk towards the 7 eleven. Drivers will be waiting to scoop you up (you might wait a few minutes until the truck is filled up).
The trip to the temple and back will cost 100 THB. The driver will wait an hour for you to explore the temple (it is sufficient time but a little bit on the short side).
Tip: A word of warning about the road leading up to the temple. I felt pretty ill going up and coming down the mountain (and I never get motion sickness). I suggest you take anti-nausea medication (you can purchase it inside the 7 eleven).
Once you arrive at the temple, you walk up the stairs to reach the entrance. The admission fee for foreigners is 30 THB.
The highlight of Doi Suthep is the beautiful view of Chiang Mai!
