Chiang Mai Temples Guide: Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and More

This guide lists ten Chiang Mai temples, sorted by area: inside the Old City moat, around the moat, and up on Doi Suthep mountain. Each one has a short note on what to see, the best time to go and how to get there.

Start early, dress for a temple and wear shoes that slip off easily. A temple day means steps, stone courtyards and a lot of walking, so the end of this guide covers how to rest after.

Top 5 Chiang Mai Temples

These five are the easy picks for a first visit. Tap a name to jump to its write up.

Old City Temples

Most visitors start here. The Old City is the square inside the moat, and these five sit in it or just beside it, close enough to link on foot.

Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh is one of the best known temples in the Old City. Look for the Lanna style halls with layered roofs and carved wood, and the quiet courtyard around them. Go early in the morning, when it is cooler and calm. It suits anyone who wants one great temple and little else. It sits on the west side of the Old City, an easy walk from many guesthouses. The drawback is that tour groups can arrive by mid morning, so it may feel busy later.

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang is built around a huge brick chedi. The top is partly ruined, which gives it a rare, ancient look, and the size is a surprise up close. Go in the morning for soft light, or late in the afternoon when the heat drops. It suits history fans and photo takers. It sits near the middle of the Old City, so it is easy to reach on foot. The drawback is that the stone courtyard can get hot at midday, so bring water and a hat.

Wat Phan Tao

Wat Phan Tao stands right next to Wat Chedi Luang, so you can see both in one stop. The main hall is made of dark teak wood, with carved doors and a richly decorated front. It is smaller and quieter than its neighbour. Go in the late afternoon, when the wood glows in the low light. It suits a short stop between bigger sights. The drawback is that the site is small, so you will not spend long.

Wat Chiang Man

Wat Chiang Man is often called the oldest temple in the city. Look for the white chedi held up by a row of stone elephants. The grounds are small and calm. Go in the morning, before the heat builds. It suits people who like old places with a quiet feel. It sits in the north east part of the Old City, so take a Grab or a songthaew if the sun is strong. The drawback is that some halls may be closed, so follow the signs.

Wat Lok Moli

Wat Lok Moli sits just outside the north wall of the Old City. It has an old brick chedi and a wooden hall, with a quiet feel and fewer visitors than the big names. Go in the late afternoon, when the light is warm. It suits people who want a calm corner after the main sights. Take a Grab or a short songthaew ride from the Old City. The drawback is that it is a small site, so it works best as a short stop.

A morning of temples means stone steps and hours on your feet. If you stay inside the moat, a therapist can come to your room. See outcall massage in the Old City.

Around the Moat: West and South

These three sit outside the Old City walls. Each one needs a ride, so take a Grab or a songthaew and agree the price first.

Wat Suan Dok

Wat Suan Dok lies west of the Old City, on the road toward Doi Suthep. It is known for a crowd of white chedis in one garden, with the mountain behind them. Go in the late afternoon, when the light turns warm. It suits an easy stop on the way to or from the Nimman side of town. The drawback is that it has fewer carvings than the Old City temples, so it is a short visit.

Wat Sri Suphan

Wat Sri Suphan is the silver temple, south of the Old City on Wualai Road. The hall is covered in fine silver work, and it catches the sun. Go in the morning, before the light gets harsh. It suits anyone who likes crafts and small detail. It is a short ride from the south side of the Old City. Some halls limit who may go inside, so follow the signs. The drawback is that the site is small.

Wat Umong

Wat Umong is a forest temple on the west side of the city, at the foot of the hills. Old tunnels run into a mound, and quiet paths wind between tall trees. Go in the morning, when the air is cool and the birds are loud. It suits people who want shade, calm and green more than gold. Take a Grab, as it is out of the centre. The drawback is the ride, and the paths can be uneven, so wear shoes you can walk in.

Rides, steps and long walks add up. West of the moat, Nimman is a common base, and a therapist can come to your hotel or condo there. See outcall massage in Nimman.

Doi Suthep Mountain

Doi Suthep is the mountain just west of the city. The air is cooler up there than in town, and the views are wide on a clear day.

Doi Suthep

Doi Suthep is the most famous temple near Chiang Mai. A gold chedi shines at the top of a long staircase with naga serpent rails, and the city spreads out below. Go early in the morning, when the air is cooler and the haze is lighter. It suits first time visitors and anyone who wants a view. Get there by Grab, or by a red songthaew, and agree the price first. The drawback is the crowd and the steps, so give it a whole morning and wear shoes that are easy to slip off.

Wat Pha Lat

Wat Pha Lat is a small forest temple on the slope below Doi Suthep, beside a stream and old stone steps. Walkers can reach it on a hiking trail that leads up toward Doi Suthep. Trails and weather change, so check both before you go, and wear proper shoes. Go early, while it is cool. It suits people who like green and quiet. The drawback is the hike: it is not a stop for a tight day, and the stone gets slippery in rain.

Back from the mountain with tired legs? Your hotel room is the easiest place to rest. See outcall massage in Chiang Mai.

Temple Dress Code and Etiquette

Rules differ by temple, so follow the signs. These basics apply almost everywhere.

• Cover up. Cover your shoulders and knees. Light, loose clothes keep you cool, and a thin scarf or shirt in your bag helps.
• Shoes off. Take your shoes off before you enter a hall, and wherever a sign asks. Shoes that slip on and off make the day easier.
• Keep it quiet. Speak in a low voice and put your phone on silent.
• Show respect. Do not touch or climb on Buddha images or chedis, and do not point your feet at them. Ask before you take a photo of a person.

Massage After a Temple Day

A therapist can come to your hotel, condo or villa after the temples. It is a calm way to rest tired legs and feet. Thai massage in Chiang Mai is a gentle choice after a long day on foot. Pay cash or PromptPay on arrival. The full area list is on Chiang Mai locations.

Plan Your Temple Day

• Best time. Early morning is cooler, and the courtyards are calmer. Midday heat on stone can be strong, so rest in the shade or indoors then.
• Getting around. Use Grab, or a red songthaew and agree the price before you get in. A tuk tuk driver may offer a temple tour, so agree the price and the stops first. Save your hotel name on your phone for the ride home.
• Cash. Bring small notes for donation boxes and songthaew rides, as small stalls may not take cards.
• Rain. The rainy season brings sudden showers. Stone steps get slippery, so go slowly and wear shoes with grip.
• Staying safe. Watch your step on old, uneven stone. Keep your bag in front of you in crowds.