Chiang Mai boasts of being one of the most cosmopolitan cities Southeast Asia. Its unstoppable artistic movement, its modern population, its universities, its vintage markets, its hipster cafés ... all of this leads us to believe that Chiang Mai is a city that doesn't look to the past, but we couldn't be more wrong. How capital of the Lanna Kingdom for several centuries, Chiang Mai has an almost infinite historical legacy and a incredible concentration of temples (more than 300!), some of them considered the best of all Thailand.

Then we leave you one list with the 15 best temples in Chiang Mai, put a couple of bottles of cool water in the backpack, put on a hat and sunglasses, a little cream, dress properly, take note of what we are going to tell you and you are ready for a good temple routine in Chiang Mai !

Best temples in the historic center of Chiang Mai

Around Chiang Mai there are hundreds of temples, more and less important, but you probably focus on those found in the square delimited by the moat, in the part of the ancient city. Here we leave you the best temples in downtown Chiang Mai:

Is he biggest temple in Chiang Mai and the most prestigious, because it houses aimage of the fourteenth century very revered of Buddha: thePhra Singh Buddha, donated by the king of Sri Lanka and transferred from Chiang Rai (although apparently not the original). The temple dates from the year 1345 (it is not the oldest) and the complete one is composed of the main temple where the image is kept, a big golden stupa Built to protect the remains of an ancient king and different smaller sanctuaries and auxiliary buildings, in one of them you can find the statue of a reclining Buddha quite interesting.

You cannot miss a visit to this temple, let alone if you agree in the Songkran (the Thai new year, for the month of April).

Admission: 40 bahts to the main temple, free the rest of the enclosure

The ruins of this huge pagoda (or chedi) they stand out in the center of the historic city of Chiang Mai, even after partially collapsing in the earthquake from 1545. It was built in 1401 and originally reached 86 meters high. Its translation is "royal pagoda" and was the official temple of the Lanna kings. In addition to its enormous size, they attract attention elephant figures They leave from the base of the pagoda.

In the secondary temples of the enclosure there is also a reclining Buddha image and the so-called “City Column“, A pillar that was formerly used in fertility rites. By the way, if this day you woke up wanting to talk, here you find some very nice monks who will want to practice their English with you (“monk chats“), A good opportunity to learn more about them and the monastic life.

Entrance: 40 bahts

Although it is not one of the best known temples, your visit is recommended as it is door to door with Wat Chedi Luang. It is from the same era as its neighbor, although its teak structure and roof, the most remarkable of this temple, are from the 19th century. Highlights the golden carving of a great peacock above the main entrance (it was the symbol of the kings of Chiang Mai). In the back of the temple you can tour a aisle on rods ofbamboo making a noise of milk, you will see a beautiful garden with a pond and the figure of a Buddha under a sacred tree over 200 years old. It is one of our favorite temples.

Free pass

Is he oldest temple in the city, it is estimated that it was built in the year that Chiang Mai was founded, back in the year 1296. In fact, according to legend, it was King Mengrai's first home while the city rose. His main treasure are two ancient Buddha statues (Phra Sila, the marble Buddha, 2,500 years old, and Phra Satang Man the glass Buddha, with 1,800 years behind him), who are kept in a cabin in the secondary viharn on the right.

The oldest part of the temple is behind the main temple and corresponds to the beautiful Chedi Chang Lom Pagoda (“Chedi among elephants”), with a square base on some elephant statues and with the gold-plated upper part, the truth is that it is one of the most attractive in the city. In the ubosot placed to the left of the main temple a 16th century stone with an inscription in an old local language where the creation of Chiang Mai and this temple is narrated.

Free pass

Although not one of the most mentioned, this small wooden temple surprises us every time we pass by it. It is known as Wat Muang Sadue (that is, the navel temple of the city), and its Official name refers to the "City Column", which was originally placed on the ground Where can the temple be found. It is about 700 years old and the two stand out nagasflanking the entrance stairs, the decor from its interior and the two old brick pagodas in the back. Its location is super central and in that same street you can find local restaurants where to eat cheap.

Free pass

It is a temple little visited by tourists, because it is outside the walled recite (or rather "pissed off"), just in the northern part, maybe that's why we love it! There are typical elements of Thai Buddhist temples, none that stand out from other temples, but the set itself is very interesting. The main viharn has a beautiful metal facade with stone inserts and behind it stands an old 14th century stupa. The entrance to the enclosure is guarded by the statue of two huge elephants and during the walk we can meet some rare hindu images In the corners of the garden.

Free pass

The call "Silver temple"For its spectacular silver decoration throughout the main temple, both on the walls and roofs, as in the decoration and statues of its interior (the figures on the floor are somewhat freaky ...). It was built in a neighborhood of silversmiths in 1500 and still houses artisans of this metal. If you are a woman, stop reading ... it has a spectacular interior! But yes, it is only allowed to enter men ... according to a Lanna precept, if women enter sacred precincts like this they can deteriorate the place or even themselves! To freak out! Although just to see the outside and the beautiful reliefs we advise you to come.

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays do talks with the monks (previous “200THB donation), so if you are taking a walk through the Saturday Market, take a leap to this temple! Although it is worth the visit during the day to better appreciate all the details.

Entry: 50THB

8. Wat Buppharam

Although it is not within the city center, we put it in this group because it is located in way to the Night Market, that is, you probably will spend it if you plan to buy a trinket and souvenirs for the family. We have a very good memory of this temple, because it was from where we launched our first lantern to the sky in the Loi Krathong of the year 2011 helped by a group of young monks very majetes!

It is especially interesting for its Burmese influence and for his huge image of Buddha made in teak in the main temple, the largest in this material of Thailand. They also cool their mosaics, the exterior decoration in your garden with many representation of animals and some of Disney Characters!

Entry: 20THB

Best temples on the outskirts of Chiang Mai

We cannot forget some temples that are outside the historic city of Chiang Mai but are the same or more impressive than the others. Rent a scooter for a couple of days and dedicate time to these wonders. These are the best temples in Chiang Mai on the outskirts:

Is he most famous temple in Chiang Mai. It is located 18 km from the city on the slopes of Mount Suthep, in the place where in 1383 he lay down to give his last breath the elephant that wore Buddha relics, a sign that indicated the perfect place to build the temple. To get there you can do it at songthaew for 50 bahts (although they may ask for more, try to negotiate) or by motorcycle. From the parking lot you will have to climb a steep staircase of about 300 steps flanked by two huge nagas (the longest in all of Thailand). Once above the most important part of the temple is the 24 meter Chedi completely covered in gold, one of the most sacred places in the country and destination of many pilgrims. There is also a replica of the Emerald Buddha and other sacred images.

Going to the terrace you will go through a set of bells, touch them to bring you good luck, and later you will have a splendid views from Chiang Mai (if the day is good, of course!).

Entrance: 30 bahts

“The temple of the tunnel”, This ancient unknown temple in a forest on the outskirts of Chiang Mai is a hidden treasure. King Mengrai built it in 1297 for a respected monk who lived far from the hustle and bustle in the forest. But there is something that makes it special ... when you arrive you will see a sign that indicates the “tunnels“… That's right, the case is that the king ordered the construction of a series of tunnels that connected the temple site to the forest so that the poor monk, already completely senile, would not be lost for days.

In addition to these tunnels, which you can travel (remember barefoot to enter as it is a place of worship), highlights a magnificent pagoda perfectly preserved and a statues collection Buddhists placed in the outer gardens.

If you want to spend a pleasant time, meet again with nature and breathe peace, this is your place. And if you go further and want to join some retreat Multi-day, this is also your place! Take advantage of the visit to get closer to the Baan Kang Wat.

Free pass

Wow! So we stayed to enter and contemplate this temple, with their mouths wide open. The fact is that we had passed dozens of times through the intersection where it is located, near the Maya shopping center. We live just 500 meters from the temple but it was not until our fourth week in Chiag Mai that we were encouraged to visit it. And it was totally worth it. Your translation would be like “The temple of the 7 towers“, And as you can guess, what is striking is its huge pagoda with seven towers resurfacing from its base, richly decorated with lanna style reliefs, some very well preserved. You can enter inside the pagoda, where a statue of Buddha is located.

This temple follows the model of the Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya, India, where the Buddha found enlightenment. The seven towers represent the seven weeks that the teacher spent in a state of meditation in that place.

The rest of the enclosure is a super nice garden with another beautiful pagoda, a sacred tree and a very well decorated ubosot. By the way, don't be surprised to see a huge amount of snakes (false, huh?), is a temple destined for the pilgrimage of those born in the year of the snake.

Free pass

It is the main temple of the Wiang Kum Kam historical park, south of Chiang Mai. his pyramidal shape It makes it unique. In addition to this temple, you can enjoy a pleasant walk through the ruins of the rest of the enclosure, which was the capital of the Lanna kingdom before moving to Chiang Mai.

Free pass

The origin of this temple is linked to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, let's see why. In the fourteenth century began the construction of Wat Suan Dok with the idea of ​​hosting a relic of buddha, a bone that Sukhothai monk Sumana Thera discovered after having a vision. When it was time to deposit the relic, it was miraculously divided into two pieces (come on, that some hit a wiggle and split it): a smaller one, which would stay here following the original plan, and a larger one, which would be the one that was put on the back of the elephant that threw towards the mountain (the origin of the site of the temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep).

The fundamental elements of this temple are the 48 meter high stupa which, in theory, welcomes inside the relic of Buddha, the main room or viharn and the ubosot (more recent), with several images of Buddha inside (measure the fingers of the ubosot, to see what they say …), And a set of smaller white stupas where the remains of the members of the royal family of Chiang Mai were deposited.

It is a beautiful temple in the Nimman area, if you decide to approach it, we advise you to go to have a coffee at the “Hana Zono Cafe”.

Free pass

Also known as "The Temple of the Giant Buddha“, You can already guess why. The 17 meter Buddha statue high is the symbol of this temple, although other interesting buildings can be found throughout the enclosure. Although perhaps best of all is the viewpoint with panoramic views from Chiang Mai.

The temple is quite far from the center, on Doi Kham Hill, perhaps this is the reason that it is one of the least visited by tourists, so it is best to arrive by motorcycle.

Free pass

This is a hidden treasure in the middle of the jungle but at a very short distance from Chiang Mai. When I visited with my friend Moha, they were picking up all the shooting stuff after filming here a chapter of one of the most fashionable series in Thailand, too bad we didn't arrive in time to make extras! And it is that the natural environment where this temple is located make it almost fairy tale!

The history of this temple is peculiar, searching online for it dates back to the year 1935, but speaking with a monk he told us that it is much older and that it was built with the purpose of give lodging to the pilgrims who were going to the Doi Suthep Temple, a little higher. What is clear is that it is one of the most impressive places we visited in Chiang Mai.

It can be reached by motorcycle following the road to Doi Suthep, although we advise you to do it by walking along the “path of the monks“, A winding road that climbs from the vicinity of the university across the hill.

Free pass

Map of the best temples in Chiang Mai

You know, take advantage of your visit to Chiang Mai to learn more about culture and religion in Thailand with a route through the best temples in the city.

* Photos of Wat Buppharam, Doi Sutep, Wat Suan Dok and Wat Phra that Doi Kham obtained at shutterstock.