5 Best Temples to Visit in Chiang Mai
When in Thailand, and especially in Chiang Mai, you can't miss visiting the most magnificent temples that are all around the city. Each one more mesmerizing than the other. In fact, it is almost impossible to walk 5 minutes in downtown Chiang Mai and not find a temple around the corner. We'll highlight some easy accessible temples you can explore by foot while strolling through Chiang Mai's Old City.
Why we love Chiang Mai
In 2008, Johannes and Natalia took their first trip to Thailand. It was on this trip that they fell in love with traveling and Thailand’s culture, delicious food, kind people and the rich history. After having been to Thailand multiple times, Northern Thailand remains their favorite part of Thailand, and Chiang Mai their favorite city.
Wat Sri Suphan
One of the most stunning temples is the Silver Temple, Wat Sri Suphan. This temple is just outside of the old town and is very unique in its appearance. This incredibly ornate temple is located in the Wualai District, Chiang Mai’s traditional silver-making village just south of the old city, so the temple itself is entirely covered in silver. It is thought that the sacred items buried beneath it would cause “deterioration” to people with pure spirits, especially women. Therefore, women are not allowed to enter the Silver Temple, but trust us, it worth seeing the outside of the temple as well. Fun fact: The temple is lit beautifully at night and then shines purple-blue!
Open to visitors every day from 06am to 5pm and admission is free.
Photo credit @ontheroadwithjen
Jen is wearing our beautiful Sicilia Lace Dress.
Wat Phan Tao
One feature that makes What Phan Tao stand out is that it is entirely built with teakwood and detailed with gold accents and colorful mosaics. During the Loy Krathong festival—Thailand’s festival of lights—the temple is decorated with gorgeous colorful lanterns! This temple is located right next to What Chedi Luang inside the old walled city, so if you have time make sure to stop by!
Opening hours: 8am to 5pm
Wat Phra Singh
This is the biggest temple in Chiang Mai and dates back to 1345, when Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, now called Northern Chiang Mai. This Buddhist temple is also home to the city’s most important Buddha image, the Lion Buddha. The temple is characterized by the classic Lanna architecture. Take some time here to really get a look at the intricate woodcarvings and murals.
Open to visitors every day from 06am to 5pm and admission is free.
Photo credit @ontheroadwithjen
Jen is wearing our beautiful Sicilia Lace Dress.
Wat Rajamontean
We loved this colorful temple and its beautiful entrance when we visited! It’s actually a really unique temple as it incorporates different styles, partly due to the fact that most of its monks are from Laos. Next to the temple is a newly added (2010) large sitting Buddha statue that you can admire! The inside of the temple is also worth a visit.
Photo credit @travelwithtalia
Talia is wearing our beautiful Izamal Two-piece Dress.
Wat Lok Moli
Right across from Wat Rajamontean is Lok Moli, another stunning temple in downtown Chiang Mai. It was built in the mid 1300s and it features a huge chedi, a Buddhist stupa, from the 1500s. Needless to say, all of these temples have unique features, interesting histories and breath-taking details, and are all worth visiting. We loved how they all felt so similar but so different at the same time and loved learning the different stories at each.
Open to visitors every day from 06am to 5pm and admission is free.
Photo credit @limitlesssecrets
Ophelie is wearing our beautiful Izamal Two-piece Dress.
