What Chiang Mai's Most Important Temples Are

Chiang Mai, often referred to as the cultural capital of Thailand, is home to numerous ancient temples, or "wats," each with its unique history and architectural splendour. The most important wats in Chiang Mai include Wat Phra Singh, known for its stunning Lanna-style architecture; Wat Chedi Luang, famous for its towering, partially ruined chedi that once housed the Emerald Buddha - all of these are considered to be the finest examples of skill and homage to religion. 

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, commonly known as Wat Doi Suthep, is the most visited, famous, and revered temple in Chiang Mai. The journey up the winding mountain road to the temple's entrance is an adventure in itself, whether you ride a rented scooter, join a private excursion, or travel in a crowded songthaew with locals.

Wat Chedi Luang

The construction of the temple started in the 14th century, when King Saen Muang Ma planned to bury the ashes of his father in the place. Wat Chedi Luang, situated in the heart of the Old City, is within walking distance of many popular hotels and markets. In the old Lanna language, "Luang" translates to "very big," aptly describing the temple's enormous, crumbling central structure. The main chedi, standing 80 meters tall, is the highest point in Chiang Mai's Old City.

Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh is one of Chiang Mai's most visually impressive temples, enhanced by a major renovation in the 19th century and regular upkeep since. The main temple building steals the spotlight with its iconic slanted Lanna-style roofs and intricately decorated façade that gleams in the sunlight.

Wat Suan Dok​​​​​​​

Wat Suan Dok is one of Chiang Mai's lesser-visited temples but is definitely worth a visit for its stunning display of brilliant white chedis surrounding a glowing golden stupa. Located just outside the city walls on the road towards the University and Niman area, it is easy to find.

Wat Umong​​​​​​​

Wat Umong, despite numerous touch-ups over the years, clearly shows its 700-year age. The weather-worn central stupa towers into the sky, surrounded by a well-maintained tropical garden and manicured green lawns. While the main stupa offers a great photo opportunity, there's much more to explore at Wat Umong. Visitors can feed the fish and turtles in the garden's main pond, walk among the 'talking trees' that offer words of advice in Thai and English, and explore the series of ancient underground tunnels. The temple is located just beyond the airport, at the foothills of Doi Suthep Mountain.

Wat Phra That Doi Kham​​​​​​​

Wat Phra That Doi Kham is well-known among locals for its enormous seated Buddha but remains lesser-known to foreign tourists due to its somewhat remote location. Despite this, it is just as spectacular as many of the more popular temples in Chiang Mai. The Giant Buddha statue, standing nearly 20 meters tall and painted in bright white and gold, dominates the temple complex. With a history spanning over 1,000 years, the site offers numerous shrines, pagodas, and relics to explore within its tropical garden at the foothills of the Doi Suthep Mountain range. It is also known as "the Temple of the Golden Mountain.

Wat Sri Suphan

Wat Sri Suphan, a central Chiang Mai temple, stands out with its shiny coat of silver paint that glistens in the sunlight. The tips of the stupas are solid silver, and a neon light display makes the temple glow in multiple colors at night, creating a stunning sight. Although the temple complex dates back to the 16th century, the main silver building is much newer, with additional halls and monks' buildings nearby. Hotels in Chiang Mai, such as the well-known Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, are a reasonable distance from this attraction.