Chiang Mai is one of the most popular cities to visit in Northern Thailand. These days it’s a haven for a lot of ex pats who are staying in the new and modern part of Chiang Mai. The old city however is still home to hundreds of Buddhist temples.
To make your visit a little easier I listed the most beautiful temples to visit when you’re in Chiang Mai. To make your stay even better I have linked all of them to their Google Maps Location.
I will list them in the order that I visited them. Not to mention, I did all of this in the time span of just 1 day.
A list of the temples you should visit in Chiang Mai
Wat Suan Dok
One of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai and also one of the lesser known ones. During my visit I was pretty much the only one there!
So it’s definitely worth visiting if you want to enjoy some quiet time wile exploring the temples of Chiang Mai.
Entrance fee – None
Google Maps Location – Click here
Wat Phra Singh
Wat Phra Singh is often described as Chiang Mai’s most beautiful temple. Therefore it is also the most visited one. It’s also known as ‘The temple of the Lion Buddha’ and to this day is still active.
Opening hours – 6am – 8pm
Entrance fee – None
Google Maps Location – Click here
Wat Sri Suphan – The Silver Temple
The Silver Temple is located a little more to the south and one of the most impressive ones. It’s original and stands out from all the other temples here.
Unfortunately women can’t enter the main building. The reasoning behind this?
Beneath the base of Ubosotha in the monastic boundary, many precious things, incantations, amulets and other holy objects were buried 500 years ago. Entering inside the place may deteriorated the place or otherwise the lady herself. According to this Lanna Belief, ladies are not allowed to enter the Ubosotha.”
So while I call complete bullshit on this and honestly find it offensive, it’s still worth visiting this place.
Opening hours – 6am to 9pm
Entrance fee – THB50
Google Maps Location – Click here
Wat Lok Moli
Wat Lok Moli is just outside the walled city center and is one of the cities older temples. It’s not that popular with tourists and the perfect place to visit in the late afternoon.
Opening hours: 6am – 5pm
Entrance fee – None
Google Maps Location – Click here
Wat Rajamontean – The Red Temple
Wat Rajamontean is located across the moat and directly facing Wat Lok Moli. It’s the perfect temple to visit at the end of your already very busy day. This temple is nicknamed the red temple because of the red and gold decorations throughout the entire temple.
When visiting make sure to stop along the way at the cutest little flower bridge that goes across the moat.
After you’re done visiting all of these amazing temples it’s time for you to enjoy the best street food Chiang Mai has to offer! And the best part? It’s only 5 minutes walking from this temple!
Opening hours: 6am – 5pm
Google Maps Location – Click here
If you want to know how to combine your visit to Chiang Mai with seeing even more stunning temples in Chiang Rai, click here.
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