Things To Do Chiang Mai

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Places To Visit In Chiang Mai

Wat Ou Sai Kham

More than 300 years old, Wat Ou Sai Kham is a temple best known for its stunning Buddha sculptures made of jade brought from Myanmar. They sit among the display of other Buddha statues of different sizes and styles. The viharn is elaborately decorated with sacred motifs of flowers and serpents, while the murals on the walls depict the past lives of Buddha.

Located deep within a forest, Wat Pha Lat is a temple that merges the spirituality of Buddhism with the beauty of nature. It can be reached after a delightful hike along the monk's trail, completing which the temple offers a rewarding experience. One finds that stone images and carved statues are set amidst freely flowing waterfalls, sounds of birds and a peaceful atmosphere. Wat Pha Lat, also meaning a monastery at the sloping rock is also one of the best-kept Chiang Mai secrets. Nestled on the way to one of the most popular attractions, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, this jungle temple is believed to have been discovered when a white elephant belonging to King Kuena, direly needed some rest. The same elephant later passed away at the nearby jungle, which is now Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. After the jungle's discovery, the king ordered for temples to be built on both these sites, which then became a resting stop and a monk pilgrimage. Roads leading to temples constructed in 1935 eventually became a meditation centre and a monk residence. Read More

Wat Phakhao is a small, quiet Buddhist temple located along Ratchapakhinai Road. Since it isn't very popular, it offers a respite from noise and crowds. The temple structures are simply built, with interiors decorated with red and gold designs, and the exteriors flanked by lovely gardens. The place holds also holds monk chats, where visitors can converse with learned monks about Buddhism.

Though Wat Phan On is a small temple complex, it houses the most stunning golden chedi/stupa, made in 2007 by the King of Thailand, Rama IX. The architecture of the temple is a beautiful mix of rich gold detailing and wooden carvings depicting traditional myths and motifs. Complete with a large viharn and a kuti where monks reside, this temple represents authentic Thai culture.

Considered one of the older temples of Chiang Mai, Wat PhanTao is a 14th-century Buddhist temple known for its Lanna-style ordination hall made of teakwood. It is located next to the more popular Wat Chedi Luang and is a perfect attraction to visit, especially during the crowded tourist season. It is an important location for the celebration of various Thai festivals, especially Loy Krathong. Built as a palace for Chao Mahawong, the temple was converted into a monastery in the late 19th century. The teak wood viharn exuded classic charm and was built when the teak trade peaked. The orange fluttering flags, the opulently subtle teak pillars in the massive prayer hall, the gold image of the Buddha, and the quiet garden and pond of the temple make it a serene experience. The temple grounds also have a kuti where monks reside. Read More

Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan is a Buddhist temple from the 14th century, often considered the most beautiful Chiang Mai temple. Part of the old city, it is also known as the Temple of the Lion Buddha, as it houses two Buddha statues. The temple is beautifully illuminated after dark. Established in 1345, the Lai Kam assembly hall at Wat Phra Singh is an exquisite example of Lanna architecture. The hallmarks of the Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan are its Lanna-style roofs and a glittering Viharn. With intricate wood carvings, gilded round columns, and soaring wing-shaped ceilings, this assembly hall also houses the famous Phra Buddha Sihing Buddha statue. It is perhaps the second most important Chiang Mai temple after Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Although the origins of this statue are unclear, it is believed to have been brought via Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka) to Ligor (present-day Nakhon Si Thammarat). The statue is said to have been transported to Ayutthaya and finally to Chiang Mai, where it currently rests. Legend has it that this statue is based on the lion of Shakya, a prominent icon in the Mahabodhi Temple of Bodh Gaya (India), which has been missing ever since. During each Songkran, the Thai New Year, the figure is taken out and paraded through the Chiang Mai streets. This religious procession witnesses spectators sprinkling water in honor of the statue. Read More

Wat Phra That Doi Kham, also known as the Golden Temple, is a temple housing a 17 metre tall golden statue of Buddha atop a hill. Set against the picturesque Doi Pui mountains with a panoramic view of the city below, the temple is said to preserve a lock of Buddha's hair. The complex is decorated with bells and gongs, as well as ancient sculptures of mythical creatures.

Situated in Mae Rim, Wat Phraphutthabat Si Roi is an important Buddhist temple, since the temple grounds are said to contain footprints of the Buddha. The temple structure itself is magnificently carved with bright colours and golden panels, along with a refreshing dose of greenery beautifying the compound, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the soul.

Located in Si Phum, the Wat Ratchamonthian temple is a 15th century structure which was recently restored. At the entrance, a large seated Buddha greets devotees, while inside there are several other Chakravartin Buddhas, which are heavily ornamented and decorated in gold. It is a quiet, colourful temple with few tourists, perfect for some relaxed meditation and prayer.

One of the smaller and quieter temples, Wat Si Koet has a graceful white structure embellished with gold details. The temple has several artefacts from Buddhist culture such as the cannonball tree and decorated statues. There are bamboo massage stalls, and shops selling handcrafted tidbits on the compound where visitors can stop for a little recreation. Wat Si Koet is popular for its economical massages and various stalls selling food and ice coffee. Read More