7 Stunning Chiang Mai Temples You Can’t Miss

One of the things that you absolutely can’t miss are the temples in Chiang Mai.

There are over 300 Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai and some of them even date back to the 1300s!

Chances are, you won’t have time to visit all of them during your trip but luckily, temple-hopping by foot is easy as most of them are close in proximity.

I’ve rounded up a list of the 7 top stunning temples you should visit in Chiang Mai.

Map of the Best Chiang Mai Temples

1. Wat Inthakhin Sadue Mueang

There are endless beautiful temples in the Old City of Chiang Mai, and Wat Inthakin was once one of the most important landmarks in the city.

The temple dates back to the founding of the city and the iconic city pillar once stood here in 1296.

The pillar has since been relocated to Wat Chedi Luang.

Wat Inthakin’s alluring black and gold exterior is hard to miss – the temple’s outer wall is about an arm’s length away from Inthawarorot Rd. and just across the street from Three Kings Monument.

Although it is one of the smaller temples, the ornate carvings and intricate decor makes up for its size.

Entrance fee: no charge

2. Wat Phra Singh

Translating to the Temple of the Lion Buddha, this temple is located in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Old City Centre.

It dates back to the mid 1300s and is now one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city.

There’s no shortage of glittering gold and steeply pitched roofs, one of the finest examples of Lanna architecture.

Entrance fee: 20 baht

3. Wat Lok Molee

Located just across the moat on the outside of the Old City Wall, you’ll find Wat Lok Molee.

Up until 1397, Wat Lok Molee’s grounds were originally used as a Royal Palace.

This temple contains the ashes of the last Mengrai Dynasty royalties and is one of the tallest in the city.

In contrast to the other temples in the city, Wat Lok Molee is less gilded and gives a much different vibe from the others.

It’s the perfect place to come if you’re looking for a tranquil place to be left alone with your thoughts.

Entrance fee: no charge

4. Wat Sri Suphan

Wat Sri Suphan is also known as the Silver Temple and some people say that it’s the most beautiful temple in Chiang Mai.

As implied by the name, this temple is different than most.

This temple is unique because all others are mostly adorned with gold.

While others are mostly adorned with gold, this unique temple is completely covered in silver.

Ladies, keep in mind: admissions fees are still required even though women are not permitted inside the main temple (Ordination Hall).

All is not lost.

There’s a QR-code you can scan outside the temple to get a 360-degree view of the interior.

Entrance fee: 50 baht

5. Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara

This place definitely has its place in your Temple Tour and worth it if you like ancient architecture.

Wat Chedi Luang is located in the middle of the Old City and was originally built in the mid-1400s.

The temple grounds hold the largest chedi in Chiang Mai, which suffered extensive damage during an earthquake few centuries ago.

The sheer size of the chedi is striking – measuring 60 metres across the base and standing 80 metres tall.

The temple is not open to the public so you can only admire its ancient charm from the outside.

Entrance fee: 40 baht

6. Wat Chiang Man

The Wat Chiang Man temple dates back to the late 1300s and is the oldest standing temple in Chiang Mai.

While not as extravagant as Wat Phra Singh or Wat Sri Suphan, this temple boasts a distinct beauty and quiet oasis.

It is the architectural achievement of King Mangrai.

Wat Chiang Man is located within the old city walls and houses two of the five most valued Buddha statues in the world (the Crystal Buddha and the Marble Buddha).

Fun fact: all five statues are in Thailand!

Entrance fee: no charge

7. Wat Suan Dok

Less than a mile west of the old walled part of Chiang Mai, you’ll come across an ancient Buddhist temple known for its large number of white chedis or pagodas.

This temple was built in 1373 and some of the chedis contain the ashes of the Chiang Mai Royal Family.

Wander around to explore and marvel at the intricate carvings.

But don’t forget to make time for the Monk Chat.

It’s a wonderful chance to learn more about Buddhism from the monks and for them to practice speaking English.

Entrance fee: 20 baht