Temples in Chiang Mai

Temples and Religious Sites

Chiang Mai’s religious landscape is defined by its Lanna heritage, featuring diverse architectural styles dating from the 13th to the 19th centuries. This collection includes the city's oldest foundation, Wat Chiang Man, and the massive ruined pagoda of Wat Chedi Luang. The sites showcase distinct Burmese influences at Wat Mahawan, intricate silver craftsmanship at Wat Sri Suphan, and the revered Phra Singh Buddha image. These active centers of worship contain significant wood carvings, stucco reliefs, and historic murals.

Temples and Religious Sites — Map

Takeaway / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Wat Chedi Luang

Historic Buddhist temple known for its large ancient pagoda and significant cultural heritage in Lanna architecture.

Hdamm / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Wat Phra Singh

This Buddhist temple is a beautiful example of Thai architecture. The complex consists of a couple of noticeable buildings.

Sygic Traveller / All rights reserved

C

Wat Chiang Man

This charming temple was the very first temple in Chiang Mai, built back in 1297.

Hsun-Pei Wang / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Wat Phan Tao

People usually walk past this temple, heading to the much more known Wat Chedi Luang, but it would be a mistake to miss this lovely temple.

Flying Pharmacist / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Wat Bupparam

This site witnessed a very important historical event, when in 1797 Chao Kawila liberated the city from Burmese rule.

Takeaway / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Wat Jed Yod

A 15th century replica of the famous pilgrimage site in India where Buddha attained enlightenment.

Adam / CC-BY-SA

G

Wat Mahawan

This temple features a blend of Lanna and Burmese architectural styles, notable for the large white guardian lions (chinthe) at the entrance and intricate wood carvings on its viharn.

Michael Jenselius / CC BY 2.0

H

Wat Sri Suphan

Known as the Silver Temple, this site features an ordination hall completely covered in handcrafted silver, nickel, and aluminum relief work depicting Buddhist stories and local history.

Stefan Fussan / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Wat Khuan Kama

Located near the northern moat, this temple is distinguished by its perimeter wall decorated with numerous golden horse statues, reflecting the temple's name which translates to Temple of the Horse's Value.

Photo Dharma / CC BY 2.0

J

Wat Chang Taem

A historic temple in the old city featuring a Lanna-style viharn that houses the Phra Chao Fon Saen Ha, a revered Buddha image associated with traditional rain-making rituals.

Ti teuf / CC-BY-SA

K

Wat Inthakhin Sadue Mueang

Known as the Temple of the City Navel, this site marks the original geographical center of Chiang Mai and once housed the city's foundation pillar.

L

wat pan whaen

A neighborhood temple in the southern part of the old city featuring traditional Lanna structures and a local center for traditional Thai massage.

M

Wat Phra Chao Meng Rai

Named after the founder of Chiang Mai, King Mengrai, this temple houses two ancient Buddha images and showcases classic northern Thai architectural elements.

N

Wat Sam Pao

A Lanna-style temple located along the Sunday Walking Street, featuring a viharn with decorative wood carvings and a small golden chedi.

O

Wad metha ng

A small, historic temple located within the old city walls, featuring a traditional wooden viharn and a tranquil atmosphere away from the main tourist paths.

P

Wat phra singh waramahavihan

A major religious center housing the revered Phra Singh (Lion Buddha) image. The complex features the Lai Kam viharn, known for its classic Lanna-style murals.

Adam / CC-BY-SA

Q

Wat Saenfang

This temple is characterized by its Burmese-style architecture, featuring a distinctive tall chedi and an entrance path flanked by Naga serpents and colorful glass mosaics.

Flying Pharmacist / CC BY 3.0

R

Wat Lok Molee

Wat Lok Moli is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. The temple is situated on the north side of the north moat surrounding…

S

Wat Chai Sri Phoon

A local community temple situated near the northeast corner of the old city, displaying traditional northern Thai religious architecture and decorative stucco work.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

T

Wat Phun Ohn

Located on the Sunday Walking Street, this temple is known for its large golden pagoda and a courtyard that frequently hosts local craft markets.

Other Lists

Chiang Mai Unmissables Chiang Mai Museums & Art