Chiang Mai templomai

Historic Temples & Sacred Sites

Chiang Mai’s spiritual landscape is defined by Lanna-style architecture, characterized by tiered wooden roofs and intricate gold carvings. This collection includes the 14th-century ruins of Wat Chedi Luang and the city's oldest sanctuary, Wat Chiang Man. Highlights range from the silver-clad ordination hall at Wat Sri Suphan to the forest-shrouded Wat Pha Lat and the subterranean tunnels of Wat Umong. Many sites, such as Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, house sacred relics and offer panoramic views of the valley.

Takeaway / CC BY-SA 3.0

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

Wat Phra Singh

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

Wat Chiang Man

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

Kyle sb / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Sacred Theravada Buddhist temple and royal monastery of the second class featuring a gold-plated chedi that enshrines a relic of the Buddha's shoulder bone. Originally founded between 1383 and 1384, this significant pilgrimage site is known for its Lanna-style architecture and panoramic views.

Hsun-Pei Wang / CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

Markus Fath / CC-BY-SA

Wat Phratat Doikham

Wonderful landmark overlooking the city of Chiang Mai. Stunning white pearl Buddha statue in the middle of lush greenery.

Flying Pharmacist / CC BY-SA 3.0

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

Wat Jed Yod

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

Wat Namtok Mae Klang

This Buddhist temple stands only a stone’s throw away form the Mae Klang Waterfall.

Michael Jenselius / CC BY 2.0

Wat Sri Suphan

Known as the Silver Temple, this shrine is covered in intricate handcrafted silver, nickel, and aluminum reliefs. Located in the traditional silversmith district, it serves as a center for Lanna metalworking. Note that women are traditionally restricted from entering the main ordination hall.

ElliotJW / CC BY-SA 4.0

Royal Pagodas - Twin Pagoda

The Royal Pagodas were built to commemorate the 60th birthday of the royal couple.

FredTC / CC BY-SA 3.0

Wat Pa Dara Phirom

Home of Thai princess restored to its former splendour. The site shows how people lived long time ago.

Hdamm / CC BY-SA 3.0

Wat Umong Stupa

A unique temple built inside of the Suthep mountain and formed by a series of tunnels.

Pluak pluak / CC BY-SA 3.0

Wat Pha Lat

A secluded forest temple located along the Monk's Trail hiking path. The site features weathered stone carvings and ancient Lanna-style structures integrated into the natural hillside, with a stream that flows through the grounds toward a waterfall overlooking the city.