Top 4 best temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is a beautiful city in northern Thailand with rich history and culture. When you come here, you are easily overwhelmed and will be confused for not knowing where to go and where is the most special. Living Nomads helps you to choose the top 4 best temples in Chiang Mai to make easier choices.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep: The legendary Chiang Mai Temple

One of the most famous places in Chiang Mai is Doi Suthep. Not to mention the temple itself, the road leading to the temple is very beautiful. When you walk to Mount Doi Suthep, continue to move 1 km further, you will see Huay Kaew waterfall on the left. Feeling like you are in the middle of an old forest, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The waterfall is very beautiful. Local people often come here for relaxing with their families.

Standing from distance, you heard the waterfall echoes in the heart of the forest. You keep climbing until you see signs stop. In front of your eyes will be a beautiful waterfall and location to see the whole forest.

The remaining 15 km will not be difficult for you to step on your feet. Because the roads are always maintained constantly: convenient and very spacious. On the way, you can also encounter other waterfalls with the winding curves which are extremely beautiful. Do not forget to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Besides, there are some water stations for you to stop and rest for a while.

After a long road, you will continue climbing 309 stairs. Do not worry too much because there are lots of shade on the way, you will not lose much energy! Remember to breathe deeply and evenly, in the blink of an eye, you will reach the temple.

Entry fee is 30 Baht for each person. Do not forget to wear discreet clothing – covering your shoulders and legs – when you enter the gates. There are also rental pants and skirts for 10 baht each.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Address: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Road Srivijaya Suthep Mueang Chiang Mai District Chiang Mai, Thailand
Phone: +66 53 295 002
Opening Hours: 6am – 6pm
Price: 30 Baht

Wat Chedi Luang Temple: Great Temple

Located in the old town where is bustling with restaurants, hotels, shops, taxis, tuk-tuk and temples. There are many temples here. If you view from the street, this temple will be slightly out of sight.

When you step inside, you will immediately see the beautiful scenery with carefully renovated monuments. Unfortunately, many elephant statues have been lost, however, there are still more than 10 statues in the center of the temple. Do not climb in the pagoda, just walk solemnly. Just step to the second floor, you will encounter gold Buddha statue. The high tower above was partially destroyed by earthquakes centuries ago. Early dawn is the time for the temple to truly reveal all its beauty. The charges are 40 baht for adults and 20 baht for children.

Wat Chedi Luang

Address: 103 Road King Prajadhipok Phra Singh, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
Phone:+66 (0) 53 24 8604
Opening Hours: 7am-10pm
Price: adult/child 40/20 Baht

Wat Umong Temple: Underground Temple

This temple is located far from the center. Perhaps it is the reason why rare visitors come here. The temple is completely different. The temple consists of three basic parts. The first is the tunnel. There are three entrances to each other. In the tunnel, you will see many mysterious Buddha statues.

In the next garden, there are many statues of Buddha in a space with wood and moss. Although the statues have been partially destroyed, the scene still brings enchanting and mysterious beauty. Especially when the sun shines through the foliage of the forest, it is very majestic and magnificent. On the tunnel, you will see a giant massif of stone where the monks in the brown costume featuring Buddhist meditations and sitting meditation. Remember to come here if you are in Chiang Mai! There is no entrance fee, you can donate to the temple.

Wat Umong

Address: Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone: +66 85 033 3809
Opening Hours: 6am-5pm
Price: Free

Wat Sri Suphan Temple: Silver Temple

Sri Suphan is one of the most unusual temples in northern Thailand. The entire temple is covered with silver. Inside the temple, there is only one large gold Buddha statue, the rest of the interior is silver. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 6:00 to 8:00 am, there will be preaching teachers. Guests can communicate with the teacher in English.

Wat Sri Suphan

Address: 100 Wua Lai Rd, Tambon Hai Ya, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Phone: +66 61 403 2581
Opening Hours: 6am-9pm
Price: Free

Thailand temple dress code

At all temples footwear is removed and left outside the door.

Basically it is no tank top styles or sloppy T shirts. One should be very respectful to visit. If not dressed appropriate they have “cover ups” you can rent. Three quarter pants is good – your knees have to be covered. They are more strict at Bhubing palace a bit further up. You also need your shoulders and arms covered to elbows.

Tour Chiang Mai Temple

A good way to visit all the above destinations is to buy a half-day tour to visit the temples. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the most beautiful and famous Chiang Mai temples, which help you further understand the cultures and beliefs of the people of northern Thailand.

Getting around Chiang Mai

If you want to go sightseeing Chiang Mai, you can rent a taxi. The driver will stop to pick you up anywhere in Chiang Mai. A trip in Chiang Mai costs 20-30 baht for each person. Out of Chiang Mai, you will pay more, but the price is ok. You can also rent motorbikes and go to the temples by yourself.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Chiang Mai you can refer to

• Private Chiang Mai International Airport Transfers (CNX) for Chiang Mai by Thai Rhythm
• Private City Transfers between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai
• Chiang Mai City & Temples Half Day Tour by Tour East
• Chiang Rai One Day Tour from Chiang Mai
• Doi Suthep-Chiang Mai City Temple Tour
• Classic Chiang Mai Doi Suthep Half Day Tour
• Chiang Mai Custom Tour: Chiang Mai Night Safari, Doi Suthep, Elephant Sanctuary, Zipline Adventure, and More
• Private Car Charter Between Chiang Mai and Pai
• Doi Inthanon National Park Day Tour in Chiang Mai
• [SALE] 4G Sim Card (Thailand Pick Up) for Thailand
• 4G SIM Card (BKK Airport Pick Up) for Thailand (Unlimited Data)
• 4G Pocket WiFi (Bangkok and Phuket Airports Pick Up) for Thailand

Are you looking for more Chiang Mai travel guide and top things to do in Chiang Mai? Let’s read: Chiang Mai travel blog — The fullest Chiang Mai travel guide for a great trip to the “Rose of the North” of Thailand.