CHIANG MAI – MY TOP TEMPLES TOUR
What makes Chiang Mai so special to both the visitor’s eye and to the pilgrim’s spirit are its ancient religious and time worn architectural sites and its location in the sacred mountainous region of Northern Thailand.
And, although today’s Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city, it still manages to retain its identity of age-old importance.
In every nook you may wander and in every place you might look, you’ll see the evidence and patina of a bygone age and the remnants of a fascinating history.
In visiting Chiang Mai, I was looking forward to exploring the former capital of The Lanna Kingdom (founded in 1296) and I was particularly excited to visit as many of Chiang Mai’s Buddhist temples as possible.
Chiang Mai is home to over 300 sacred Buddhist temples.
So how do you know what temples should you visit in Chiang Mai during your visit?
In this post, I want to share with you my own personal Top Temples Tour in Chiang Mai!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- CHIANG MAI ITINERARY
- MY TRIP TO CHIANG MAI
- CHAING MAI – MY TOP TEMPLES TOUR
- THE ALMS-GIVING RITUAL (TAK BAT)
- TEMPLE ETIQUETTE IN THAILAND
- BEST TIME TO VISIT CHAING MAI?
CHIANG MAI ITINERARY
Chiang Mai is a cultural and spiritual city.
In exploring some of its 300 Buddhist temples while in the company of my lifelong best friend, for many reasons, I would rate my experiences in Chiang Mai as both incredibly special and spiritually profound.
So much so, that Chiang Mai played a starring role as a setting in my bestselling novel The Backpacking Housewife (book one) published by HarperCollins.
To my delight, I had readers writing to tell me they’d used my heroine Lori’s journey to Chiang Mai as part of their own itinerary while visiting Thailand!
You can read more about my novels on My Books Page.
MY TRIP TO CHIANG MAI
I travelled to Chiang Mai with my best friend D who had come over to Thailand from the UK on holiday.
First, we’d spent a week together on an island in the Gulf of Thailand called Koh Tao.
Then, while the backpacking husband was busy doing scuba diving stuff, we took an inter-island ferry over to Koh Samui and the one hour and twenty-minute flight direct to Chiang Mai.
WHERE TO STAY IN CHIANG MAI
In Chiang Mai, we planned to explore the walled and moated old city, enjoy the coffee shop culture and try delicious northern Thai food, and – of course – to visit as many Buddhist temples as possible during our five days there.
We stayed at a wonderful hotel in a great location and with great reviews called (affiliate link) Villa Korbhun Khinbua.
FIND YOUR PERFECT PLACE TO STAY IN CHIANG MAI USING THIS MAP
Our accomodation was in a great location inside the old city walls and we got around by walking or taking a taxi tuk tuk.
The temples I’ve listed as My Top Temples Tour in Chiang Mai are among the most important and the most visited in Chiang Mai as each offers a glimpse into the region’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
While my list below covers some of the most significant temples, Chiang Mai’s numerous other temples have their own unique charm and history.
Each of the temples in Chiang Mai contributes magnificently to the city’s standing as an important centre of Thai Buddhism and Lanna culture.
CHAING MAI – MY TOP TEMPLES TOUR
WAT PHRA THAT DOI SUTHEP
This is the most famous temple in Chiang Mai with a rich history dating back to the 14th century, when in 1383, it was founded by the Lanna king, Keu Naon.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is named after and is located on Doi Suthep Mountain.
From its elevated position, overlooking the city there are panoramic views over Chiang Mai.
This temple is an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists and international visitors.
It’s also a focal point for some of Chiang Mai’s important Buddhist holidays when devotees make the trek up Doi Suthep to participate in religious ceremonies.
We took an open back truck public taxi called a songthaew from Chiang Mai up the winding mountain roads to the temple.
To enter the temple, after paying your 50B entrance fee, you can either take the funicular cable car or walk up the 300 steps of the Naga Serpent Staircase.
I found the temple to be a serenely spiritual place and I enjoyed walking the Pradakshina around the site, in total awe of the breathtakingly stunning golden chedi (also known as a pagoda or stupa) and all the shining gold-plated Buddha statues, and those in contemplation and prayer and lighting candles.
I browsed amongst the bells and gongs and rang them because the bells are said to represent Buddha’s voice and in ringing them you can ask for his guidance and protection.
It was fascinating to stroll into the smaller temples where saffron swathed monks prayed and chanted.
One of the most captivating stories I heard was about the founding of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
It is a blend of legend and history and about the elephant that played a pivotal role in discovering the original sacred site.
THE LEGEND OF THE WHITE ELEPHANT
In the 14th century, the King of the Lanna Kingdom (which encompassed present-day northern Thailand) called Nu Naone, had a vision to enshrine a sacred relic of the Buddha.
This relic was a shoulder bone, believed to possess miraculous powers, including the ability to glow and replicate itself.
A monk named Sumanathera, who had travelled to Sukhothai, was entrusted with the relic.
He presented it to King Nu Naone, who decided to find a worthy place to enshrine it.
To determine the location, the king placed the relic on the back of a sacred white elephant, a revered animal in Thai culture symbolizing purity and power.
The elephant was then set free to roam, with the belief that it would choose an auspicious location for the relic.
The white elephant wandered through the jungles and hills of northern Thailand.
After a long journey, it ascended Doi Suthep, a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai.
Upon reaching a spot on the mountain, the elephant trumpeted three times, knelt down, and died on the spot.
This was interpreted as a divine sign, indicating that the site was chosen by the gods for the relic.
Following this event, King Nu Naone ordered the construction of a temple at the site where the elephant died.
This temple was named Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
The relic was enshrined in a golden chedi within the temple, which remains a major pilgrimage site to this day.
HOW TO GET TO WAT PHRA THAT DOI SUTHEP
Take a songthaew from Chaing Mai transport stand at the North Gate.
Address: Doi Suthep Mountain, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
WAT CHEDI LUANG
This enormous 15th century temple (dating back to 1481) was ordered to be constructed by King Saen Muang Ma to enshrine the ashes of his father.
It is both famous and known for its huge and impressive old stone chedi that once stood over 80 meters tall and its once intricate carved stone Nagas (mythical serpents) flanking the steep worn stone staircases on each side of the massive structure.
On a large platform before the top of the Chedi are carved stone Sinhalese-style stone elephants.
The famed Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) which is now housed in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew Temple was once held here (until 1475) in the eastern corner of the temple complex where today you can see a jade replica.
I found myself quite mesmerised by this incredible structure and its rich historical and religious significance here in Chiang Mai.
Also at the complex is the Reclining Buddha Pavilion.
Constructed in 1955, the pavilion, is home to an almost nine meter long and five centuries old ‘Reclining Buddha’ crafted during the reign of King Muang Kaeo, who ruled the Lanna Kingdom from 1487 to 1517.
I have visited a Reclining Buddha in other parts of the world, most recently in Fukuoka Japan, and although you might think the pose is one Buddha blissfully relaxing, it is actually a rendition of Buddha’s final moments on earth.
The Reclining Buddha is always portrayed with a look of peace on his face as he prepares to enter nirvana.
HOW TO GET TO WAT CHEDI LUANG
Wat Chedi Luang is also known as the City Pillar Shrine and as such is located in the centre of the walled city.
Address: 103 Prapokkloa Rd, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
WAT PHRA SING
The Temple of The Lion Buddha, Wat Phra Sing, is one of the most popular and highly visited temples in the western part of the Old City of Chiang Mai.
This beautiful temple is one of the highlights in the Chiang Mai UNESCO World Heritage project.
As was royal practice at the time of the Lanna Kingdom, the fifth ruler, King Phayu, ordered construction of the temple in 1345 to house the ashes of his father, King Khamfu.
In 1367 the temple became the sacred home of a Buddha image called the Phra Sing (Sihingh) which is now the second most important Buddha image in Thailand after the Wat Phra Kaew ‘Emerald Buddha’ now enshrined in Bangkok.
The classic Lanna architecture of this temple is also revered for its beautifully and sympathetically restored intricate wood carvings and its beautiful murals.
The smaller surrounding chapels and shines that were later added and also restored make up this important archaeological and prestigious religious site.
During the Songkran festival in April, Phra Sing is paraded in a procession around old Chiang Mai town and locals sprinkle the Buddha image with water, to bring upon them good luck and prosperity according to the traditional faith.
I found my daytime visit to Wat Phra Sing enchanting and so I also visited this temple after dark when it was beautifully illuminated.
HOW TO GET TO WAT PHRA SING
Located within the old city walls in the centre of Chiang Mai.
The entrance is at the end of Ratchadamnoen Road.
Address: 2 Sam Lan Road Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
WAT CHIANG MAN
Amazingly, Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai.
It was commissioned in 1296 by King Mengrai of Lanna Kingdom.
This temple highly revered and really worth visiting for several reasons aside for its grand age.
The magnificent ordination hall enshrines an ancient Buddha image named Phra Kaew Khao.
It’s home to The Crystal Buddha (Phra Sae Tang Khamani) and The Marble Buddha.
Wat Chiang Man is famous for its chedi with its mixture of Lanna and Sinhalese inspirations.
It is also unique with its supporting buttress decorated with rows of stone elephant carvings.
HOW TO GET TO WAT CHIANG MAN
Wat Chiang Man can be found in the northeast corner of the old city.
Address: 171 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District
WAT SUAN DOK
Wat Suan Dok means “flower garden temple” as it was previously situated within the walls of a Royal flower garden.
Originally, in the 14th century, when the temple was constructed by King Kue Na of the Lanna Kingdom – the temple was known as Wat Bupparam Dok Mai.
Today, Wat Suan Dok is a Buddhist university where visitors can interact and chat with the monks.
The student monks are very happy to practice speaking English and to answer questions about Buddhism, temple customs, and the culture of the Thai people.
HOW TO GET TO WAT SUAN DOK
Address: 139 Suthep Rd, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District
WAT LOK MOLI
Wat Lok Moli is known for its ancient architecture and its impressive chedi containing the ashes of several Kings of the Mengrai dynasty who ruled the Lanna Kingdom from the end of the 13th century.
Set in beautiful grounds, the temple is otherwise a historical mystery as it is not known exactly when it was temple was built only that it is first mentioned in a charter in 1367.
HOW TO GET TO WAT LOK MOLI
Wat Lok Moli is situated on the north side of the north moat surrounding the old part of the city.
Address: 298/1 Manee Nopparat Rd, Chiang Mai
WAT SRI SUPHAN (SILVER TEMPLE)
Chiang Mai’s ‘Silver Temple’ is believed to have been founded in the 1500’s during the reign of King (Phaya) Kaew or Mueangkaew (1495–1525), the eleventh ruler of the Mangrai Dynasty.
Today the temple is famous for its intricate silver decorations and its silver adorned ordination hall.
It is also known for its unique Buddhist art and traditional silver workshops.
The temple material is actually a mix of aluminium and silver.
Although some decorative parts are confirmed 100% silver.
I enjoyed visiting this beautiful temple after dark when it was illuminated with different coloured lights.
Located outside the old walled city just north of the Chiang Mai gate.
HOW TO GET TO WAT SRI SUPHAN
Address: 100 Wualai Rd, Haiya Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District
CHAING MAI – MY TOP TEMPLES TOUR
THE ALMS-GIVING RITUAL (TAK BAT)
The alms-giving ritual, known as “Tak Bat,” is a traditional practice observed by Buddhist monks and laypeople throughout Thailand, including in Chiang Mai.
This daily ritual is a significant aspect of the Buddhist way of life, reflecting the interdependence between monks and the lay community.
During the Tak Bat, there is an Early Morning Procession of monks leaving their temples typically around dawn (5:30 to 6:30am) to walk silently through the streets of the city.
They carry alms bowls, which are round, metal containers used to collect food offerings.
Local residents and devotees wait along the monks’ route.
I saw them kneeling or standing with heads bowed as a sign of respect as they offered freshly prepared food, fruits, rice, and sometimes other essentials like toiletries or medicines.
I am aware that women (or children) should never touch a monk.
So offerings are either placed on a table for the monk to serve him or her self or placed on a cloth between the woman and the monk.
Only men can place offerings directly into the monks’ alms bowls.
Alms-giving is a spiritual practice and the act of generosity in giving alms is considered a way for people to earn good karma for themselves and a way to support the monks in their community.
For monks, collecting alms is a practice of humility, gratitude, and detachment from material possessions.
It allows them to focus on their spiritual journey without being burdened by the need to earn a livelihood.
After receiving alms, the monks often chant blessings or offer silent prayers in gratitude.
So, in cities like Chiang Mai, alms-giving is not only a religious practice but also a cultural heritage and offers a glimpse into the deeply rooted Buddhist traditions and way of life that have been preserved over centuries.
I found it both wonderful and humbling to respectfully observe Tak Bat as a visitor to Thailand.
CHAING MAI – MY TOP TEMPLES TOUR
TEMPLE ETIQUETTE IN THAILAND
Visiting temples in Thailand is a culturally enriching experience but to show respect for the sacred spaces there is a temple etiquette and I’ve listed the main ones here:
Always take off your shoes before entering the temple buildings.
There are usually designated areas to leave your shoes outside.
Everyone is expected to dress conservatively.
Women should keep shoulders and knees covered.
Avoid wearing sleeveless tops, shorts, or short skirts.
I was actually wearing shorts when I visited one of the temples but for just a few Bhat I was able to ‘rent a skirt’ from a young local entrepreneur at the temple gate with which to cover my knees. I was grateful!
Always maintain a quiet demeanour and speak in hushed tones.
Remember that temples are places of worship and meditation.
No public displays of affection so do refrain from kissing or hugging.
Feet are considered the lowest part of the body and pointing them at people or religious objects is disrespectful.
Avoid pointing your feet by sitting with your feet tucked beneath you.
Respect religious objects and don’t touch or climb on statues or religious artefacts.
Avoid taking photos where prohibited.
Women should not touch monks or hand anything directly to them.
Use a male intermediary or place the object on a cloth or table.
Use the traditional Thai greeting by pressing your palms together in a prayer-like gesture and slightly bowing.
Always check if photography is allowed especially inside the temple buildings.
If permitted, be discreet and take photos quietly and without flash.
It’s customary to make a small donation when visiting a temple.
CHAING MAI – MY TOP TEMPLES TOUR
BEST TIME TO VISIT CHAING MAI?
See my post on The Best (and worst) Times to Visit Thailand
Have you been to Thailand?
Have you been to Chiang Mai?
Do you love to visit temples?
Let me know!
I’d love to hear from you so leave a comment.
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