Visiting Chiang Mai Temples

Located in the northern region of Thailand, Chiang Mai is a culturally diverse region that has a unique heritage and the temples to reflect it. With influences from Sri Lanka and Burma among other places, the Chiang Mai Temples offer a little something for everybody. Here are some of the best temples the city of Chiang Mai has to offer.

Wat-Oo-Mong: This ancient temple is located in the forest just outside the city of Chiang Mai. The temple was built for a well-respected forest monk by King Mengrai. This gave the monk a quiet place to meditate.

Wat Phra Thart Doi Suthep: With a stunning view of Chang Mai and the Mae Ping River Valley this temple is set on the peak of the Doi Suthep. It is the newest of any Chiang Mai temple dating to the Lanna Thai period.  

Wat Suan Dorg: This old temple was built in 1383 along Suthep road. It is located in the gardens of Lanna Royal Residence. These temples are small and white, containing the ashes of the Chaingmai Royal family.

Wat Jedee Luang: This gigantic temple was destroyed in the earthquake of 1545 after originally being constructed in 1401. The temple was built during the reign of King Saeng Muang Ma and was later raised to a height of 86 meters by King Tilo-Garaj. The temple was finally reconstructed after the earthquake in 1991.

Wat Chiang Mun: As the oldest temple in Chiang Mai it is located inside the walled city on Rajpakinai Road. Enshrined in the temple is a small crystal Buddha called Pra Seh-Taang Kananeeee which is thought to have the power to bring rain.

Wat Jao Mengrai: This temple was built on the site of a broken Buddha. The Buddha was being carried through the city and fell to the ground. King Mengrai decided to build a temple on the spot of the broken Buddha out of superstition.

Wat Pra Singh: Located directly in the center of the city, Wat Pra Singh was built in 1345 by King Pha Yu as a place to keep the remains of his father. It has a stone base covered in stucco to protect the delicate scriptures on the inside. The walls on the inside are covered with murals showing local dress and pictures from daily life.

Wat Jed Yord: Built in 1455 by King Tilokaraja, Wat Jed Yord is located off Huay Kaew Road. Its name means "Seven Spires" and contains the ashes of King Tilokaraja.

After visiting the temples, discover some other fun things to do in Chiang Mai.