Chiang Mai Temples

Being the epicenter of Thailand’s rich cultural history, it is hardly surprising that Chiang Mai is home to some of the oldest and most interesting temples in the country.

Chiang Mai was established over 700 years ago by the Lanna Empire. The diverse range of Buddhist influences in the temples at Chiang Mai are Thai, Lanna, Burmese and Sri Lankan. This is evident with the vast array of temple designs.

There are over 300 temples in and around the city and on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. The list of Chiang Mai temples is endless, however, we have listed a handful of temples that are a must visit when touring Chiang Mai, not just for their beauty, but also for their historical importance.

Wat Chet Yot

This fascinating temple’s official name is Wat Photharam Maha Wihan, constructed in 1455, famous for its seven spires, which is where the Thai name of chet yot is derived.

King Tilokarat commissioned the construction of the temple after he sent a party of monks to Bagan in Burma to view the Mahabodhi temple, which is an exact replica of Mahabodhi Temple of Bodh Gaya in India where Lord Buddha first attained enlightenment. This is a one of the must see Chiang Mai Temples.

Wat Suan Dok

This is one of Chiang Mai’s oldest temples built in 1370 during the Lanna period before the city we know today as Chiang Mai was even born. Famous for its huge 48 meter high bell shaped chedi. Walking around the temple is quite an enlightening experience, which really gives you an idea of how the atmosphere must have tasted several hundred years ago. This Chiang Mai temple is essential viewing for culture vultures.

Wat Chiang Mun

Wat Chiang Mun is situated within the city walls on Rajpakinai Road on the north side of Chiang Mai city. This temple is one of the most historically significant in Chiang Mai, due to it being the first Royal temple constructed within the city grounds in 1296 by King Mengrai.

Although the temple has been restored in recent times, you can still see the old foundations and walls from that bygone period in time. At Wat Chiang Mun, you will find a tiny enshrined crystal Buddha named Pra Seh-Taang Kamaneeee.

Wat Chedi Luang

This is one of the most dominating Chiang Mai temples, initially constructed by King Saen Muang Ma at the back-end of the 14th century to enshrine the relics of his father. He never managed to finish the temple, which was finally completed by King Tilokarat. At the time of construction, the chedi was 90 meters in height, but in 1545 was partly destroyed by an earthquake. Now the peak is just 60 meters. The chedi was the tallest construction in Chiang Mai for over 500 years. Even though you cannot go into the temple because of it age and delicate nature, this imposing figure has to be seen to be believed.

Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh is translated as “The Temple of the Lion Buddha.” Constructed in 1345 by King Pha Yu to hold the ashes of his father, King Kham Fu, housing two medieval Buddhist images. The temple is one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in this part of the world. Believed to be the first monastery to hold the Emerald Buddha, which was then moved to Wat Chedi Luang and now rested in Bangkok at Wat Phra Kaew, this temple is extremely sacred. When visiting this Chiang Mai temple, you will more than likely be approached by one or more of the 700 monks who live here, so they can brush up on their English. They are very friendly.