With over 300 Buddhist temples in Thailand's Chiang Mai province, you'd need years to visiting them all. But don't let the sheer number of temples in this vibrant northern Thai city overwhelm you. Here are our top picks for must-visit Chiang Mai temples. We've only selected a handful of our favorites to keep temple burnout at bay while still choosing the temples we think offer a wide array of mesmerizing architecture and spectacular settings.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
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The hilltop temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is an absolute must when visiting Chiang Mai. The impressive structure sits at 3,520 feet above sea level on the top of Doi Suthep Hill. The magnificent golden Phra That shimmers spectacularly in the sunlight and monks walk peacefully as they go about their daily lives. As you walk around the structure, you get a 360-degree view of the revered chedi while admiring the various Buddha structures and blessing stations. Outside of the main temple area, make sure that you walk around to the back for a sweeping view over Chiang Mai province.
Take a red truck from the city to drop you off at the bottom of the 290 steps up to the main temple area for a genuine pilgrimage experience. Alternatively, the road continues to the top of the hill for those who are a bit less mobile. Whether you drive or take the stairs, once at the top, you'll need to purchase a ticket to enter for only 30 baht (around $1 USD). Be sure to remove your shoes and cover up before entering the temple area. Women are also asked to cover their shoulders and legs, so dress accordingly or bring along a sarong.
Chedi Luang
Located in the heart of Old Town, Chedi Luang was our favorite temple we visited inside the walls of the ancient city. Construction of this enormous temple began in 1391 and was expanded later. An earthquake back in 1545 is responsible for the ruined state of the dome on top of the temple (the chedi.) The snake statues at the foot of the stairs and the elephant statues midway up are there to guard the ashes of Ku Na. Ku Na was the father of King Saen Muang Ma who built Chedi Luang.
Adjacent to the ruined chedi is the large viharn, or assembly hall, which was built in 1928. The massive interior contains a standing Buddha known as the Phra Chao Attarot. The Buddha dates from the time of the temple's founder, King Saen Muang Ma (late 14th century) and is made of brass alloy and mortar. The hall also has several impressive round columns supporting a high red ceiling.
Wat Suan Dorg
Photo via Flickr/Christel De Maeyer
Photo via Flickr/Christel De Maeyer
This unique temple is approximately one kilometer west of the Suan Dok Gate on the west side of the walled city. Legend says that after having a vision, a monk discovered a Buddhist relic meant to be housed in Chiang Mai. So Wat Suan Dorg was built. The moment the relic was brought to be put in the temple, it miraculously duplicated itself. One relic was placed in Wat Suan Dorg and the other relic was seated on the back of a white elephant, and the elephant was set loose. The elephant then climbed Doi Suthep, the mountain directly west of Chiang Mai, and died. The previously mentioned Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep was built on that spot to house the second relic.
VIDEO: Zipline through the mountains of Chiang Mai and wind down in the city
Bonus: Wat Rong Khun
Photo via Flickr/David
Photo via Flickr/Thanate Tan
Unfortunately we didn't make it to this famous wat, but if you have time for a day trip outside of Chiang Mai City, Wat Rong Khun (also known as the White Temple in Chiang Rai) is a temple unlike any other. It is probably one of the best-recognized temples in Thailand.
As mentioned, these are only a handful of the amazing 300 temples throughout Chiang Mai. So tell us - have you been to Chiang Mai? What were your favorite temples?
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