Chiang Mai is one of those Thai provinces you can visit all year round. The city is not only about mountains, misty peaks, or nature. Chiang Mai also has new cafés popping up all the time, beautiful temples, so many good restaurants, and plenty of shopping spots. Basically, one trip to Chiang Mai can cover almost every travel style, so it is no surprise that Chiang Mai is one of the first places many Thai travelers think of when they want a relaxing getaway. I am definitely one of those people too, because I visit Chiang Mai very often. But this time, I want to focus on the temple side of the city. As everyone knows, Chiang Mai has so many beautiful temples, so I have gathered 10 temples I personally recommend and think should not be missed when visiting Chiang Mai. Let’s see which temples made the list.
10 Recommended Temples in Chiang Mai
- Wat Den Sali Sri Mueang Kaen (วัดเด่นสะหลีศรีเมือง)
- Wat Tham Luang Chiang Dao (วัดถ้ำหลวงเชียงดาว)
- Wat Pa Dara Phirom (วัดป่าดาราภิรมย์)
- Wat Chedi Luang (วัดเจดีย์หลวง)
- Wat Umong, the Buddhist Garden (วัดอุโมงค์ สวนพุทธธรรม)
- Wat Sri Suphan (วัดศรีสุพรรณ)
- Wat Phra That Doi Kham (วัดพระธาตุดอยคำ)
- Wat Pha Lat (วัดผาลาด)
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ)
- Wat Mae Kampong (วัดแม่กำปอง)
Wat Den Sali Sri Mueang Kaen (วัดเด่นสะหลีศรีเมือง)
The first temple I want to recommend is Wat Ban Den Sali Sri Mueang Kaen (วัดเด่นสะหลีศรีเมือง), also known simply as Wat Ban Den. This is one of the temples I truly love. I mean, genuinely love. It is beautiful, grand, and incredibly spectacular in every sense.
Wat Den Sali Sri Mueang Kaen is located in Inthakhin Subdistrict, Mae Taeng District. Originally, the temple was simply called Wat Ban Den. Later, after Kruba Chao Thuang came to reside here, bodhi trees began growing around the temple even though there had never been any before. In Northern Thai, a bodhi tree is called a sali tree, which carries an auspicious meaning. That is why the word was added to the temple’s name. The temple is also located within the area of an ancient town called Mueang Kaen, so locals often refer to it by its full name: Wat Den Sali Sri Mueang Kaen.
The highlight of Wat Den Sali Sri Mueang Kaen is its black pagoda with gold-trimmed details at the top. It looks incredibly cool. Honestly, I had never seen anything quite like it before.
Besides the dramatic black pagoda, the temple grounds are full of ubosot halls lined up across the complex, along with many animal statues placed around the area. Everything here feels abundant and impressive, but what I love is that every building, sculpture, pagoda, and decorative detail is beautifully crafted. When you walk closer, the craftsmanship is incredibly delicate and refined. This is one of those temples where taking photos feels effortless, because almost every corner looks beautiful. You can post the photos on Instagram and your friends will definitely ask where this place is.
Wat Tham Luang Chiang Dao (วัดถ้ำหลวงเชียงดาว)
This temple is one that I believe many nature lovers and hiking lovers will probably recognize or may already have visited. The temple sits right at the foothill of Doi Luang Chiang Dao, giving it a beautiful, peaceful, and very nature-filled atmosphere. The temple I am talking about is Wat Tham Luang Chiang Dao (วัดถ้ำหลวงเชียงดาว). The mountain you see behind it is Doi Luang Chiang Dao itself, and the whole scene here is genuinely beautiful.
Another highlight that should not be missed when visiting Wat Tham Luang is Chiang Dao Cave. It is one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Chiang Mai. Wat Tham Luang Chiang Dao is practically inseparable from Chiang Dao District itself, so if you come all the way to Chiang Dao, this is definitely a place you should stop by.
This cave has very beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, to the point that it was once featured on a Tourism Authority of Thailand poster to promote travel in Thailand. It really deserves the title of Unseen Thailand.
Chiang Dao Cave has sections you can walk through by yourself, and other sections where you need a local guide to take you in. I chose the guided cave route, which I think was around 200 THB (around US$6) per round if I remember correctly. Inside each cave, there are naturally formed stalactites and stalagmites that are incredibly beautiful. In some spots, if you shine a light on the rock surface, it sparkles subtly. In front of the cave, there is also a bright blue pond with fish swimming in it, which adds to the atmosphere. This temple feels fresh, shaded, and very peaceful. One small note: when you walk into the cave, there may be people following along to take photos of you. If you do not want the photos, just tell them clearly that you do not want any taken, because otherwise you may have to pay for the printed photos afterward.
Wat Pa Dara Phirom (วัดป่าดาราภิรมย์)
Wat Pa Dara Phirom (วัดป่าดาราภิรมย์) is one of the most beautiful temples in Mae Rim District, and honestly, it ranks among the most beautiful temples in Chiang Mai for me. This temple has so many photo corners, and almost every angle looks good. The exterior has a graceful Lanna style, while the inside of the ubosot is incredibly grand and detailed. It is seriously beautiful.
Wat Pa Dara Phirom is over 100 years old and holds significance as the seventh royal temple in Chiang Mai Province. Its ubosot beautifully gathers Lanna art in one place, from the staircase pediment decorated with traditional Lanna vine patterns surrounding three stars, which symbolize Princess Dara Rasmi. The temple is located behind the Mae Rim District Office and next to Dara Pirom Palace.
Wat Chedi Luang (วัดเจดีย์หลวง)
Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan (วัดเจดีย์หลวงวรวิหาร) is an ancient temple in Chiang Mai and another landmark that temple lovers should not miss. It is an old-style royal temple that has been restored across several periods, especially its massive chedi, which is one of the most important chedis in Chiang Mai. During the reign of King Rama V, the viharn of Wat Chedi Luang was used for the oath-taking ceremony instead of the viharn at Wat Chiang Man.
Wat Umong, the Buddhist Garden (วัดอุโมงค์ สวนพุทธธรรม) (วัดอุโมงค์ สวนพุทธธรรม)
Wat Umong, also known as Umong Thera Chan, is the name of an ancient temple where King Kuena Dhammaraja built tunnels for Phra Maha Thera Chan, a monk well-versed in the Tripitaka, to live and practice. This is one of the temples I highly recommend visiting because it feels so different from other temples. You have to walk through tunnels before reaching the Buddha images, which makes the whole place feel mysterious, surprising, and very atmospheric. I really like this temple. Highly recommended.
After walking out of the tunnel, you will see a large chedi sitting above the tunnel area. It looks grand and feels very peaceful under the trees. Wat Umong is located within Chiang Mai city, so it is easy to reach, and it is also very photogenic.
Wat Sri Suphan (วัดศรีสุพรรณ) (วัดศรีสุพรรณ)
The next temple is Wat Sri Suphan, another temple you absolutely should not miss when visiting Chiang Mai. It is genuinely beautiful, especially the silver ubosot that gleams so strikingly. If you post a photo of it on Instagram, the likes will definitely come in. Personally, when I saw it for the first time, I was honestly stunned. It is that beautiful.
Wat Sri Suphan is home to the world’s first silver ubosot. Because the temple is located in the heart of Chiang Mai’s famous silver craftsmanship community, the temple developed the idea of preserving local artisan heritage by building the world’s first silver ordination hall as an important Buddhist architectural work. The shared intention was to leave artistic heritage to the land of Lanna, dedicate it to Buddhism, and honor King Rama IX. The result is an exquisite Buddhist artwork that attracts both Buddhist devotees and travelers from Thailand and abroad.
The outside is already beautiful, but the inside of the ubosot is just as detailed and refined. Both the exterior and interior of the hall are decorated with elaborate silver craftsmanship throughout, with delicate patterns that reflect the precision and care of the artisans who created it. Inside, the main Buddha image, Phra Chao Chet Tue, is a golden Buddha in the subduing Mara posture, creating a stunning contrast against the silver interior. It is truly beautiful.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham (วัดพระธาตุดอยคำ) (วัดพระธาตุดอยคำ)
Wat Phra That Doi Kham was originally known as Wat Suwan Banphot. It is one of Chiang Mai’s most famous temples for making wishes and vows, and it is also an important temple in the province, with a history of more than 1,300 years. At Wat Phra That Doi Kham, there is a viewpoint where you can see panoramic views over Chiang Mai. The view is really beautiful.
Luang Pho Tan Jai at Wat Phra That Doi Kham was built during the reign of King Kuena of the Lanna Kingdom. Today, it is very famous for its sacred reputation. Many people come here to make wishes and vows, and when their wishes come true, such as winning a major lottery prize, succeeding at work, or achieving something important, they return to offer jasmine flowers as a way of fulfilling their vow. This is, of course, a matter of personal belief. But honestly, I feel like I should try making a wish too. Who knows, maybe I will win the lottery someday.
Wat Pha Lat (วัดผาลาด) (วัดผาลาด)
Wat Pha Lat is one of the temples that I personally love and feel deeply impressed by. I really mean it. The architecture, statues, and temple details make it feel like stepping into another world. It is quiet, mysterious, and full of character. Wat Pha Lat is visually unique and very photogenic, especially around the moss-covered chedi and green plants growing around the old structures. It has such an artistic mood. If you post photos from here on Instagram, friends will definitely ask where it is, because it almost feels like somewhere outside Thailand.
Wat Pha Lat is located at the foot of Doi Suthep, along the road leading up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Since the temple is set on the mountain, you can also see views of Chiang Mai from here. It feels calming and refreshing. If you are heading up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, I highly recommend stopping at Wat Pha Lat as well, because it really is beautiful.
Wat Pha Lat is one of three forest temples located within Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. It has more than 500 years of history and was once abandoned before being restored. As for the origin of the name Wat Pha Lat, some elders say it was originally called Pha Loet because people who followed elephants along the stream and waterfall often slipped and fell there. Some also say the elephants slipped too. Over time, the name evolved into Wat Pha Lat, after the waterfall in the area.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ) (วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ)
The final temple I want to recommend probably needs no introduction, because almost everyone knows it. When people talk about Chiang Mai, this is usually one of the first temples that comes to mind, and for many people, it may even be the very first. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, officially known as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan, is one of Chiang Mai’s most important temples and one of the city’s most symbolic landmarks.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is named after the sacred relic pagoda located on Doi Suthep. This pagoda has long been deeply respected by the people of Chiang Mai. It is also considered the zodiac-year relic temple for those born in the Year of the Goat.
To reach the upper temple area and pay respect to the relic pagoda, there are two options. You can walk up the long Naga staircase by yourself, which also feels like a little workout and makes for beautiful photos. If you get tired, just stop and take a few photos before continuing. Or you can take the lift up for a much easier and faster option.
Wat Mae Kampong (วัดแม่กำปอง)
Wat Mae Kampong (วัดแม่กำปอง), also known as Wat Khantha Phueksa, is the only temple in Mae Kampong village and is over 70 years old. The atmosphere is peaceful and shaded, and the temple has an ubosot set over water, which is one of only two water ubosot halls in Chiang Mai Province. If you are visiting Mae Kampong, you can stop by and walk around the temple. It is not far from the center of the village, so you can easily walk here.
These are the temples I wanted to recommend in Chiang Mai. Each one is beautiful and impressive in its own way. And of course, Chiang Mai still has many more temples beyond this list. This is only a small selection. If you already know what kind of temple atmosphere you like, you can follow this route and choose the places that suit you. I promise you will not only get a meaningful temple-hopping trip, but also plenty of beautiful photos to bring back for Instagram.
For anyone driving to Mae Kampong as a day trip, you can park at the temple and walk around the village from there. I recommend coming early, though, because parking spaces are limited, and as everyone in Thailand knows, Mae Kampong gets very busy. If the temple parking is full, I honestly cannot say where else would be easier to park.
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