9 of the Top Temples in Chiang Mai

Indisputably, the city’s most famous temple is Wat Phra Singh Waramahawihan, so it’s the obvious place to start this guide. Dating back to the 14th century, Wat Phra Singh in Chiang Mai is most famous for housing Phra Singh: a venerated Buddha image that draws thousands of pilgrims every year.

It's easy to see how this complex is a highlight of Chiang Mai’s Old Town, thanks to the shiny gold stupas which rub shoulders with traditional Thai-style buildings. And while you’ll be hard-pressed to find a Chiang Mai sightseeing tour that doesn’t feature Wat Phra Singh Waramahawihan, an evening tour could be a particularly fun option, as you'll see the temple illuminated dramatically against the night sky.

Coming in at number two is the Wat Chedi Luang temple, another 14th-century building that’s famous for being the former home of the Emerald Buddha, considered Thailand’s most sacred object. Even though the relic has since been moved to Bangkok, that hasn’t detracted from the allure of this temple, which wildlife lovers will especially enjoy for the elephant sculptures and mythical serpents that guard its entrance.

Wat Chedi Luang is also one of many must-see sights in the heart of Chiang Mai’s walled old city—opt for an Old Chiang Mai bike tour so you can cover more sights in less time, including this temple.

Insider tip: During Monk Chat Clubs, you can meet monks looking to practice their English and learn more about local religious customs. The sessions take place from 9am to 6pm daily.

As well as being among the most famous temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is also the highest, thanks to its perch atop the 5,528-foot (1,685-meter) Mt. Soi—one of the tallest peaks in Thailand. Naturally, it’s one of the most spectacular places to catch the sunrise; consider booking this sunrise excursion with a former monk to learn about the temple’s spiritual significance.

Then, if you’ve already got up early to see the orange-robed monks giving alms, spend the rest of the day exploring the lush landscapes of Doi Inthanon National Park to see hidden waterfalls and hill tribe villages. Join a tour to navigate the park’s many highlights.

When it comes to hidden temples in Chiang Mai, things don’t get much better than Wat Umong, a 13th-century temple in Doi Inthanon National Park. While its stupas aren’t quite as flamboyant as other nearby sacred sites, the top draw here is the underground tunnels that were built to create peaceful places for monks to meditate—hence why it’s better known as Tunnel Temple. Take a night tour to combine Wat Umong with several other local temples, all of which will be gloriously illuminated.

The golden stupa of Wat Suan Dok rises resplendently over a collection of bright, whitewashed chedi to create one of the most beautiful sacred sites in Chiang Mai. But the bell-shaped structures don’t just look nice—they contain the ashes of generations of Lanna royalty.

Additionally, given that Wat Suan Dok photographs so well, it’s a staple of Chiang Mai Instagram tours that show you the hot spots for social media-worthy shots.

You won’t find many Chiang Mai temple tours that don’t feature Wat Chiang Man on their itinerary, as it boasts the accolade of the historic center’s oldest temple. Glistening teak and glittering gold leaf harmonize at this religious site, home to an ancient Buddha image revered by locals. Thanks to its rich history dating back to when Chiang Mai was founded, this is an attraction that benefits from the kind of context that a temple tour can provide.

A 56-foot-tall (17-meter-tall) Buddha statue makes the Golden Temple—also known as Wat Phra That Doi Kham—one of the top Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai. Said to be more than 1,300 years old, this complex boasts panoramic views of the surrounding greenery from its perch atop Doi Kham mountain on the outskirts of the city. It also sits above the Royal Park Ratchapruek, a botanical garden home to traditional architecture and rare flora, including orchids—be sure to pay a visit once you've finished at the temple.

Perched on the banks of the Mae Ping River, Wiang Kum Kam is Chiang Mai’s answer to the UNESCO–listed Ayutthaya temple complex near Bangkok, and it’s one of the most significant historic temples in Chiang Mai.

The excavated ruins of this former Lanna capital pepper the lanes of a country village around 15 minutes away from the city by car, so you’ll find far fewer crowds here than at more central monuments. Zip between the highlights faster on a bike tour that provides historical context crucial to understanding the structures, which often lack detailed information.

While Chiang Mai has enough temples to keep you busy for days, it’s still worth taking a day trip to Lamphun, a small Northern Thai town with a big temple scene. The jewel in its cultural crown is Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, which boasts enormous gold stupas and devout worshippers, who decorate the temple with floral offerings and colorful lanterns.

Visiting Lamphun on an electric bike tour makes easy work of the journey, while a traditional temple tour helps you discover why the area holds such significance.