Step inside the old city of Chiang Mai and you’re guaranteed to see a beautiful temple at every corner. After all, there are over 300 temples in Chiang Mai and many of them are located inside the historic old city.

On our first day in the old city we were overwhelmed by thought of how many temples can we visit during our trip? Luckily, most of the main temples in Chiang Mai’s old city are within walking distance of each other. And unless you’re staying in the city for an extended duration of time, you probably just want to the see the most iconic and beautiful temples. But it’s also hard as all the temples are equally beautiful!

The contrast of Wat Phan Tao

Which temples should you visit in Chiang Mai’s old city?

Our walking guide is perfect for someone who can spend at least a day exploring temples on foot the old city, on their own.

If you’re in Chiang Mai you’d obviously want to visit the temples outside the old city too, such as the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, or visit an elephant sanctuary. But if you can spare a day to explore the temples in Chiang Mai’s old city, read on.

Quick Tips

Here are a few quick tips that we think you’ll find helpful.

1. Start early. Most temples open around 6 AM. It’s a good idea to start early before the crowds arrive. You’ll have the entire temple to yourself. Also, you’ll beat the heat.
2. Wear comfortable footwear that’s relatively easy to take off. There’s plenty of walking involved, and if you want to enter temples, you’ll need to take off your shoes.
3. Dress appropriately. For men it means t-shirts and shorts. Nothing sleeveless. For women it means clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
4. Carry plenty of sun protection. That means water, sunscreen, caps/hats, or even an umbrella.
5. Take breaks whenever you feel tired. Find a cafe to sit in, or better yet, get a foot massage. Massage parlours are as ubiquitous as temples.
6. Public toilets are located close to most points of interests. So, that’s good to know.

Accommodation Recommendations

Before we start, we thought we’d offer you our top recommendations for places to stay in Chiang Mai’s most popular locations.

Walking Tour of the Most Beautiful Temples in Chiang Mai’s Old City

Our self-guided walking tour starts from the north, and works its way south, and then finally ends in the west.

Chiang Mai Old City Temples Map

For quick reference, here is the map of the temples, along with the directions.

Map of the best temples in Chiang Mai’s old city

So, let’s start exploring at Wat Chiang Man.

Wat Chiang Man

The oldest temple in Chiang Mai – Wat Chiang Man

It’s only appropriate that we start at Wat Chian Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai built around 1296-97. The temple is most famously known to house some priceless, historical artifacts and an inscription that records the history of the temple and the old city of Chiang Mai.

My favourite part of the temple complex is its chedi. A dark base of elephant statues along with a golden top makes it so elegant and beautiful. The contrast of the colours is simply magnificent.

After you’re done exploring Wat Chiang Man, make your way to the next temple that is only a 5 minute walk away.

• Opening hours: 06:00 – 17:00
• Admission fee: Free

More photos of Wat Chiang Man

Wat Saen Muang Ma Luang

The ornate buildings of Wat Saen Muang Ma Luang

Wat Saen Muang Ma Luang (also known as Wat Hua Khuang) is one of the most beautifully maintained and grand looking temples in the old city of Chiang Mai. Several of the structures have been replaced over time, and even the new administrative building is beautifully decorative.

If you ask me, I think this temple is quite the hidden gem as not many online guides talk about it.

Walk around the virhan and to the old chedi at the back and admire the beautiful bell towers on the side. Wat Saen Muang Ma Luang is honestly one of the most beautiful, grand temples in Chiang Mai.

Now before we head to the next temple, we’ll stop by another landmark in Chiang Mai’s old city – The Three Kings Monument.

• Opening hours: 06:00 – 18:00
  
• Admission fee: Free
  

More photos of Wat Saen Muang Ma Luang

Three Kings Monument

The Three Kings Monument in the heart of Chiang Mai’s old city

The Three Kings Monument is a sculpture of King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai; his contemporary King Ramkamhaeng of Sukothai; and King Ngam Muang of Payao. It is believed that the three together worked on the layout plans for Chiang Mai.

The sculpture stands in front of the old provincial administration building, which now houses the Chiang Mai City Art & Cultural Center.

Just adjacent to the the Three Kings Monument is our next temple on the list.

Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang

Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang besides the main road

It’s hard to miss this beautiful dark temple with gold accents in the middle of the road. Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang literally translates to “temple of the city navel”, a reference to it location in the center of old city where the temple was built over 700 years ago. The temple marks the spot where a pillar once stood at the ancient city center. The pillar was later moved to Wat Chedi Luang.

What’s interesting to note here is that the two chedis of the temple have now been separated by the road. One chedi is behind the temple, while the other is behind the wall on the other side.

• Opening hours: 06:00 – 17:00
  
• Admission fee: Free
  

More photos of Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang

Wat Umong Mahathera Chan

Wat Umong Mahathera Chan, Chiang Mai

This temple is technically a meditation centre with brick stupas for monks to meditate inside. This temple is nothing like the others on this list, and that’s what makes it so unique.

Step inside for some peace and calm, admire the brick stupas, and the ancient chedi within the complex.

Next we visit another unique temple in Chiang Mai.

• Admission fee: Free
  

Wat Phan Tao

The teak temple – Wat Phan Tao

Wat Phan Tao is a beautiful temple made from dark teak wood located right next to Wat Chedi Luang. Sadly, most visitors walk past it because they’re looking for Wat Chedi Luang. Even we made that mistake our first day.

But once you step inside Wat Phan Tao, you’ll be glad you’ll realise how this temple stands on its own. It’s absolutely stunning! The contrast between the dark colour of the temple, and the glittering gold of the chedi makes for a stunning photo.

Walk around to the back and you’ll notice a small pond next to a cluster of bamboos. If you’re visiting during the time of a festival, you might be in luck and get to see the garden decorated. This was perhaps the only temple where I saw many monks walking around the compound.

Once you’re done with visiting Wat Phan Tao, our next temple is just on the other side of the wall.

• Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00
  
• Admission fee: Free
  

More photos of Wat Phan Tao

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai

Wat Chedi Luang is perhaps the most iconic temple in all of Chiang Mai’s old city. It was once the tallest structure in Chiang Mai at the peak of the Lanna Kingdom. At one point, the chedi stood at 82 metres but is believed to have been toppled over by an earthquake, or during the war with the Burmese. No one is really sure which story is true.

The temple was once home to the Emerald Buddha, that is now in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. Today there is a jade replica in its place.

Take your time to explore the entire compound. There are other smaller temples and libraries next to Chedi Luang that are equally stunning. As you walk around the chedi, admire the nagas that guard the stairway, or the elephants along the walls.

• Opening hours: 06:00 – 17:00
  
• Admission fee: 40 baht/person
  

More photos of Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai

It should come as no surprise that Wat Phra Singh is one of the most popular temples in Chiang Mai’s old city. It is a stunning example of the architecture during the Lanna Kingdom.

Wat Phra Singh, translates into the Temple of the Lion Buddha, was built by King Pha Yu in 1345 to house his father’s ashes. The temple’s hall was constructed around the same time to accommodate the original 14th century Lion Buddha. Unfortunately, the head was stolen in 1922 but the Lion Buddha can still be seen in the back of the complex.

This temple is one of the most photogenic temples in Chiang Mai’s old city.

• Opening hours: 06:00 – 17:00
  
• Admission fee: 20 baht/person

More photos of Wat Phra Singh

Most beautiful temples in Chiang Mai

We hope you liked our short self-guided tour of the most beautiful temples in Chiang Mai’s old city. You can also book a guided tour of the best temples in Chiang Mai if that’s something you’d prefer.

Similarly, you can also book a guided tour for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Keep in mind that this temple is located outside the city and it’s recommended that you book this tour.

And finally, make sure that you check out our photos from Chiang Mai to really inspire your trip to this beautiful and historic city!