Wat Lam Chang, Chiang Mai

Temple in Chiang Mai

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Stefan Fussan

Wat Lam Chang is one of the must-see places in Chiang Mai for visitors who enjoy temples with a story, character, and deep cultural roots. Located just across from Wat Chiang Man—the city's oldest temple—this 14th-century sanctuary is closely tied to the royal elephants once housed and fed on its grounds. Its name, meaning “Temple of the Tethered Elephant,” reflects its unique role in Lanna history and gives the temple a special charm that sets it apart from others. This spot is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Chiang Mai's Old City, especially for travellers fascinated by art, architecture, and the symbolic role of elephants in Thai culture.

Still less visited than the major temples, Wat Lam Chang offers a peaceful, atmospheric experience. Elephant statues and motifs appear throughout the complex, creating a visual thread that ties modern visitors to its medieval past.

History and Significance of Wat Lam Chang
Things to See and Do in Wat Lam Chang
How to Get to Wat Lam Chang
Practical Tips on Visiting Wat Lam Chang
Where to Stay close to Wat Lam Chang
Is Wat Lam Chang Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Wat Lam Chang
Nearby Attractions to Wat Lam Chang

History and Significance of Wat Lam Chang

Wat Lam Chang dates to the 14th century, when Chiang Mai was newly founded as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The temple's grounds served as a royal elephant stable, where elephants used for transporting members of the ruling family were kept, fed, and cared for. This connection is reflected in the temple's artwork, which features elephants in carvings, gables, statues, and murals.

Its position beside Wat Chiang Man further emphasises its importance in early Lanna society. While much of the temple has been restored or rebuilt over the centuries, the essence of its elephant-focused history has been carefully preserved, providing visitors with a rare glimpse into the cultural significance of these majestic animals in Thailand.

Things to See and Do in Wat Lam Chang

Start at the richly decorated viharn, which features gold floral patterns, guardian makkara-naga balustrades, and an ornate lintel showing elephants beneath palm trees—a clear nod to the temple’s origins. Inside, murals from the Buddha’s previous lives line the walls, while a large central altar holds more than 100 Buddha images.

The ubosot and ho trai stand together in a two-storey structure. The ubosot below displays historic manuscript boxes and Jataka murals, while the upper-floor ho trai features striking gold-on-blue gable art and chofa finials.

Outside, explore two chedis: one ancient and partially ruined, the other more modern and brightly adorned with mosaic glass and kneeling elephant figures at each corner. Do not miss the life-size elephant statue near the viharn—one of the finest examples of Thai elephant sculpture in Chiang Mai.

At the back of the grounds sits a sacred inscription stone surrounded by four small brick pillars, lending a sense of archaeological depth to the temple visit.

How to Get to Wat Lam Chang

Travellers flying into Chiang Mai International Airport can reach the temple in around 15 minutes by taxi, tuk-tuk, or rideshare. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Chiang Mai on Booking.com.

Those arriving by train can take a red songthaew, taxi, or tuk-tuk directly to the Old City; the temple is located just northeast of the central moat. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Travelling by car is straightforward, though parking around the Old City can be limited during peak hours.

Practical Tips on Visiting Wat Lam Chang

Best time to visit Wat Lam Chang: Morning for soft light and a peaceful atmosphere.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free; donations welcome.
Opening hours: Typically 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Official website: Refer to Chiang Mai temple information pages.
How long to spend: 30 to 45 minutes.
Accessibility: Mostly accessible; some uneven brick areas.
Facilities: Limited; small shops and cafés nearby.
Photography tip: Capture the modern chedi’s mosaic and elephant statues in late-afternoon sunlight.
Guided tours: Often included in Old City temple tours.
Nearby food options: Small restaurants and juice bars around the Old City’s northern quadrant.

Where to Stay close to Wat Lam Chang

Staying within the Old City provides easy access to Wat Lam Chang and its neighbouring temples. Consider Tamarind Village for a boutique stay near major cultural sites. A quieter alternative close by is Phra Singh Village. For a stylish and central option, try U Chiang Mai.

Is Wat Lam Chang Worth Visiting?

Yes. Wat Lam Chang is a wonderful blend of artistry, history, and peaceful local atmosphere. Its strong connection to the elephants of the Lanna Kingdom, combined with its ornate buildings and ancient chedis, makes it a rewarding stop for travellers who want to explore temples beyond the main tourist circuit.

FAQs for Visiting Wat Lam Chang

Why is Wat Lam Chang associated with elephants?
Because the temple grounds once served as a royal elephant stable during the Lanna period.

Is there an entrance fee?
No, visiting the temple is free.

How long should I plan to visit?
Around 30–45 minutes.

Is it less crowded than nearby temples?
Yes, it's quieter than Wat Chiang Man and other major Old City temples.

What is the main highlight?
The combination of elephant-themed art, ornate Lanna architecture, and the contrasting ancient and modern chedis.

Nearby Attractions to Wat Lam Chang

Wat Chiang Man: Chiang Mai's oldest temple with historic Buddha images.
Wat Lamduan: A small local temple with peaceful surroundings.
Chang Phuak Gate: One of the Old City's historic northern gates.
Wat Saaen Fang: A beautiful Burmese-influenced temple nearby.
Lanna Folklife Museum: A cultural museum showcasing traditional northern Thai heritage.

The Wat Lam Chang appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Chiang Mai!

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