Wat Ratcha Monthian, Chiang Mai

Buddhist Temple in Chiang Mai

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Stefan Fussan

Wat Ratcha Monthian is one of the most visually distinctive temples in Chiang Mai, easily recognised by its imposing white Buddha seated in the Subduing Mara posture and facing the moat-side road. This dramatic figure draws visitors toward the richly decorated viharn perched above a steep staircase. With shimmering gold floral motifs, elaborate rooflines covered in nagas and chofas, and golden umbrellas crowning the ridge, the temple immediately stands out, making it one of the best places to visit in Chiang Mai for lovers of ornate Lanna and Burmese-influenced design.

Despite its location near a busy road, the temple is often visited on walking tours of Chiang Mai thanks to its unusual layout, its dual-level viharns, and the serene beauty of its crowned white Buddhas. The blend of architectural creativity and spiritual atmosphere makes it a rewarding stop for temple enthusiasts and curious travellers alike.

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

History and Significance of Wat Ratcha Monthian

Wat Ratcha Monthian has long served as a neighbourhood temple on the southern edge of the Old City moat, but its modern identity is defined by its striking Burmese-Shan influences. These stylistic elements likely reflect historic cultural exchanges between northern Thailand and the Shan States, where crowned white Buddhas are common.

The temple’s grand white Buddha and decorative viharn have become local landmarks, showcasing the region’s ongoing tradition of adapting artistic motifs across borders. The presence of ritual items like luk nimit spheres, Rahu imagery, and actively used shrines also highlights the temple’s continuing role in community ceremonies and everyday worship.

Things to See and Do in Wat Ratcha Monthian

The upper viharn is one of the temple’s highlights. Ascending the steep staircase, visitors arrive at an intricately decorated façade with gold floral patterns, naga-bordered gables, chofa finials, and golden umbrellas along the rooftop. Inside, the hall feels grand yet uncluttered, with pale marble floors and red lacquer columns supporting the space. The crowned white alabaster Buddha, styled in Burmese-Shan fashion, radiates calm, its gentle expression drawing the eye immediately.

The lower viharn offers a contrasting atmosphere. This space feels lived-in and actively used by worshippers, with offerings scattered across the altar. Three crowned white Buddha images stand here, each with soft, almost feminine expressions typical of Shan craftsmanship. Their warm smiles and delicate detailing make this one of the temple’s most charming features.

The chedi is another standout structure. Instead of the typical Lanna bell shape, it takes on a square, tiered Burmese form, with niches for Buddha images and a golden mini-chedi topped with a sacred umbrella. Nearby stands a lively administrative building, a black-painted Rahu statue associated with eclipses and protection, and golden-leaf-covered luk nimit spheres awaiting burial in future consecration rituals.

How to Get to Wat Ratcha Monthian

From Chiang Mai International Airport, Wat Ratcha Monthian is around a 10-minute drive by taxi or rideshare. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Chiang Mai on Booking.com. From Chiang Mai Railway Station, visitors can take a red songthaew or taxi to the southern side of the Old City, followed by a short walk along the moat. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Travellers arriving by car can follow the Old City moat road and park along nearby side streets close to the temple.

Practical Tips on Visiting Wat Ratcha Monthian

Best time to visit Wat Ratcha Monthian: Late afternoon for soft light on the white Buddha.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
Opening hours: Daylight hours.
Official website: None.
How long to spend: 20-30 minutes.
Accessibility: Some steep steps to the upper viharn; lower area easier to access.
Facilities: Limited; cafés and convenience stores nearby.
Photography tip: Capture the giant white Buddha from across the moat for scale and symmetry.
Guided tours: Occasionally included in Old City temple routes.
Nearby food options: Plenty of cafés and restaurants along the moat road.

Where to Stay close to Wat Ratcha Monthian

Staying near the southern moat gives you quick access to the Old City and its lively neighbourhoods. For boutique charm with traditional elegance, Tamarind Village is a favourite. Travellers seeking central convenience may prefer U Chiang Mai, ideal for exploring temples on foot. For a refined, luxurious stay, The Inside House offers stylish rooms and serene surroundings.

Is Wat Ratcha Monthian Worth Visiting?

Yes. Wat Ratcha Monthian is absolutely worth visiting for its dramatic white Buddha, its richly decorated viharns, and its unique blend of Lanna and Burmese-Shan artistic traditions. It offers memorable contrasts between grandeur and intimacy, making it a standout stop along Chiang Mai's moat.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (378)

Wat Rajamontean, located in Si Phum, Chiang Mai, is a compact but elaborately decorated Lanna-style temple noted for its maroon-and-gold exterior and large, imposing Buddha visible from the street; visitors praise the peaceful, well-maintained grounds, ornate carvings, attractive stairway, and a courtyard you can enter freely to view the outdoor Buddha and other features such as a sleeping Buddha in the lower section, though the main hall is sometimes closed.

Buster Got it

3 weeks ago

"Very very ornate temple, it is compact but very well decorated with a big Buddha statue. The temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai,known for its La a-style architecture, maroon and gold colors, and intricate carvings. It was originally established in the 15th century and has served as a spiritual center and peaceful place for meditation and prayer for centuries...."

See More See Less

Luana Bedin

a month ago

"This temple is easily recognized by its most striking feature, a giant and very imposing Buddha statue, which is visible right from the street. Thearchitecture of the building, with intricate red-and-gold details, is very beautiful to see from the outside. Unfortunately, when I tried to visit, the main temple hall was closed, and after doing some research, I found this seems to be a common occurrence, which is a shame. In any case, you can still enter the courtyard to see the large Buddha statue up close and appreciate the external architecture. Access to the courtyard is free...."

See More See Less

S L Chong

3 months ago

"We dropped by this temple which is near our hotel. The staircase going up is very nice and the temple is well maintained and peaceful. There were nocrowds when we visited in the morning. The outdoor Buddha image is very nice...."

See More See Less

FAQs for Visiting Wat Ratcha Monthian

No, visiting the temple is free.

Yes, photography is generally allowed, though be respectful of worshippers.

Most visitors spend 20-30 minutes at the temple.

Yes, the giant white Buddha is visible from the moat road, making it easy to spot.

The staircase to the upper viharn is steep, so take care, especially in wet weather.

Nearby Attractions to Wat Ratcha Monthian

Wat Sri Suphan - The famous Silver Temple with intricate silverwork.
Wat Muen San - Another temple known for its silver craftsmanship.
Chiang Mai Gate Market - A lively local market with excellent street food.
Wat Phra Singh - One of Chiang Mai's most important temples with classic Lanna architecture.
Wat Chedi Luang - A major Old City landmark centred around a massive ruined chedi.

The Wat Ratcha Monthian appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Chiang Mai!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!