Free Walking Tour of Chiang Mai's Temples

Wat (Inthakhin) Sadeau Muang, also known as the Temple of the Navel of the City, is a small yet strikingly beautiful temple located in the courtyard near the Three Kings Monument in Chiang Mai. Constructed from dark teak wood with intricate gold accents, this temple exudes a serene charm that stands in contrast to its bustling surroundings. Historically significant, it was once the site of the city’s original pillar, or Inthakin, which symbolized spiritual protection and the well-being of the city. This sacred spot played a crucial role in King Mengrai’s decision to establish Chiang Mai here in the late 13th century. According to legend, the area was chosen after the king witnessed two white deer fearlessly fending off a pack of hunting dogs, a powerful omen suggesting divine approval for the site.

Today, Wat Sadeau Muang is a quiet sanctuary where visitors can appreciate its artistic craftsmanship and historical importance. The temple’s teak construction features intricate carvings and gilded embellishments that reflect the Lanna architectural style, evoking a sense of timeless elegance. Despite its modest size, it holds deep cultural significance as a spiritual anchor of the city’s founding. Visitors often come here to experience its tranquil atmosphere, reflect on its storied past, and pay respects to the sacred traditions that continue to resonate through Chiang Mai’s history.

Wat Lam Chang, located in the heart of Chiang Mai, is one of the city’s lesser-known temples but offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the more tourist-heavy spots. The temple’s name, which translates to “Temple of the Elephant Stable,” refers to its history when it once housed royal elephants. Wat Lam Chang’s serene ambiance is complemented by a lovely garden setting, where visitors can enjoy the calming environment and the occasional sight of the temple’s resident monks. This is a place for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in a bit of local history and culture.

The temple complex features a traditional Lanna-style viharn (sermon hall), adorned with ornate teak wood carvings and golden embellishments. One of the main attractions is its chedi, a large, bell-shaped stupa that sits at the center of the temple grounds. The chedi is particularly notable for its unique design, which stands out from other temples in the area. The peaceful atmosphere and the historical significance of the temple, along with the scenic surroundings, make Wat Lam Chang a hidden gem for those exploring Chiang Mai’s spiritual sites.

Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, was established shortly after the city’s founding in 1296. This historic site occupies the same grounds where King Mengrai built his palace when he relocated the Lanna Kingdom’s capital from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. Despite its somewhat understated appearance, the temple is rich in history and spiritual significance. It is home to two revered Buddha images: the marble Phra Sila and the crystal Phra Satang Man, both believed to be over 2,000 years old, drawing pilgrims and visitors alike to admire their ancient craftsmanship.

The temple complex is a prime example of Lanna architecture, reflecting the distinct style of the kingdom over which Chiang Mai once ruled. Among its highlights is the Sri Lankan-style Chang Lom Chedi, or “Chedi Surrounded by Elephants,” the oldest structure on the grounds. This pagoda, inspired by Pagan design, features 15 elephant statues at its base, symbolizing the sea of unformed matter, while the chedi above represents the cosmos. Though weathered, the elephant statues exude a timeless charm.

Inside the ordination hall, visitors will find the oldest intact Buddha statue in Chiang Mai, dating back to 1465. The hall’s interiors are adorned with stunning red-and-gold murals depicting the Buddha’s life, while the window shutters echo the same vibrant patterns. The spacious, garden-like grounds around the hall create a serene atmosphere, perfect for reflection. For those curious about Chiang Mai’s early days, nearby Wat Lam Chang offers an intriguing detour. This site, named “Shackled Elephants,” is where King Mengrai kept his white elephants while constructing the city.

Passing through the striking red gate of Wat Hua Kuang, also known as Wat Saen Muang Ma Luang, visitors are greeted with a delightful surprise. While the temple complex appears modest at first glance, it unfolds into a much larger area as you venture further in. The initial structures feature classic multi-tiered Lanna-style roofs, with the building on the left guarded by fierce white lions and the Ordination Hall on the right flanked by serpentine naga statues. Unlike many other temples in Chiang Mai, the Ordination Hall boasts a distinctive grey elephant statue rather than the traditional white royal elephants, complementing its golden lattice facade.

Continuing along the walkway between these two buildings, you’ll notice intricate red and white architectural details adorning the sides of the main structure. As you approach the rear courtyard, gold-painted accents become more prominent, culminating in the centerpiece of the complex—a large stone chedi mound. While Wat Hua Kuang might be overlooked by some, its unique details and serene atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop, especially for photography enthusiasts seeking to capture the charm of Chiang Mai’s temple art and design.

Wat Khuan Khama, also known as the Golden Horse Temple, is an unmistakable sight with its unique wall adorned by approximately 50 golden horse statues. These statues, varying in size, line the entire length of the temple’s perimeter and immediately catch the eye of passersby. Inside the temple grounds, visitors can find statues representing various animals associated with the Symbols of Everybody—similar to the zodiac animals of the Chinese calendar, such as the rat, ox, and snake. It’s worth noting that this temple should not be confused with the Golden Horse Monastery near Chiang Rai, which is known for training monks in Muay Thai for self-defense.

Wat Ratcha Monthian, situated on the south side of Chiang Mai’s historic moat, is a temple that immediately captures attention with its large, seated white Buddha overlooking the road. This serene figure, crafted in a Burmese-Shan style, is unlike the golden Buddhas typically seen in the region. The temple’s upper viharn, accessed by steep steps, is a marvel of ornate design, featuring intricate gold floral motifs and a roof adorned with naga and chofa accents. Inside, the red lacquer columns and marble flooring create a stately ambiance, drawing the eye to the principal Buddha image, whose crowned elegance and tranquil demeanor embody a unique blend of grace and spirituality.

The temple grounds are equally distinctive. The square, tiered chedi reflects Burmese architectural influences, with niches housing Buddha images on its upper levels, and a golden mini-chedi crowning the structure. Additional features like the black-painted statue of Rahu, the mythical deity responsible for eclipses, and golden-leafed luk nimit balls awaiting ritual burial, add layers of cultural and religious significance. Wat Ratcha Monthian is not just a place of worship but a testament to the blending of artistic styles and traditions, making it a fascinating and meaningful stop in Chiang Mai.

Wat Lok Moli, dating back to the mid-1300s, stands out as one of Chiang Mai’s most beloved temples. Initially serving as a royal palace, the grounds were transformed by King Guna in 1397 to accommodate 10 monks from Burma, whom he invited to help spread Buddhism. The temple complex remained relatively unchanged until 1527 when King Phra Muang Kaew initiated the construction of the current buildings, starting with a large, three-tiered brick chedi followed by the Ordination Hall (ubosot).

After King Phra Muang Kaew’s assassination in 1545, his ashes were interred at the temple. His widow, Queen Wissuthidhevee, took over the rule of Chiang Mai, but in 1578, during the Burmese occupation, the temple remained largely undisturbed. The Queen was also buried at Wat Lok Moli in a grand ceremony. This period of Burmese influence lasted for 224 years but did not significantly alter the temple’s structure.

The Hua-Lin Corner Wall Section offers a fascinating glimpse into Chiang Mai’s medieval defenses. This reconstructed section of the city’s ancient wall provides a great opportunity to walk along the top and admire its worn, weathered appearance, which gives it an aged look despite its more recent reconstruction. Originally built when Chiang Mai became the capital of the Lanna Kingdom in 1296, the city walls were fortified and moated over the centuries to protect the capital. However, much of the wall was dismantled during the Japanese occupation in World War II, with the bricks repurposed for other uses.

In the years following the war, from 1966 to 1969, the city of Chiang Mai embarked on a restoration project to rebuild the wall, using old photographs from 1899 as a reference to recreate its original appearance. One notable feature of this section is the curved outcrop at the corner, once home to a watchtower known as Hua-Lin Fort, which adds to the historical charm of the site

Wat Prasat is a small but historically rich temple located in Chiang Mai. This serene and lesser-known site is known for its beautiful, Lanna-style architecture, with a distinctive wooden viharn (sermon hall) and a large, elegantly designed chedi. The temple’s significance lies in its historical connection to the region’s early religious development, being one of the temples established in the 14th century during the reign of the Lanna kingdom. Wat Prasat is less frequented by tourists, which allows visitors to enjoy its tranquil setting and appreciate its peaceful atmosphere. The temple is also home to intricate wooden carvings, offering a glimpse into traditional craftsmanship.

Wat Pha Bong, also known as Wat Mank Kalaram, is a small yet enchanting temple in Chiang Mai, celebrated for its serene ambiance and unique offerings. One of its most distinctive features is the large gong in the temple’s courtyard, where visitors are encouraged to strike it three times, invoking “happiness, health, and peace.” Afterward, donations are often placed in a box by the cheerful shopkeeper nearby. Although the temple draws visitors with its charm, it remains modest in size, consisting mainly of a viharn (hall) and a chedi (stupa), along with the usual monk’s quarters and administrative structures. Its tranquil environment makes it a perfect spot for a brief but enriching visit.

Wat Phra Sing, one of Chiang Mai’s most famous temples, is home to over 600 monks and offers a rich blend of historical and architectural features. The complex includes the main Wihan Luang Sermon Hall (Viharn), which dates back to the 1300s (rebuilt in 1925) and houses the iconic Subdued Buddha Statue from 1477. Nearby, the Scripture Library (Ho Trai), built in the late 1400s, showcases Lanna-style architecture with a red roof and is elevated to protect its precious Buddhist texts. The Golden Pagoda (Chedi), originally constructed in 1345 by King Phayu to house his father’s ashes, stands as a central landmark of the temple, framed by the Ordination Hall (Ubosot) and the Gilded Sermon Hall (Lai Kham Viharn).

Inside the Lai Kham Sermon Hall, visitors can admire the famous Lion Buddha Statue, believed to be the holiest icon in Chiang Mai, which was brought here in 1367 from Bodhgaya, India. Despite its name, the statue resembles a traditional golden Buddha, though it once lost its head in 1922, replaced with a replica. The hall is adorned with beautiful murals depicting historical events. The temple also houses an Ordination Hall from 1806, a replica of the Emerald Buddha, and a reclining Golden Buddha Statue, symbolizing the Buddha’s transition into nirvana. As visitors exit the temple, they may encounter individuals offering to release birds for good luck, though it’s recommended to avoid participating, as it encourages the practice of trapping birds.

Wat Chedi Luang Temple is one of Chiang Mai’s most remarkable sites, offering a rich blend of history, art, and spiritual significance. The complex is anchored by the towering Great Stupa, which was originally constructed in 1391 by King Saen Muang Ma to house the ashes of his father, King Ku Na. Over the years, successive Thai Kings expanded the structure, adding silver-plated walls and a spire to hold the famous Emerald Buddha, which was moved here from Lampang in 1468. At its peak, the Stupa stood 275 feet tall and 184 feet wide, adorned with bronze plates and gold leaf. Unfortunately, an earthquake in 1545 severely damaged the Stupa, reducing its height to 197 feet and causing the spire to collapse. The Emerald Buddha was relocated to Laos in 1556 to protect it from invading Burmese forces, and it is now housed in the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Despite this, the Stupa remains the tallest structure in Chiang Mai’s Old City, a testament to the grandeur of its original design.

In addition to the Stupa, the Wat Chedi Luang complex features other fascinating elements. The entrance is marked by a stunning triangular facade on the Sermon Hall, which is gilded and adorned with peacock-like blue and green accents. Inside, the hall’s black columns are decorated with gold patterns, leading to the enormous Phra Chao Attarot Buddha statue. The surrounding grounds are equally captivating, with a massive Gum Tree said to bring good fortune to the city as long as it stands, and a White Chapel housing a log from the original City Pillar, believed to protect Chiang Mai from evil. The small chapel is adorned with vibrant murals and is a key stop during the Inthakin Festival in May. The Golden Shrine at the center contains a piece of the City Pillar, a symbol of the city’s founding by King Mengrai in 1296. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the green guardian statues near the gate for a full experience of the temple’s spiritual and historical depth.

Wat Pan Tao, established in the 1300s, was one of the four temples within the Royal Stupa Complex located nearby. Entering the temple, you walk through an intricately carved red sandstone archway along a dirt path, which leads past the large wooden Sermon Hall, small huts, colorful tung banner flags, a tulip pond, and even the monks’ outdoor laundry area. It’s not unusual to encounter chickens and other animals roaming the grounds, accompanied by the sounds of chanting and ringing bells. Historically, Wat Pan Tao earned the nickname “The Monastery of a Thousand Kilns” because it once served as a factory where monks crafted handmade Buddha statues for other temples.

The main attraction at Wat Pan Tao is the impressive teakwood Sermon Hall, relocated here in 1875 by King Inthawichayanon. This hall is one of the few remaining all-wood temple buildings in Chiang Mai and was originally part of the royal residence before being repurposed. As per Lanna tradition, each new king would build a new palace, often reusing the previous king’s structures. The deep, dark teak wood of the Sermon Hall beautifully contrasts with the golden peacock symbol above the entrance, representing the king. Inside, you can find a Dhamma Casket that holds ancient Buddhist scriptures written on dried palm leaves, a common method of recording texts in Asia before the invention of the printing press.