Chiang Mai has 289 temples (wats) in our database. That is more temples than cafes per square kilometer. You cannot - and should not - try to see them all. Here are the 10 that earn their place on your itinerary, ranked by visitor ratings and review volume.
1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Rating: 4.7 | 11,557 reviews | Doi Suthep mountain
The one temple everyone must see. Perched on Doi Suthep mountain overlooking the city, the golden chedi is the symbol of Chiang Mai. Climb the 309-step Naga staircase or take the funicular. The views from the terrace are stunning, especially at sunset.
Getting there: Shared songthaew from the zoo or Nimman (60-80 THB). Grab about 200 THB one-way.
Tip: Go late afternoon (4-5 PM) for golden light and sunset views. Mornings are less crowded but hazier.
2. Wat Chedi Luang
Rating: 4.7 | 17,652 reviews | Old City center
The most impressive ruin in the Old City. The massive chedi (originally 82 meters tall, partially collapsed in a 1545 earthquake) is breathtaking up close. It once housed the Emerald Buddha, now in Bangkok. The Monk Chat program (daily 9 AM-noon) lets you have a genuine conversation with monks - one of the most meaningful experiences in Chiang Mai.
Entry: 40 THB
3. Wat Phra Singh
Rating: 4.7 | 8,200 reviews | West Old City
The most revered temple in Chiang Mai. The Lai Kham chapel contains the Phra Singh Buddha and stunning 19th-century murals depicting Lanna life. The architecture is peak Lanna style. During Songkran, the Phra Singh image is paraded through the streets.
Entry: 40 THB
4. Wat Pa Dara Phirom
Rating: 4.8 | 3,907 reviews | Mae Rim
A royal temple that most tourists miss entirely. The grounds are immaculate - think manicured gardens, ancient trees, and Lanna architecture at its finest. Far less crowded than the Old City temples. Worth the 30-minute drive to Mae Rim.
5. Wat Lok Molee
Rating: 4.7 | 8,209 reviews | Old City (north)
Just inside the north wall of the Old City, this temple has one of the most photogenic chedis in the city. The large ancient chedi surrounded by smaller ones creates an incredible composition. Less touristy than Chedi Luang or Phra Singh despite being just as beautiful.
6. Brother of Doi Kum
Rating: 4.7 | 22,164 reviews
The most-reviewed temple in our database. A large complex south of the city with an enormous standing Buddha visible from miles away. Popular with Thai visitors for merit-making. The scale is impressive.
7. Wat Tanjan
Rating: 4.8 | 3,102 reviews
A beautifully maintained temple with stunning Lanna woodwork. Less visited by tourists, which makes it more peaceful for genuine contemplation.
8. Wat Umong (Tunnel Temple)
Rating: 4.5 | 5,000+ reviews | West of Old City
Underground tunnels with ancient faded murals and Buddha images. The forest setting feels miles from the city. A deer park, meditation areas, and a lake add to the experience. This is where you come for spiritual quiet, not grandeur.
9. Wat Si Don Mon
Rating: 4.8 | 992 reviews
A lesser-known gem with beautiful grounds and incredibly detailed woodcarvings. The kind of temple that rewards slow exploration.
10. Ganesha Hindu Temple
Rating: 4.9 | 352 reviews
Not technically a Buddhist wat, but the highest-rated religious site in our database. A colorful Hindu temple that stands out from the typical Lanna architecture. A reminder of Chiang Mai's multicultural heritage.
Temple Etiquette
- Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees. Carry a sarong or light shawl
- Shoes: Remove shoes before entering any building (ubosot, viharn)
- Feet: Never point your feet toward a Buddha image or monk
- Women: Do not touch or hand anything directly to monks
- Photos: Ask before photographing monks or people praying
- Donations: A 20-40 THB donation is appreciated at free temples
Suggested Temple Routes
Old City Half-Day (3 hours): Wat Chedi Luang (Monk Chat) - Wat Phra Singh - Wat Lok Molee. All walkable within the Old City.
Full Day with Doi Suthep: Morning in Old City temples, afternoon at Doi Suthep for sunset.
Off the Beaten Path: