The famous temples are essential, but Chiang Mai's most atmospheric wat are often the unusual ones: a forest temple where you meditate inside ancient tunnels, a hall that glitters with hand-tooled silver, a moss-covered shrine hidden in the jungle, and a field of white royal spires glowing at sunset. This guide covers the hidden and unusual temples that reward a little extra effort.
For the wider scene, see our temples hub.
Wat Umong: the forest temple with tunnels
Wat Umong, in the wooded foothills of Doi Suthep, is unlike any other temple in the city. Some 700 years old, it centres on a mound threaded with ancient brick meditation tunnels, with a weathered chedi above, a tranquil lake full of fish and pigeons, a striking fasting-Buddha image, and trees hung with Buddhist proverbs in Thai and English. It is shaded, serene, and made for slow wandering and quiet reflection. Free, and a complete contrast to the ornate city temples. Pair it with a meditation session.
Wat Sri Suphan: the Silver Temple
Wat Sri Suphan, in the Wualai silversmithing quarter south of the Old City, has an ordination hall covered inside and out in dazzling hand-tooled silver and aluminium repoussé, a showcase of the neighbourhood's centuries-old silver craft. As a traditional ordination hall, women may admire the exterior (where most of the artistry is) but are not permitted inside the ubosot. Visit in the evening for the light displays, and combine it with the Saturday Walking Street on Wualai Road.
Wat Pha Lat: the jungle temple
Wat Pha Lat is the magical, hidden temple on the forested slope of Doi Suthep, reached on foot via the Monk's Trail (about an hour from near the university) or by the mountain road. Moss-covered shrines, naga staircases descending into greenery, a small waterfall, and deep forest calm make it feel a world away from the busy temple above. One of the loveliest, most peaceful spots in Chiang Mai, and free.
Wat Suan Dok: the field of white spires
Wat Suan Dok, west of the Old City, is famous for its open field of whitewashed royal mausoleum chedis, holding the ashes of Chiang Mai's former rulers, set against Doi Suthep and breathtaking at sunset. It also has a giant white central chedi and a large viharn, and runs a well-known monk chat and meditation programme. The white spires in the golden hour are one of the city's most photogenic sights.
More unusual temples
- Wat Jed Yot: A serene temple with a distinctive seven-spired chedi modelled on the Mahabodhi temple in India, decorated with graceful stucco devas.
- Wat Lok Molee: Just north of the moat, a handsome old temple with a large brick chedi and a fine teak viharn, often quiet.
- Wat Bupparam: On Tha Phae Road, an eclectic, ornate temple with an unexpected mix of styles and curiosities.
A hidden-temples half-day
- Hike the Monk's Trail to Wat Pha Lat in the cool morning.
- Drop down to Wat Umong for the forest and tunnels.
- Visit Wat Suan Dok for the white spires at sunset.
- Or, another day, the Silver Temple in the evening with the Wualai walking street.
The bottom line
For atmosphere over crowds, the hidden temples are Chiang Mai at its most magical: forest, silver, jungle, and white spires. See them alongside the icons, and you understand the depth of the city's temple culture. Continue with our temple day-trips and Lanna heritage guides.