Within the moat and crumbling walls of Chiang Mai's Old City, a square barely a mile and a half across, sit around thirty temples, and among them are the city's greatest: a ruined chedi that was once the tallest building in the kingdom, the most revered hall of Lanna art, the oldest temple of all, and a jewel-box hall built entirely of teak. Best of all, you can walk between them. This guide is a self-guided route through the Old City's finest temples.
For the wider scene, see our temples hub.
The route
A logical half-to-full-day loop, best started early from the Tha Phae (east) side:
- Wat Phan Tao and Wat Chedi Luang (central): start at the all-teak Phan Tao, then the giant ruined chedi next door.
- Wat Phra Singh (west end of Ratchadamnoen): the most revered, with its gilded Lai Kham hall.
- Wat Chiang Man (northeast): the oldest temple, with its elephant chedi.
- Smaller gems along the way: Wat Inthakhin and the many neighbourhood wat you pass.
Wat Chedi Luang: the ruined giant
The centrepiece of the Old City. Begun in the 14th century, its brick chedi rose to be the tallest structure in the old kingdom and once housed the Emerald Buddha (now in Bangkok). A 16th-century earthquake toppled its upper portion, leaving the dramatic, weathered silhouette you see today. The grounds also hold the revered city pillar shrine and run a daily monk chat where you can talk with a monk. Awe-inspiring and central.
Wat Phra Singh: the masterpiece
The most venerated temple in Chiang Mai and a high point of Lanna architecture. Seek out the Wihan Lai Kham, a small, exquisite gilded-and-teak hall housing the Phra Singh Buddha and superb murals of old northern life. A busy, active royal temple and a showcase of northern craftsmanship.
Wat Chiang Man: the oldest
Founded in 1296 by King Mangrai, the city's founder, who lived here while Chiang Mai was being built, this is the oldest temple in the city. Its chedi is buttressed by rows of stone elephants, and it holds two ancient, revered Buddha images, the Crystal and Marble Buddhas. Peaceful and deeply historic.
Wat Phan Tao: the teak jewel
Tucked beside Chedi Luang, this small temple's assembly hall is built entirely of dark teak panels, once a royal residence, with a gilded peacock crest over the door and a warm, candle-lit calm inside. During Yi Peng, its lantern-and-candle displays are among the most beautiful in the city.
Practical tips
- Start early (7am to 8am) for cool air and quiet temples.
- Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and wear slip-on shoes; you remove them at each building.
- Carry small cash for donation boxes; most temples are free.
- Bring water and pace yourself; rest over lunch in the midday heat.
- Be respectful: quiet voices, no feet pointed at Buddha images, women don't touch monks.
The bottom line
The Old City temple walk is the best free half-day in Chiang Mai, four of Thailand's finest temples and a dozen smaller ones within an easy stroll. Go early, go respectfully, and let the old capital reveal itself. Continue with our Doi Suthep guide, hidden temples, and the etiquette guide.