Wat Chiang Man
With its partially restored ruins and a magnificent compound that boasts foundations from the Lanna era, Wat Chiang Man is a must-visit. Built back in 1297 CE, this was the first temple to be built in Chiang Mai under King Mantra, the driving force behind the development of the new city. Founded 700 years ago, the architecture of Wat Chiang Man is filled with history, housing a spectacular memento, the Crystal Buddha, a prestigious possession for the people of Thailand. The shrine is located in the north-east corner of the old walled city, showcasing a magnificent parade of stone elephants supporting the chedi of Wat Chiang Man.
Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (or Doi Suthep for short, to give it the name most locals and taxi drivers seem to use) is one of Thailand’s most revered temples, and one of the most famous temples to visit in Chiang Mai. This is a big temple complex with several absolutely beautiful buildings and structures, gleaming with gold. Every inch of this incredible temple seems encrusted with mosaics, jewels and gold.
It is also located on a hill outside of the city, with breathtaking views over the surrounding area. To reach Doi Suthep, you will need to rent a motorbike, take a taxi or get a ride in a shared songthaew. In Chiang Mai they are called rót daang or red trucks.
Wat Phra Singh
Thanks to a huge renovation in the 19th century, plus numerous licks of paint ever since, Wat Phra Singh stands as one of the most visually impressive temples in Chiang Mai. The main temple building is the star of the show, featuring those iconic slanted Lanna-style roofs and an intricately decorated façade that shines brightly in the sunlight. There is also various stupas and pagodas dotted around the grounds, which are free to enter. Walking distance from Wat Chedi Luang in the Old City, our recommendation is to fit in both during a morning or afternoon sightseeing trip on two feet or tuk-tuk.
Wat Umong
Still standing after 700 years, Wat Umong certainly shows its age, despite numerous touch-ups over the years. The crumbling, weather-worn central stupa towers into the sky, set around a well-maintained tropical garden and smart-looking green lawns. While the main stupa provides a neat photo-op, there is plenty more to do at Wat Umong, feed the fish and turtles in the garden’s main pond, walk around the ‘talking trees’ that offer words of advice, and head underground to check out the series of ancient tunnels. Find it just beyond the airport, in the foothills of Doi Suthep Mountain next to the zoo.
Wat Chedi Luang
Built in 1441, this temple was once believed to be the biggest structure in the ancient Lanna Kingdom, with its stupa reaching a soaring 82-meters in height. Wat Chedi Luang was once home to the Emerald Buddha and was transferred to Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok in 1475, where it now stands. Today, a jade replica stands in its place at Wat Chedi Luang. There are a couple of theories as to why there is damage to the top of the temple’s chedi. Some say it was destroyed when an earthquake struck Chiang Mai in the 16th Century, while others believe the chedi was destroyed when the Burmese fought to capture the city by cannon fire in the 18th Century, but nobody can say for sure which event caused its destruction. With a rich history and convenient location in the heart of the Old City, Wat Chedi Luang is one of the most visited temples in Chiang Mai.
Wat Buppharam
Located just outside the old walled city, Wat Buppharam is a massive structure that houses the largest teak Buddha image in Thailand. Built during the reign of King Muang Kaeo in 1497, the temple showcases a Dhamma hall, an ubosot and two viharns. The oldest structure is the ancient chedi that was constructed more than four centuries ago. Four Burmese-styled lions, or Singhas, guard the golden spired pagoda, while the base is designed with a Buddha image. The temple, which underwent renovation in 1819, contains a magnificent collection of cultural murals depicting scenes from the Jakarta tales and ethnic Buddhist scriptures. This temple has a rich history, evident from its Burmese-inspired architecture.