Suan Dok Temple the Beautiful Temple, Monk Chats, and Meditation Course

Suan Dok temple has been established for 700 years.

suan dok temple, wat suan dok, important temple in chiang mai

📜 History & The Legend of the Sacred Relics

Wat Suan Dok, originally known as “Wat Buppharam,” boasts a long history intertwined with the city of Chiang Mai. It was built during the reign of Phaya Kue Na, the 6th King of the Mangrai Dynasty, in the 14th century. The temple grounds were formerly the Royal Flower Garden of the Lanna King, filled with Payom trees, which is the origin of the name “Wat Suan Dok” (The Flower Garden Temple). The temple’s inception began when Phaya Kue Na invited Phra Maha Sumana Thera from Sukhothai to reside here to propagate the Lankavamsa sect of Buddhism.

The most significant legend of this temple is linked to the founding of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Phra Maha Sumana Thera brought a sacred Buddha relic from Sukhothai. Upon arriving in Chiang Mai, the relic miraculously split into two. One part was enshrined by the King at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on the mountain, while the other—larger part—was enshrined within the great bell-shaped Chedi here at Wat Suan Dok. This connects the two temples deeply in both history and spirituality.

🍃 Atmosphere & Vibes

The overall atmosphere of Suan Dok temple is spacious, airy, and tranquil, distinct from many other temples in the city that are densely built up. The sight of the white mausoleums contrasting with the green lawn and the golden Chedi creates a magical, serene feeling. This is especially true during the late afternoon when the sunset bathes the white pagodas and gold stupa in warm light. With Doi Suthep Mountain visible clearly in the background, it is a favorite spot for photographers and visitors seeking peace and beautiful memories.

🕌 Architecture & Key Highlights

The most striking feature upon entering the temple is the Golden Bell-Shaped Chedi (Sri Lankan style). It stands as the principal structure, glowing in gold, representing a blend of Sukhothai and Lanna art. This Chedi houses the original brother-relic of the one at Doi Suthep. Surrounding the main Chedi are smaller satellite pagodas at the four corners, showcasing the immense faith of that era.

A unique feature that makes Wat Suan Dok instantly recognizable is the Royal Mausoleums (The White Chedis). Located to the north of the main Chedi, this area is the final resting place of the Rulers of Chiang Mai and the Royal Family. Initiated by Princess Dara Rasmi (Royal Consort of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V), the ashes were collected from various locations and enshrined together here. The architecture features intricate stucco designs influenced by contemporary art, creating a stunning visual contrast of white structures against the blue sky.

Another major highlight is “Phra Chao Kao Tue,” a massive bronze Buddha image in the Mara Vijaya posture. Housed in the Royal Ubosot, it is considered one of the most beautiful Lanna-style Buddha images. The word “Tue” is an ancient northern unit of weight; the statue weighs 9 Tue (approx. 9,900 kg). Locals believe this Buddha is extremely sacred for granting success.

🌟Attractions in Suan Dok temple

⛪ Main Viharn

The main viharn was rebuilt in the early 1930’s by Khru Ba Srivichai. A large Buddha image with a hand in the position for holding straw stands back to back with the main seated image. The images took on their present shape under Khru Ba Srivichai.

A smaller viharn to the south contains a seated Buddha image – the Phra Chao Kao Tue – cast by King Muang Kaew in 1504. The Lanna style image stands 4.7 meters tall and is made up of nine pieces. The walls of the viharn are decorated with murals showing the previous lives of the Buddha (the Vessantara Jataka may be seen on the upper level of the north wall).

🛕 Chedi

West of the main viharn numerous chedi contain the remains of the royal family of Chiang Mai. These were collected from different sites in Chiang Mai and placed there at the wish of Princess Dararatsmi in 1909. The compound also contains the northern campus of the Maha Chulalongkorn Buddhist University of the Mahanikai sect. A wall with tall ornamental gates surrounds the compound, and the remains of earthen walls that once surrounded the fortified monastery can still be seen on the opposite side of the road.

🧘‍♂️ Meditation retreat and monk chat

Suan Dok temple, on Suthep Road just outside the Old City, is the most accessible temple with the most convenient courses for the curious. They offer simple overnight experiences beginning on a Tuesday and ending the next day on Wednesday. At the end of each month they also offer a three-day course beginning on a Tuesday as well, and ending on a Thursday. Not only is Wat Suan Dok a lovely, spacious temple conveniently close to the city, it also has a nice atmosphere for westerners due in part to their monk chat program, and the popular vegetarian restaurant located at the back, Pun Pun.

The highlight are Monk chat where 5:00 to 7:00 pm. mon wed and fri you can meet some of the monks and novice monks at the university. You can ask anything about Thai culture or Buddhist ways. So informative in a really relaxed atmosphere. All done on a donation basis. For Meditation, a monk will teach you about buddhism and several different methods of meditation. The retreat is run through this temple, but the retreat center is quite away out of town. The transportation, lodging, meditation teaching, and meals are included. Just do a web search for monkchat.net and you will find the website for the meditation and monkchat sessions through this temple.

Another location for short-term vipassana practice is Wat Umong, a forest temple at the foot of Doi Suthep. There, they offer one to four day retreats. This lovely temple will give a more serene setting to your practice, and is just a bit off the beaten path.

🚘How to get to the Wat Suan Dok

Location: Suthep Road, about 1km east of Suan Dok Gate. You can get there easily by red truck, tuk-tuk or rented bicycle. The other choice, if you need more comfortable or need more information, we can provide private tour with a guide for people who need more information and need a comfortable service to visit this temple and visit other important temples in the city for half day tour.

Entrance fee & opening hours

Opening Hours: Daily from 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM.
Entrance Fee: Free for Thais. For foreigners, there is often a request for a donation or a small maintenance fee (approx. 20-40 THB), though it is largely donation-based.
Dress Code: Polite and modest clothing is required as per Thai temple customs.

Note : Wheelchair user is accessible

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