Important Temples in The North of Thailand
You’ll see some of the most famous temples, including the Temple of unique architecture.
The Chiang Mai city is defined by a 700 year old moat, sits in the shadow of a monastery built in the 14th century and is dotted with temples raised by kings in centuries long past. In ancient times kings built temples (called wat in Thai) to demonstrate not only their devotion, but also their wealth and power. Temples served not only as centres of faith, but also as schools and hospitals. Today, temples are still a central part of Thai life and the holy structures of Chiang Mai are living, breathing places that serve as invaluable bridges to the past, keeping the people linked to the timeless traditions of their ancestors.
You will discover many interesting temples to see and explore in Chiang Mai and North of Thailand which needs to be carefully planned, however, for now we will tell you about some of the most famous temples highly respected and worshipped by all Thai people and the local people of the region.
When you go, remember that a temple isn’t just a tourist attraction. Most of Chiang Mai’s Buddhist temples are there to serve Buddhist and the community, so you’ll be expected to wear modest clothing and be quiet. Nearly all Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai are free or ask for a donation.
The most important and must-see temples include :
Important Temples in Chiang Mai
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. The temple is often referred to as “Doi Suthep” although this is actually the name of the mountain it is located on. The temple is located 15 km from the city of Chiang Mai and is a sacred site to many Thai people.
Wat Phra Singh Worawihan
Wat Phra Singh Worawihan contains supreme examples of Lanna art. A chedi was first built by King Pha Yu (r.1337-55) to house the bones of his father King Kam Fu (r.1328- 37). The original name of the temple was Wat Li Chiang Phra but this was changed to Wat Phra Singh when the Phra Sihing Buddha image was first housed there in 1367.
Wat Phan Tao
The Wat Phan Tao is one of the older temples of Chiang Mai found in the old walled center of the city. The first structures were likely built towards the end of the 14th century. Constructed entirely of moulded teak panels fitted together and supported by 28 gargantuan teak pillars, the viharn (monastry) is one of Chiang Mai’s precious treasures.
Wat Chiang Man
Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, older even than the city. It was the first temple to be built in Chiang Mai. It was constructed during the reign of King Mengrai, who lived in the temple while overseeing the construction of Chiang Mai, the capital of the Lanna kingdom.
Wat Chaimongkol
Wat Chaimonkol Chiang Mai is one of the greatest ancient temple in Chiang Mai Province. Most people, both Thai and foreign, respect Chaimongkol Temple. The most outstanding appearance of it is the Burmese-Mon style of decoration. And that makes the temple became well-known. The temple is beautiful and peaceful.
Wat Suan Dok
Wat Suan Dok is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai. This temple has been established for 700 years.
Wat Suan Dok (Flower Garden Temple) is in the west of old Chiang Mai Thailand . It’s just off the airport road. There are dozens and dozens of small white chedi, about three meters (10 feet) to six meters (20 feet) high. These house the ashes of many of the Chiang Mai Royal Family but the largest one, just to the south, is a Buddhist relic chedi.
Wat Jed Yod
Jed Yod temple is located on the highway which rings Chiang Mai, not far from where it intersects Huay Kaew road. It is also very near (within walking distance) of the Chiang Mai National Museum.
Wat Jed Yod is probably one of the least visited major temples. Jed Yod translates to “seven peaks” and refers to the seven chedis which top a structure in the temple.
Wat Pa Lad
Pa Lad Temple is a historic temple, with over 500-year-old stories. It is one of the three forest monasteries within the area of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. The atmosphere at this monastery is absolutely relaxing. If you don’t know what to do on your holidays, you may choose to take a sightseeing at Pa Lad Temple. Or, if you feel nervous, you may want to practice Dhamma too.
Phrathat Doi Kham Temple
The Phrathat Doi Kham Temple is an attractive not much visited temple known for its 17 meters high Buddha image. It is a beautiful temple situated on a lush mountainside near Chiang Mai Town.
Phrathat Doi Kham Temple getting more famous because of some person got what they asked for. If you need something but difficult to get it you can come to Phrathat Doi Kham and ask for it. If your ask come true you need to go back offer jasmine flower to the Temple this is about believe.
Wat Ku Tao
Wat Ku Tao is best known for it’s unique chedi, resembling stacked-up watermelons. The chedi was built in 1613. The name ‘Ku Tao’ comes from the northern Thai word ‘tao’ for melon. The temple’s chedi is noteworthy for its unusual, bulbous pagoda. The structure is decorated with colourful porcelain tiles and represents five Buddhist monk’s alms bowls.
Wat Luang Khun Win
Wat Luang Khun Win is a secluded forest temple, utilizing solar energy in the absence of electricity and running water. The difficult journey to reach the temple adds to its allure as one of Chiang Mai’s hidden gems. The temple is an unseen wonder in Thailand, is truly worth a visit. If you’re planning a trip to Chiang Mai, do not miss the chance to experience this magical place.
Wat Phrathat Sri Chom Thong
One of the things that make Phrathat Sri Chom Thong Temple so important is, this temple is the storage of a part of Lord Buddha’s relics.As soon as you arrive at this temple, you will feel surprised so much that you may stop breathing, as the temple is located on a 10-metre-high hill. Therefore you will be able to the clear sky, trees, and other kinds of beautiful scenery.
Wat Phrathat Doi Saket
The temple at Doi Saket is similar to the Doi Suthep Temple, yet smaller in size. The entrance to the temple (as is the case at Doi Suthep) has a steep set of stairs leading to the temple. The most prominent feature of the Doi Saket Temple is the giant golden sitting Buddha (Phra Buddha Pathimakorn), visible from the road leading to the temple. The interior walls of the temple are decorated with modern spiritual murals.
Important Temples in Chiang Rai
Wat Rong Khun or White Temple
Wat Rong Khun is one of the most significant temples in Chiang Rai. It features an elegantly refined architectural design in white, which will splendidly glow when the sun shines upon. The temple holds many Buddhist didactic symbols that can teach travellers who visit here.
Wat Tham Phra Archa Tong
Acha Thong Forest Monastery is quite interesting, because, normally, monks always walk on their feet for Binthabat. Therefore, villagers who pay their respect to Kruba Nua Chai have been talking about what he does. From that point, other monks started to ride on horses for Binthabat too, just like Kruba Nua Chai. And that created a unique appearance for the monastery. Most tourists, both Thai and foreign, travel to Acha Thong Monastery frequently, in order to see this memorable image.
Important Temples in Mae Hong Son
Wat Phrathat Doi Kong Mu
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu is the sacred temple of Mae Hong Son province for a long time. The temple is located on a hill to the west of Mae Hong Son city and it is a major provincial landmark. Phra That Doi Kong Mu Temple is famous for its view of the valley it overlooks. This is one of the ‘iconic’ views of Thailand you often see on postcards and it is a genuine spectacle.
Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang
Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang are just like twin temples. They are located in the same area situated at the center of Mae Hong Sorn City. They are considered as a cultural identity of Shan culture of this city. In addition to their magnificent art both of them are the centers of cultural activities of Mae Hong Sorn people.
Wat Phra That Ma Yen
Wat Phra That Mae Yen is quite nice, with beautiful panaaramic view of the pai valley and rice paddies. There is a beautiful Big Buddha Statute on the hill. The 353 steps long staircase to reach the temple is charming and beautiful place. It is nice hike to get there and you can get a nice view as reward.
Important Temples in Lamphun
Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai
The exact year of construction of Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai is unknown but it was built in the reign of King Athittayarat, a descendant of Queen Chamathewi, around the year 1100. Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai has undergone much repair and renewal and in 1443 King Tilokarat, the King of Chiang Mai added 5 new pagodas in the Sri Lankan style.
Wat Jamdevi
Wat Jamdevi is also known as Wat Kukut, this temple contains two chedi in the Dvaravati style, almost the only such structures left in the country. The larger chedi is made of laterite and has five levels, with three Buddha figures on each side of each level. The stucco decoration around the Buddha images is particularly outstanding.
Important Temples in Lampang
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is a traditional symbol of Lampang. The temple itself is gorgeous – much of it in old timber, including the painted panels around the sides. If you wanna impress and learn about complete, perfect lanna architectue, this temple and surroundings are the most worthing place to visit; the main monastary is very beautiful with invaluable artefacts, amulets, buddha images and statues.
Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn
One of the newest amazing places to visit in Thailand that you should check it out!!! That is Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorns. The mountain has been a Buddhist pilgrimage site for many years, due to a feature believed to be a footprint of Bhudda made over 2000 years ago. This temple started construction in 2004. The construction is still on going since then but most main buildings are finished.