Wat Chet Lin Chiang Mai
A serene Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai's Old City, known for its tranquil pond, charming rattan bridge, and welcoming monks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For ultimate peace and quiet
Wat Chet Lin Chiang Mai
Best Time
For ultimate peace and quiet

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai's Old City, known for its tranquil pond, charming rattan bridge, and welcoming monks.
"Discover a hidden gem: a peaceful temple with a charming bridge and monks eager to share their wisdom."
🤫 Dress Respectfully
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting this active temple.
🚶♀️ Explore the Bridges
Walk the bamboo bridge for unique photos and views of the pond.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Rattan Bridge
Behind the main temple building
A charming, albeit slightly flimsy, bamboo bridge over a tranquil pond filled with lotus plants and fish.

Monk Conversations
Engage with resident monks for insightful discussions on Buddhism and their way of life. A truly enriching cultural experience.

Peaceful Pond and Gardens
Discover a hidden oasis with a serene pond, lush gardens, and abundant aquatic life. A perfect spot for quiet contemplation.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Connect with Monks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Dress Respectfully
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting this active temple.
🚶♀️ Explore the Bridges
Walk the bamboo bridge for unique photos and views of the pond.
💬 Chat with Monks
Engage in respectful conversations about Buddhism and monastic life.
🙏 Donate Appreciated
Entry is free, but donations or purchases from the small shop are encouraged.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Dress Respectfully
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting this active temple.
🚶♀️ Explore the Bridges
Walk the bamboo bridge for unique photos and views of the pond.
💬 Chat with Monks
Engage in respectful conversations about Buddhism and monastic life.
🙏 Donate Appreciated
Entry is free, but donations or purchases from the small shop are encouraged.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The rattan bridge and serene pond offer beautiful, tranquil photo spots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Wat Chet Lin for its unexpected tranquility and beauty, especially the charming rattan bridge over a pond teeming with fish. The opportunity to engage in respectful conversations with welcoming monks is a highlight, offering a unique cultural insight. While smaller and less visited than other temples, its peaceful atmosphere and hidden charm make it a memorable stop.
"A quiet but interesting temple near the Sunday weekend market. There is a unique rattan bridge where you can walk to take photos, but it is a little flimsy imo.
You can chat with the monks here about Buddhism, life of a monk etc. They welcome visitors."
Darren
"Smaller temple and much quieter than the other one in the city but absolutely magnificent. There is a lovely bridge to cross at the back of the temple, over a body of water covered with lotus plant.
They seem to do meditation and conversation sessions during the day for free.
Remember that it is a temple, so behave with respect."
Julien Antoine
"Pleasant and peaceful temple with monks available to chat with as they have a dwelling across the bridge for studying. The temple itself has new chairs inside if needed. The garden area has two bridges to explore on foot (one is bamboo) where sea life can be seen in the water if you're lucky.
A small shop selling drinks and gifts is here too. It's free to enter but donating or buying something is encouraged.
I was impressed with this place. It seems a less visited wat"
Tellus 12
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Chet Lin is located within Chiang Mai's Old City. You can easily reach it by songthaew (red shared taxis), tuk-tuk, or by walking if you're staying nearby. It's a short distance from the popular Sunday Walking Street Market.
Yes, songthaews frequently pass by the Old City walls, making it convenient to get to Wat Chet Lin. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also readily available.
For exploring the Old City, including Wat Chet Lin, walking is a great option. Alternatively, songthaews are an affordable and common way to get around.
Parking within the Old City can be challenging. It's often easier to use public transport or walk. If you arrive by private vehicle, look for designated parking areas outside the main temple grounds.
Cycling is a popular and enjoyable way to explore Chiang Mai's Old City. There are many bike rental shops available, and Wat Chet Lin is easily accessible by bike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Wat Chet Lin is free to enter. However, donations are greatly appreciated to help maintain the temple and support the monks.
Wat Chet Lin is generally open daily from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the grounds.
There are no tickets to book for Wat Chet Lin as it is a free-to-enter temple. You can visit spontaneously.
As a place of worship, visitors are expected to dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees. Loud behavior or disruptive actions are not permitted.
Photography is generally allowed in the temple grounds, but always be mindful and respectful. Avoid taking photos of monks without their permission.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the ornate temple architecture, walk across the unique bamboo bridge over a serene pond, observe the fish, and potentially engage in conversations with resident monks.
Yes, families can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the novelty of the pond and bridge. It's a good place for children to learn about Buddhist culture in a calm setting.
While there isn't a dedicated meditation hall for public use, the peaceful ambiance of the temple grounds is conducive to personal reflection and quiet contemplation.
Basic facilities are usually available at temples in Chiang Mai. It's always a good idea to use restrooms before you arrive or be prepared for simple facilities.
The rattan bridge is a picturesque feature that allows visitors to walk over the temple's pond, offering a unique perspective and photo opportunities. It adds to the temple's tranquil charm.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a small shop selling drinks and gifts. For a wider variety of dining options, you'll find numerous restaurants and street food vendors in the surrounding Old City area.
Eating is generally not permitted within the main temple buildings. You can enjoy refreshments from the small shop or dine in designated areas outside.
Near Wat Chet Lin, you can find classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, Mango Sticky Rice, and Khao Soi, a Northern Thai specialty.
Chiang Mai offers many vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants, especially within the Old City. Look for signs indicating 'jay' or 'vegetarian'.
Yes, Chiang Mai's street food is famous and delicious. Just ensure you choose vendors with high turnover and good hygiene practices.
📸 📸 Photography
The rattan bridge over the pond, the serene garden views, and the temple's architectural details are prime photo opportunities.
It's best to ask for permission before photographing monks. Many are happy to oblige, but always be considerate of their privacy and spiritual practice.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the temple's peaceful ambiance. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour light.
Drone usage is generally restricted at religious sites and in urban areas. It's best to avoid using drones to prevent any issues.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the bridge and pond, while a telephoto lens can be good for temple details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage them to observe quietly and perhaps even try to spot different types of fish. The opportunity to potentially chat with monks can also be a memorable learning experience, fostering curiosity and respect for different ways of life. Remember to ensure children are dressed respectfully and behave calmly within the temple grounds.
🧘 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
The chance to engage in conversations with monks is a significant draw for those interested in spiritual exploration. It offers a unique opportunity to gain deeper insights into Buddhism and Thai philosophy directly from practitioners. This personal connection can be profoundly enriching.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
Early morning visits are recommended for the best light and fewer distractions. The temple’s understated beauty and peaceful atmosphere provide a refreshing contrast to the more elaborate temples, offering a chance to capture unique and evocative imagery of Chiang Mai's spiritual side.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Serenity of Wat Chet Lin
The temple grounds are well-maintained, featuring traditional Lanna architecture. What truly sets Wat Chet Lin apart is its welcoming atmosphere towards visitors interested in learning about Buddhism. Monks residing here are often open to engaging in conversations, sharing insights into their daily lives and spiritual practices. This offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange that goes beyond mere sightseeing.
While it might not be as famous as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Chet Lin provides a more personal and less crowded encounter with Chiang Mai's spiritual heritage. It’s a place where you can slow down, appreciate the quiet beauty, and perhaps even have a meaningful interaction with the resident monks.
Cultural Exchange with Monks
Visitors are encouraged to approach monks respectfully if they seem open to conversation. Topics can range from the intricacies of monastic vows to the general principles of Buddhist teachings. This informal exchange is a testament to the temple's open and welcoming nature, making it a place for genuine connection rather than just observation.
Remember to be mindful of their schedule and privacy. If a monk is busy or meditating, it's best not to disturb them. However, when the opportunity arises, these interactions can be a highlight of your visit, offering a unique perspective that you won't find at more tourist-heavy sites.
Photography at Wat Chet Lin
Beyond the pond, the temple's architecture, including its stupas and intricate carvings, provides excellent subjects. Capture the details of the Lanna style and the peaceful atmosphere. Remember to be respectful when photographing the temple buildings and any monks you encounter. Always seek permission before taking close-up shots of individuals.
While the temple itself is relatively small, its charm lies in its quiet corners and the natural beauty of its surroundings. It’s a great spot for capturing a more intimate and less crowded side of Chiang Mai's spiritual landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit