Wat Chiang Man Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai's oldest temple, founded in 1297, featuring the iconic Elephant Chedi and revered Buddha images.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and cool
Wat Chiang Man Chiang Mai
Best Time
Peaceful and cool

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Chiang Mai's oldest temple, founded in 1297, featuring the iconic Elephant Chedi and revered Buddha images.
"A serene temple, well-maintained and charming, offering a quiet walk back in time."
👟 Respectful Attire is Key
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting this active temple. :pray:
🚶♀️ Wander the Peaceful Grounds
Explore the serene gardens and admire the Lanna architecture. :lotus_flower:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Elephant Chedi
Temple Grounds
Iconic stupa supported by life-sized stone elephants, a symbol of Lanna architecture.

Crystal Buddha
Viharn (Assembly Hall)
A revered ancient Buddha image, said to bring prosperity and good fortune.

Marble Buddha
Viharn (Assembly Hall)
Another significant ancient Buddha statue, known for its serene presence.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Chiang Mai's Oldest Temple
Immerse Yourself in History and Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Respectful Attire is Key
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting this active temple. :pray:
🚶♀️ Wander the Peaceful Grounds
Explore the serene gardens and admire the Lanna architecture. :lotus_flower:
🐘 Marvel at the Elephant Chedi
Don't miss the unique stupa supported by stone elephants. :elephant:
💎 See the Sacred Buddhas
View the ancient Crystal and Marble Buddha statues inside the viharns. :gem:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Respectful Attire is Key
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting this active temple. :pray:
🚶♀️ Wander the Peaceful Grounds
Explore the serene gardens and admire the Lanna architecture. :lotus_flower:
🐘 Marvel at the Elephant Chedi
Don't miss the unique stupa supported by stone elephants. :elephant:
💎 See the Sacred Buddhas
View the ancient Crystal and Marble Buddha statues inside the viharns. :gem:
💰 Donations Welcome
There's no entrance fee, but donations help maintain this historic site. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Wat Chiang Man for its historical significance as Chiang Mai's oldest temple, its serene atmosphere, and beautifully maintained grounds. The unique Elephant Chedi and revered Buddha statues are highlights, offering a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Some note the similarity of Buddha statues, but overall, it's considered a gem for quiet reflection and cultural immersion.
"This Wat with its tunnel, fish feeding and Ashoka pillar grabbed my interest instantly. Each moment there was like I was building a connection with the place. Peace, greenery and quiet worship.
One thing I noticed, all the Buddha statues are similar. Peacefully serene and calmly meditative."
Ameeta Agnihotri
"The place is very serene and beautifully maintained. You can walk around the stupa and explore the wat also. The wat had table fans for sitting and relaxing inside. The Buddha and the architecture also reminded me of Laos."
Madhava Prasad
"A serene temple. Been living in town for almost a year and I had just set foot in this temple. It’s not a huge complex, but so quiet, well-maintained, and charming. I saw some photos taken during winter when flowers were still blooming, this place looked definitely charming. I went here during summer in May, still a great experience to just have a reflection and chill time for a while"
Anggita Indari
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Chiang Man is conveniently located in the heart of Chiang Mai's Old City. You can easily reach it by songthaew (red shared taxis), tuk-tuk, or even by walking if you're staying nearby. Many visitors find it a pleasant stroll from other Old City attractions.
Parking directly at the temple can be limited. It's best to use public transport like songthaews or tuk-tuks, or consider renting a scooter and finding parking on a nearby street.
For exploring multiple temples like Wat Chiang Man, Wat Phra Singh, and Doi Suthep, songthaews are a popular and affordable option. You can also hire a private taxi for a more comfortable experience.
Yes, ride-sharing apps like Grab are available in Chiang Mai and can be a convenient way to get to Wat Chiang Man, especially if you prefer a direct ride.
The main temple grounds are relatively flat and accessible, but some areas might have stairs. It's advisable to check specific accessibility details if you have significant mobility concerns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Wat Chiang Man. It's a freely accessible temple, though donations are greatly appreciated to help with its upkeep.
Wat Chiang Man is generally open daily from early morning until late afternoon/early evening. Specific closing times can vary, but it's usually accessible during daylight hours.
Since there's no entrance fee, advance booking is not required for Wat Chiang Man. You can visit anytime during its operating hours.
Yes, as with most temples in Thailand, it's important to dress respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Avoid revealing clothing.
Photography is generally allowed in the outdoor areas and courtyards of Wat Chiang Man. However, it's respectful to refrain from taking photos inside the main viharns where Buddha images are housed, especially during prayer times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Elephant Chedi, the Crystal Buddha, and the Marble Buddha. The peaceful gardens and intricate Lanna architecture are also highlights.
A visit to Wat Chiang Man can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring the grounds, admiring the architecture, and reflecting.
Basic restroom facilities are usually available. While there might not be shops inside, you can often find vendors selling water and snacks just outside the temple complex.
Compared to some other major temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Chiang Man is often described as quieter and less crowded, making it ideal for a more serene experience.
The Elephant Chedi is a prominent feature of Wat Chiang Man, with its base adorned by life-sized stone elephants. It's a significant example of Lanna architectural style and a symbol of the temple's history.
📸 📸 Photography
The Elephant Chedi offers iconic shots, especially with the surrounding greenery. The intricate details of the viharns and the peaceful gardens also make for beautiful photographs.
Using drones is generally not permitted at most temples in Thailand due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to stick to handheld photography.
The early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, while the late afternoon provides a warm, golden hour glow. Both times are excellent for capturing the temple's beauty.
While outdoor areas are generally fine, it's respectful to avoid photographing the Buddha images inside the viharns, especially if people are praying. Always be mindful of your surroundings.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the Elephant Chedi and temple grounds. A prime lens can be useful for detailed shots of the architecture and Buddha images.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Backpackers
❤️ Couples & Culture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of Wat Chiang Man
The architecture itself is a testament to the Lanna style, characterized by its elegant, multi-tiered roofs, intricate wood carvings, and distinctive stupas. The most striking example is the Elephant Chedi, a bell-shaped stupa supported by a base adorned with life-sized stone elephants, a motif commonly found in Lanna art. Visiting Wat Chiang Man provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and appreciate the foundations of Chiang Mai's rich cultural heritage.
Exploring the Serene Grounds and Architecture
The viharns are particularly noteworthy, showcasing exquisite Lanna craftsmanship with their golden embellishments, detailed murals, and impressive Buddha statues. The presence of table fans inside some of these halls offers a welcome respite from the heat, allowing visitors to relax and soak in the spiritual environment. The overall design and layout of Wat Chiang Man encourage a slow, mindful exploration, allowing visitors to appreciate the details of the architecture and the sense of peace that pervades the site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit