Explore Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in 3 Days – day 3
Since the last two days, I have been exploring neighboring areas of Chiang Mai, so today before I leave tonight, I plan to explore the city itself. The ancient city is surrounded by walls and has more than 30 temples inside – all in Lanna Thai, Sri Lankan, and Burmese styles. The most famous temple is located 18 km away from the city on a mountain called Doi Suthep. I wished to start my day with a visit to that temple.
Highlights of the Day
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Wat Lok Molee
- Wat Chiang Man
- Three Kings’ Monument
- Wat Chedi Luang
- Wat Phantao
- Wat Phra Singh
- Wat Loi Kroh
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the most significant temple of the city.
Today I was not sure if I could come back to hotel to do check out on time. To stay safe, I checked out and kept my luggage at reception before I left to explore the city. I grabbed some breakfast from 7/11 and reached Chang Phuak Gate by a songthaew.
There are songthaews from Chang Phuak Gate that take you up the mountain and to the temple. You have to wait until they become full with 8 passengers. I took the songthaew at 8 AM and reached the temple in around 20 min.
The main temple complex is open during daylight hours – from 6.30 AM to 6.30 PM. The entrance fee is 30 ฿ for non-Thai nationals.
The temple-top offers a great view of the city. To enjoy that, you have to climb up 309 stairs to reach the mountain temple. In case you do not feel like climbing, you can take the cable car for 20 ฿, but will miss out the views on the way to the top. I chose to walk.
Wat Lok Molee
On the way back from Doi Suthep temple, I got dropped in front of Wat Lok Molee.
The temple complex is open daily from 6 AM until 5 PM and the entry is free.
This is my favorite wat in Chiang Mai mostly because of the magnificent wooden look of the monastery in front of the impressive chedi. It is situated just outside of the walled ancient city.
Wat Chiang Man
After a quick lunch of “Pad Kra Pow sai Phak” (stir-fried vegetables with rice and basil) at a small eatery inside the walled ancient city, before making a visit to Wat Chiang Man, which was not very far from the place.
Three Kings’ Monument
Walking toward Wat Chedi Luang, I came across the the center-point of the old administrative quarter of Chiang Mai, where you will find the bronze monument of three Kings, which commemorates their alliance in the founding of the city.
Wat Phantao
Wat Phantao is situated very close to Wat Chedi Luang and drew my attention because of the all-teak architecture of the monastery building. Admission to Wat Phantao is free and is open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM.
Wat Chedi Luang
The temple ground is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM and admission is free.
Wat Chedi Luang is also known as the “Temple of the Great Stupa.” Its chedi is massive and the architecture inside the monastery is marvelous.
Thai Massage
After so much of temple tour inside the ancient walled city by feet, I wanted a Thai massage for my beautiful feet before I proceed to Wat Phra Singh.
Wat Phra Singh
The temple is open from 6 AM until 8 PM. The admission is free except that you have to pay 20 ฿ to enter the main monastery.
Wat Phra Singh is a well-known temple of Chiang Mai. It is popular because of its Lanna style architecture.
It is also considered as the most attractive temple in Chiang Mai.
Wat Loi Kroh
I took a tuk-tuk to get to hostel from Wat Phra Singh. I also peeped inside a beautiful Wat just opposite to the hostel.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
It was almost sunset time when I reached the hostel. I was templified. I took a quick rest in the sitting area of the hostel as I have already checked out in the morning.
In an hour, along with my backpack, I walked to the very popular Chiang Mai Night Bazaar at the end of Loi Kroh road toward the river to have stroll and have dinner with few of my friends from Chiang Mai.
Astalavista
After dinner, I took the songthaew to Chiang Mai Arcade bus terminal. The bus departed at around 8 PM and reached Phitsanulok by 1 AM – bye bye Chiang Mai!
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN THB)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Day 1 in Thailand – Chiang Rai.
- Getting around: 250
- Entrance fee to temples: 50
- Food: 260
- Miscellaneous: 160
Total expense (roughly): 720 THB
For an overall idea of itinerary and expense of the trip, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page. You can also have a look at Explore Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in 3 Days – Itinerary and Expenses.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
The asian temples look so unusual for an European eye. I would love to get there and shoot a short documentary.
I would love your photos I bet!
I was in Chiang Mai 3 years ago and so many of your photos bring back great memories. I can’t believe how busy the stairs are to the top of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. That is crazy!
Yes Nicole, Doi Suthep is one of my favorites.
So many temples to see in one small city! Wat Phra Singh sounds pretty cool, might be one of the temples I’d definitely want to explore in Chiang Mai. Not sure if I will be able to see them all when I go, will have to short list 3-4 which I can manage on a 1-2 days trip. I do like the architecture of Thai temples.
There are more temples, Medha. I love visiting them, all because of the art and architecture.
Chiang Mai is always been one of my bucket list destination. Love your photo shot of the beautiful temples.
Thanks for the appreciation.
We’re not exactly fond of temples, but we’re fond of art and architecture. The details and reliefs are amazing! Chang Mai is among the first countries we want to visit when we get the chance to go abroad.
That’s the same reason why I visit the Thai temples. It’s all about the art and architecture.
This brings back such great memories for me of Chiang Mai. The temples are still as stunning as ever and I’m jealous you had an authentic Thai massage, it’s the best! The night market is fab too, and I now have a craving for Thai food!
I love Thai massages, and then those Thai local night markets, and the food… wow!
These temples are really beautiful! We went to a lot around neighbouring towns and Cities but Wat Phantao is definitely my favourite! Glad your third day was a success 🙂
Wow, great to know you have visited Chiang Mai. The golden and silver leaves in Wat Phantao make it look really beautiful!
I am not a really fun of thai food, but due an idea about travel around south east Asia, I am trying to push myself to eat a bit more spicy and accept the Asian food concept.
Yes, it’s kinda different from other part of the world. I love the taste though.
Wow so many gorgeous temple in Chiang mai! I’m yet to explore this city, but when I do I will surely visit all of them. The architecture is simply stunning
!
Yes they are so so beautiful.
I raced through and didn’t see much of Chiang Rai, but I loved Chiang Mai. It’s such a beautiful city. I especially loved visiting the smaller, less touristic temples.
Hey wow, it is really nice to know that you have been here.
I really liked the vibe of CHiang Mai. I havent’ been in so many temples but I liked these on the big hill with the view on the city. That was a highlight.
Yes, you are right.
I was recently at Chiang Mai and it was so hot over there. Still, loved the temples in the Old City and had a great time exploring the market.
Chaing Mai is love.
I still remember visiting the temples in Chiang Mai three years back and marveling at the beauty of those, especially Doi Suthep. Chiang Mai does have some of the most beautiful temples in Thailand and probably entire Southeast Asia. This is a very good article listing out the best of the temples in Chiang Mai.
Couldn’t agree with you more.
This is a place that I would love to visit, hopefully one day! The temples look truly beautiful and the night bazaar must be a fascinating place to explore and eat some great Thai food!
Yes, Thai food is so delicious.