Chiang Mai City Temple Tour

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.

Steps leading to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
You must ascend the 300-plus steps of the Naga-lined stairs to reach the main temple complex

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.

Beautiful architecture of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Gold-plated chedi and gilded umbrella at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Buddha image of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Buddha image inside Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Beautiful Buddha images and merit-making at Doi Suthep
People are making merits by circling around the pagoda

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.

The monastery of Lok Molee
The front entrance of the monastery is guarded by two large Nagas, the mythological serpents
Buddha image of Lok Molee
The monastery contains a large Buddha image in meditation mudra seated opposite the entrance
Chedi of Wat Lok Molee
The chedi of Wat Lok Molee is one of the most impressive and largest chedis in the Chiang Mai

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.

Moastery of Chiang Man
The large monastery is an impressive building with a three tiered roof, and is decorated with wood carvings in gold and ocher colors

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.

Bronze monument of three kings at the center of walled ancient city of Chiang Mai
The three kings are Phaya Ngam Meuang of Phayao, Phaya Mengrai of Chiang Mai, and Phaya Khun Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai
Model of the ancient walled city of Chiang Mai
The map of the ancient walled city of Chiang Mai that also mentions the location of every temple inside the walls

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.

The all-wooden monastery of Wat Phantao
Wat Phantao is an all wooden building constructed from teak panels set on a stone base

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.

Massive chedi of Wat Chedi Luang
The massive and extremelyimpressive chedi of Wat Chedi Luang dominates the area
Large monastery of Wat Chedi Luang
The large, impressive monastery building has a three tiered roof and a front facade in golden colors
Buddha image of Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang has a large standing Buddha image opposite the entrance, named Phra Chao Attarot

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.

Thai foot massage
A traditional Thai foot massage was much needed before I explore another temple in the list – all by feet

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 Phra Singh
The large monastery of Wat Phra Singh is an excellent example of Lanna style architecture

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.

Monastery of Loi Kroh road
Colorful monastery of Wat Loi Kroh situated on the popular Loi Kroh road

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.

Hand-made lights for sale at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Beautifully lit-up lights for sale at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Shopping at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Beautiful handicraft for sale at the night bazaar
Dinner at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Delicious Thai dinner at a newly opened restaurant in Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

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!

28 thoughts on “Chiang Mai City Temple Tour”

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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!

  4. 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 🙂

  5. italiantripabroad

    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.

  6. 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
    !

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.