Chiang Mai - The City of Temples

Chiang Mai – The City of Temples

When people talk of Thailand, they necessarily always indicate Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, or one of many islands in the South. Not many know about Chiang Mai – the second biggest city in the country and often known as the traditional capital. There are various reasons contributing to the city gaining the “label” but I guess for me it has to be the countless temples and the hint of the actual Thai culture at every nook and corner. Having said that, I have seen as many Buddhist Temples in this single city as I have not in my entire life and I am a makeshift Buddhist you see, so I always try and find one Buddhist temple wherever I go.

The temples here are not just a place of worship. They are grand masterpieces of brilliant architecture and rich heritage. And, you have to see it to believe it most definitely.

As much as I would want to see each and every single Wat in the city, I am afraid it will take me a few months or years to do so. Thus, I bring to you my list of top Wats or temples in the city.

Photo credit: LannaPhoto

A

Wat Jed Yod, Chiang Mai

2 hours

Wat Jed Yod - Thailand's very own Bodhgaya

Photo credit: Panupong Roopyai By (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

B

Wat Umong, Chiang Mai

2 hours

Wat Umong - "The temple of tunnels" is a certified meditation and Buddhist teaching center

Photo credit: Leo Zaza

C

Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai

1 hour or less

The first temple of Chiang Mai

By Davidryo (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

D

Wat Pan Tao, Chiang Mai

2 hours

Wat Phan Tao is one of the oldest wats in Chiang Mai.

E

Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai

1 hour or less

The most important and religious Wat in Chiang Mai as per the locals

By Kittipong khunnen (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

F

Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai

1 hour or less

The second most famous Wat in Chiang Mai and a must-visit attraction