Many of the temples in Chiang Mai’s old city were built when the city was founded more than 700 years ago. Most have been restored to their former glory, but some parts have been left as they were in order to allow visitors to glimpse hundreds of years into the past.
A car rental in Chiang Mai with Drive Car Rental is the most convenient way to see the city and the surrounding area. We have a location right inside Chiang Mai International Airport, so travellers can fly in and drive away. Once you’re in town and checked into your hotel, it’s time to see the historic temples that dot the old city.
Wat Chedi Luang
‘Chedi’ is the Thai word for ‘pagoda,’ the conical or tiered-shaped monuments which are featured prominently in many Thai temples. Buried deep within each chedi is something of immense importance. Sometimes, it’s the bones of a famous ruler, benefactor, or even bones and fragments of the Buddha himself. Many also contain small Buddha images or statues.
Chedi Luang is particularly notable for its chedi. It stood eighty metres tall until a large earthquake in the mid-1500s caused a partial collapse, reducing its height to sixty metres. Visitors can walk around and see ancient Buddhist images carved into the Chedi and adorning the walls of the worship buildings. It truly is one of the best attractions in Chiang Mai’s old city.
Wat Phra Singh
This is the most important temple in the old city of Chiang Mai. It is designated as a royal temple by the Thai Monarchy and therefore holds special significance. Wat Phra Singh is filled with people during important holidays, religious festivals, and visits by dignitaries.
It’s also a significant school of Buddhism, with approximately one hundred to 200 novice monks enrolled in training. These novices live in dormitories that ring the outside of the temple walls. Many are young and eager to practice their English with foreigners.
The temple also holds several smaller buildings dedicated to the history of the temple and Chiang Mai as a whole. Several photographs of the city and temple from more than one hundred years ago can be found here. From here, you can enjoy a walk through the city’s history, then visit the next temple on the list.
Wat Lok Moli
This small temple is easy to miss in the daytime. It’s located on the northern outer ring of the old city’s moat. At night, its lights draw the eye and visitors to see what’s inside.
This building is a modest yet spectacular example of the traditional wooden temples of centuries past. Behind the temple building is another chedi that dates back to the city’s founding. According to legend, the ashes of several kings and queens of the Lanna empire are entombed within.
During the lantern festival in November, visitors can make paper lanterns and light some of the thousands of candles that adorn the temple. This is the best time to see this temple in all its small but stunning glory.
Temples Outside the Old City
Here is a list of culturally significant and famous temples that dot greater Chiang Mai city which are absolutely worth a visit:
- Doi Suthep
- Wat Doi Kham
- Wat Suan Dok
- Wat Pa Lat
- Wat Jed Yod
- Wat Sri Suphan (The Silver Temple)
- Wat Umong
Each of these temples is as old as the city itself and has its own significance in local Buddhist lore. Some, like Wat Umong, were once overgrown by the jungle and later reclaimed as the city grew; others have been sites of pilgrimage for hundreds of years.
Visit Temples With Drive Car Rental
Taxi fare between a few of the above-mentioned temples or a day trip to Chiang Mai’s Sticky Waterfall will cost the same as a daily rental car. For maximum convenience, Drive Car Rental offers sedans, luxury cars, SUVs, electrics, and more. Each is available by the day, week, month, or even year.
Longstay expats and business travelers can access steep discounts by choosing monthly or yearly rental options. For flexible travelers, Drive Car Rental also gives customers the choice of picking up in one location and dropping off in another!