Ganesha Hindu Temple
Situated on Charoen Prathet Road in Chiang Mai's Chang Khlan area, this Hindu temple stands as a distinctive spiritual landmark in a city predominantly associated with Buddhist culture. Dedicated to Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity revered across Hindu traditions as a remover of obstacles, the temple serves both the local Hindu community and visitors drawn to Thailand's broader religious diversity. Its presence speaks to Chiang Mai's multicultural character and offers a genuinely different cultural encounter within easy reach of the city centre. Inside, visitors can expect a serene and contemplative atmosphere, with traditional Hindu iconography, ceremonial offerings, and architectural details that set it apart from the surrounding urban streetscape. The temple is an active place of worship, lending it an authenticity that purely tourist-facing sites often lack. Those with an interest in comparative religion, South Asian cultural history, or simply a quieter moment of reflection will find it rewarding. A practical note: official opening hours are not listed online, so visiting during daylight hours on a weekday is the safest approach. As with all religious sites in Thailand, modest dress is expected — shoulders and knees should be covered out of respect for worshippers. The temple's location near the Ping River and the Night Bazaar area makes it straightforward to combine with wider exploration of the Chang Khlan district.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Ganesha Hindu Temple, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Also Popular in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Bustling night market featuring street food vendors & local crafts, plus souvenirs.

Central Chiangmai
A large modern shopping mall on the Chiang Mai superhighway with extensive dining, retail, and a celebrated food hall.

MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center
Sprawling, upscale mall features dozens of boutiques, gift shops, eateries & a cinema.
Central Chiangmai Airport
Northern Thailand's largest shopping complex, ideally placed beside Chiang Mai International Airport.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple, home to the Emerald Buddha
The Grand Palace
Built in 1782, this ornate royal palace complex now houses a museum & is open to visitors.

Pattaya Walking Street
Colorful red-light area, closed to vehicles nightly & lined with bars, nightclubs, eateries & neon.
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan
Monumental Buddhist temple right on the river, with an iconic, ornately tiled central prang (spire).
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)