Skip to main content
Ganesha Hindu Temple
Temples & Culture
Chiang Mai

Ganesha Hindu Temple

4.9(350 reviews)

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

Visitor favorite

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

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

4.3(26,375)
Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

Bustling night market featuring street food vendors & local crafts, plus souvenirs.

Central Chiangmai

Central Chiangmai

4.5(19,481)
99 99/1 -99/2 หมู่ที่ 4 Lampang - Chiang Mai Superhighway, Tambon Fa Ham, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand

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

MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center

MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center

4.4(17,201)
55/5 Huay Kaew Rd, Tambon Chang Phueak, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

Sprawling, upscale mall features dozens of boutiques, gift shops, eateries & a cinema.

Central Chiangmai Airport

Central Chiangmai Airport

4.4(14,875)
9, 9/1 ถนนสนามบิน Tambon Pa Daet, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Northern Thailand's largest shopping complex, ideally placed beside Chiang Mai International Airport.

Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Featured

Wat Phra Kaew

4.6(85,000)
Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple, home to the Emerald Buddha

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace

4.6(76,723)
Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Built in 1782, this ornate royal palace complex now houses a museum & is open to visitors.

Pattaya Walking Street

Pattaya Walking Street

4.3(51,994)
Walking St, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

Colorful red-light area, closed to vehicles nightly & lined with bars, nightclubs, eateries & neon.

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan

4.7(43,616)
158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

Monumental Buddhist temple right on the river, with an iconic, ornately tiled central prang (spire).

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

High

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)