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Temples & Culture
Chiang Mai

Three Kings Monument

4.3(9,019 reviews)

Ten minutes is about right here, and that's not a criticism. Three bronze kings stand in the middle of an open plaza in the Old City: Mengrai of Lanna, Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and Ngam Muang of Phayao, the alliance that gets credit for founding Chiang Mai. The sculpting is realist and detailed, worth walking a full circle around rather than shooting from one spot and moving on.

Go early or late in the day. Reviewers who turned up under strong midday sun complained the glare flattened out the faces and gestures, and the plaza has trees and benches that make a morning or late-afternoon stop far more pleasant. The square earns its keep on big dates too. Thai dance performances and ceremonies happen here around holidays and the new year countdown, and that's when the place stops being a photo stop and becomes something worth staying for.

Treat it as the pin in the middle of your Old City walk. The Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre sits right by it, and the temples and markets inside the moat are all within walking distance.

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Experience hints

Reviews from Google

Three Kings Monument in Chiang Mai is a must-visit landmark in the Old City, commemorating the city’s founding. The bronze statues of King Mengrai, King Ramkhamhaeng, and King Ngam Muang stand proudly in a peaceful plaza surrounded by trees and benches. It’s easy to stroll around and admire the detailed craftsmanship up close. The plaza is especially nice in the morning or late afternoon when it’s quieter, perfect for photos and soaking in a bit of history. Free to visit, it’s a short but meaningful stop that gives insight into Chiang Mai’s heritage.

A site that is exciting with the story behind the place. A large square in the middle of the old city that allows for relaxation amidst the fast pace of life in the city.

It's well sculpted monument in realist Style. Since sun was strong I could not capture the finer nuances and gestures of the interactive figures.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 9,019 reviews on Google.

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Three Kings Monument: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Three Kings Monument worth visiting?

Three Kings Monument holds a 4.3★ rating from 9,019 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Chiang Mai.

What are the opening hours of Three Kings Monument?

Three Kings Monument is open 24 hours a day — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit Three Kings Monument?

The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).

Where is Three Kings Monument located?

Three Kings Monument is at QXRP+3WX, Prapokklao Road, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).

Location Info

QXRP+3WX, Prapokklao Road, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Opening Hours
MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

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)

Where to stay near Three Kings Monument

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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.

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A highly accessible museum tracing Chiang Mai's Lanna Kingdom origins, with multilingual exhibits and a 20 Baht entry fee.

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Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang

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15, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

A compact Lanna-style Buddhist temple marking the historic site of Chiang Mai's original sacred city pillar.

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A specialty coffee café tucked inside a cultural centre on historic Prapokklao Road in central Chiang Mai.

Lanna Folklife Centre

Lanna Folklife Centre

4.3(1,299)
QXQQ+X87, Prapokklao Road, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

A well-organised museum introducing Lanna heritage, housed opposite the Three Kings Monument in Chiang Mai's old city.

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