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Wat Chet Lin

A working Lanna temple on Prapokklao Road, quiet enough that you'll hear the monks going about their day.

4.6(1,723)
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Daily 05:00–18:00

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.

Details

Full opening hours
Monday05:00–18:00
Tuesday05:00–18:00
Wednesday05:00–18:00
Thursday05:00–18:00
Friday05:00–18:00
Saturday05:00–18:00
Sunday05:00–18:00

Why go, and how to do it well

This is the sort of temple you walk into by accident and stay in for twenty minutes longer than you meant to. It sits on Prapokklao Road inside the walled old city, and it's a functioning monastery rather than a monument with a ticket booth. Monks live and work here. The Lanna architecture is the real northern style, dark wood and ornament, with grounds that someone clearly looks after.

My advice is to fold it into a walk rather than make a trip of it. Phra Sing puts you within reach of several bigger names, and this one works as the breather between them. Early morning is when it's at its best, not long after the gates open, before the heat and before the old city fills up. You won't find English signage explaining everything, which I think is part of the appeal. Come to sit for a while, not to tick something off.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Chet Lin, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Prapokklao Road, Tambon Phra Sing, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

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.

Go Early Morning

Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.

Wat Chet Lin: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wat Chet Lin worth visiting?

Wat Chet Lin holds a 4.6★ rating from 1,723 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Mai.

What are the opening hours of Wat Chet Lin?

Wat Chet Lin is typically open 05:00–18:00 — 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 Wat Chet Lin?

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: Mid-February – April (smoke & heat).

Where is Wat Chet Lin located?

Wat Chet Lin is at Prapokklao Road, Tambon Phra Sing, 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 center).

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