Wat Chiang Man
Start here if you want the history of Chiang Mai in one compound. King Mangrai founded this temple in 1296, the first one built in his new capital, and the elephant-supported chedi behind the main hall is the reason most people come away with a photograph. It's the shot everyone takes in the Old City, and it earns it.
The two Buddha images are the other draw: Phra Sae Tang Tamani, the small crystal figure, and Phra Sila, a carved stone relief. Both are revered, both are easy to walk past if you don't know to look. Inside the main hall the gold-on-red work is worth a slow look, and the smaller hall has wall paintings that reviewers keep singling out. One fair complaint is the lack of English signage, so the stories in those murals stay a bit of a mystery unless you've done some reading first. The grounds are large with plenty of benches, and people do lose an hour here without meaning to.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Chiang Man, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Wat Chiang Man (วัดเชียงมั่น) is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple and a must-see for history lovers. It was founded in 1296 by King Mangrai, the city’s founder. Highlights include the famous Crystal Buddha (Phra Sae Tang Khamani) and the Marble Buddha (Phra Sila), plus the elephant-supported chedi, which is one of the most photographed spots in the Old City. A beautiful, meaningful temple with real Lanna heritage—best visited respectfully and ideally earlier in the day for a calmer atmosphere.
Beautiful temple to catch around sunset. The main hall has beautiful gold on red images and the smaller hall has striking paintings. Despite the churn of visitors, the temple grounds are peaceful with a few places to sit. Behind the main hall is a beautiful stupa with a foundation of carved elephants. Well worth the visit.
Wat Chiang Man (Northern Thai: ᩅᩢ᩠ᨯᨩ᩠ᨿᨦᩉ᩠ᨾᩢ᩶ᩁ; Thai: วัดเชียงมั่น; sometimes also written as Wat Chiang Mun) is a Buddhist temple (Thai language: Wat) inside the old city (which is contained within the city walls and moat) of Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand. Wat Chiang Man was built by Mangrai: 209 in 1297 CE as the first temple of Chiang Mai on the location of Wiang Nopburi, a fortified town of the Lawa people which had been used by King Mangrai as a camp during the construction of his new capital city Chiang Mai. The oldest temple in Chiang Mai town, Wat Chiang Man was built in 1296 by King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai. The oldest temple in Chiang Mai town, Wat Chiang Man was built in 1296 by King Mengrai of Lanna kingdom. The temple is famous for its Lanna-style chedi supported by rows of elephant-shaped buttresses. The beautiful Lanna-style ordination hall enshrines an ancient Buddha image named Phra Kaew Khao, revered by Chiang Mai locals. Wat Chiang Man is situated off of Ratchapakhinai Road in the northeast corner of the old city. Opening hours: 8.00 am-5.00 pm
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 6,169 reviews on Google.
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Wat Chiang Man: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Chiang Man worth visiting?
Wat Chiang Man holds a 4.6★ rating from 6,169 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Wat Chiang Man?
Wat Chiang Man is typically open 05:00-19:00 — 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 Chiang Man?
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 Wat Chiang Man located?
Wat Chiang Man is at 171 Ratchapakhinai Rd, 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
171 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandVisitor 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)
Where to stay near Wat Chiang Man
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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.
Nearby Places
Chang Phueak Gate
Ancient northern gate of Chiang Mai's walled old city, decorated with elephant sculptures and steeped in Lanna history.
Huge old tree
A remarkably large and ancient tree tucked within Chiang Mai's old city, drawing curious visitors.
Lanna Folklife Centre
A well-organised museum introducing Lanna heritage, housed opposite the Three Kings Monument in Chiang Mai's old city.
Three Kings Monument
A ten-minute stop in the Old City that tells you who founded Chiang Mai, and it costs nothing.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Wat Arun
Porcelain-covered spires best seen late afternoon, and yes, the midday heat on those grounds is brutal.
Where to stay near Wat Chiang Man
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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)