Wat Den Sali Sri Muang Kaen (Wat Ban Den)
An hour north of Chiang Mai sits a temple complex so vast and so gold it barely feels northern Thai.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 07:00–18:00
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
- Website
- www.facebook.com/watbanden
Full opening hours
Tours that include Wat Den Sali Sri Muang Kaen (Wat Ban Den)
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Den Sali Sri Muang Kaen (Wat Ban Den).
Why go, and how to do it well
Give this one a couple of hours, not the twenty-minute stop most people plan. The complex spreads out over a big rural site in Mae Taeng, and the style is nothing like the restrained teak-and-whitewash temples of the north. Bright nagas along the rooflines, mythical creatures everywhere, enormous teak columns, gold Buddha images in every direction. Plenty of people compare it to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, and I understand why. The reclining Buddha is the one visitors say they nearly walked past, so don't.
What makes it work is how little pressure there is. It's an active temple for local communities rather than a coach-tour fixture, so even at its busiest the grounds absorb the crowd. The upkeep is immaculate. Reviewers keep mentioning wind chimes on the roofs, which tells you something about how quiet it gets. Most signage is in Thai, so have a translation app ready if you want the detail.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Stay within reach of Wat Den Sali Sri Muang Kaen (Wat Ban Den)
SponsoredSearch Chiang Mai hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.
See hotels near Wat Den Sali Sri Muang Kaen (Wat Ban Den)Opens Booking.com with your dates
Tours that include Wat Den Sali Sri Muang Kaen (Wat Ban Den)
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Den Sali Sri Muang Kaen (Wat Ban Den).
Experience hints
Reviews from Google
Absolutely mind-blowing temple complex. The scale is incredibly grand and everything is beyond immaculate. Despite how expansive it is, it never felt crowded, which made the experience feel calm and unhurried. The sculptures are fascinating and highly detailed, and the golden Buddha images throughout the site are beautiful. Most of the signage is in Thai, so having a phone to translate was helpful and added extra depth to the visit. There is no entry fee and parking is free, but there are plenty of opportunities to donate towards the upkeep of the complex. Nothing feels pushy, and we were very happy to contribute given how well maintained everything is. A truly special place and well worth visiting if you’re in the Chiang Mai area.
We visited this temple spontaneously. It wasn’t part of our original plan. We saw it from the main road, and it looked huge and interesting even from afar, so we decided to stop by. It definitely did not disappoint. It’s one of the most beautiful temples I’ve seen: massive, vibrant, and incredibly detailed. The designs both outside and inside are stunning. There weren’t many tourists when we visited, which made the experience feel even more special and peaceful.
The most amazing jaw dropping temple complex I've ever seen. Fantastic temples, nagas and mythical creatures in bright colour. Beautiful temples with huge teak columns. Beautiful Buddhas and don't miss the huge reclining Buddha. You need a couple of hours to see it all. Very highly recommend. A must see experience.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 7,729 reviews on Google.
Inthakhin, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand
Open in Google MapsTips 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 Den Sali Sri Muang Kaen (Wat Ban Den): Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Den Sali Sri Muang Kaen (Wat Ban Den) worth visiting?
Wat Den Sali Sri Muang Kaen (Wat Ban Den) holds a 4.7★ rating from 7,729 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Wat Den Sali Sri Muang Kaen (Wat Ban Den)?
Wat Den Sali Sri Muang Kaen (Wat Ban Den) is typically open 07:00–18:00 — 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 Den Sali Sri Muang Kaen (Wat Ban Den)?
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 Den Sali Sri Muang Kaen (Wat Ban Den) located?
Wat Den Sali Sri Muang Kaen (Wat Ban Den) is at Inthakhin, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city center).
Also popular in Chiang Mai
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center
Tong Tem Toh
Cozy Massage and Spa Nimman 15 Chiangmai
Similar Temples & Culture across Thailand
Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)
Wat Phra That Mae Yen
Wat Pa Saengtham
