Wat Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen)
Set in the Hang Dong area south of central Chiang Mai, Wat Intharawat — widely known as Wat Ton Kwen — stands apart from the city's more ornate temples through its classic Lanna wooden architecture. Largely unadorned and largely unchanged, the aged timber structures create a genuinely historic atmosphere that feels unhurried and quietly removed from the busier temple circuit. The site has also served as a filming location for Thai television dramas, lending it a layer of cultural recognition among Thai visitors. A popular feature is the opportunity to rent traditional Lanna-style costumes for around 150 baht per person, making the temple a favoured destination for photography, special occasions, and couples marking milestones. Rental stalls are available near the grounds, including at Kam John Cafe across the road. The well-maintained setting and relaxed, non-commercialised atmosphere make it easy to explore without feeling rushed. Good to know: Costume rental availability can vary, so it is worth confirming in advance before making the trip. As with all Thai temples, modest dress is required — covered shoulders and knees are expected, and shoes must be removed before entering any sacred buildings. The temple is located in Amphoe Hang Dong, a short drive from central Chiang Mai, so arranging transport ahead of time is advisable. Visiting during daylight hours is recommended, as opening times are not publicly listed.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen), round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Wat Ton Kwen is a beautiful old wooden temple with classic northern Chiang Mai architecture. The atmosphere feels very historic and cool, making it a perfect spot to appreciate Lanna culture. It’s also one of the most popular places for photo shoots in traditional Lanna costumes, since this temple was used as a filming location for the famous Thai period drama “Klin Kasalong” (กลิ่นกาสะลอง), which tells a story along with Lanna traditions. Of course, we couldn’t miss the chance to follow the trend and take photos here too! Around the temple, there are many rental shops offering both Thai and Lanna outfits. Prices for renting costumes range from 500–1,000 THB, and if you’d like a professional photographer, it usually costs about 800–1,000 THB. Most packages include all digital files plus some beautifully retouched photos, which makes it very worthwhile. If you visit, I highly recommend trying the Lanna costume photoshoot — the results are stunning and it will definitely be a memorable experience.
Wat Inthanarat or Wat Ton Kwen is beautiful in its simple , well designed Lanna style architecture ...there is a Tiger café or Kam John Cafe across the road kiosks that rent beautiful Lanna style traditional dress for visitors to take photos in at the Temple grounds ....the Kam John cafe and bakery , which is across the temple entrance is a nice spot to have a coffee, cake and each the lovely thai ladies walk gracefully in their Lanna traditional gowns ...
A really fun place.... Our wedding anniversary and we wanted to do something nice and dressing up in traditional Lanna clothing for a photo shoot was great👍 Only 150 baht each to rent clothing (girls get their hair done). There are professional photographers on hand if you want some expert photos, 850 baht to hire them.
Location Info
PWFG+45F บ้านต้นเกว๋น ซอย 3 Tambon Nong Kwai, Amphoe Hang Dong, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50230, 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 Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen)
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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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Central Chiangmai
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MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center
A modern, well-organised mall in Chiang Mai offering shopping, dining, and entertainment daily until 10pm.
Central Chiangmai Airport
Chiang Mai's largest shopping complex, conveniently located beside the international airport.
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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)
Where to stay near Wat Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen)
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.