Wat Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen)
Forget gold leaf and glass mosaic. This one is all dark timber, plain lines and age, a Lanna wooden temple in Hang Dong that looks much as it must have looked a long time ago. That's the appeal, and it's why it reads so differently from the big temples in the city centre. It also turns up on screen, most famously in the period drama Klin Kasalong, which is half the reason Thai visitors make the trip out.
The other half is the costumes. Stalls near the grounds, including Kam John Cafe across from the entrance, rent traditional Lanna dress for around 150 baht a person, with hair styling for women thrown in, and professional photographers on hand at about 850 baht if you want proper shots. Expect a queue of people posing in the courtyard. Reviewers say patience pays: wait out a group and you'll get a clear frame. If you'd rather just watch, the cafe opposite is a decent spot for coffee and cake.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen), round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
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.
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.
Very nice, clean and unique in a way. Used to be a shooting scene in Thai drama and famous, then many people get dress in northern costume , so quite nice photo background.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 3,338 reviews on Google.
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Wat Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen): Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen) worth visiting?
Wat Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen) holds a 4.8★ rating from 3,338 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Wat Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen)?
Wat Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen) is typically open 06:00-17:00 — 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 Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen)?
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 Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen) located?
Wat Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen) is at PWFG+45F บ้านต้นเกว๋น ซอย 3 Tambon Nong Kwai, Amphoe Hang Dong, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
PWFG+45F บ้านต้นเกว๋น ซอย 3 Tambon Nong Kwai, Amphoe Hang Dong, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50230, Thailandwww.facebook.com/saiwonginVisitor 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.
Nearby Places

Royal Park Rajapruek
A huge botanical park where the free tram is the whole trick to seeing it without melting.

Royal Pavilion
Northern Thai craftsmanship without the crowds, out in Mae Hia on the edge of the city.

Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Free hilltop temple where the crowd is mostly Thai worshippers, and the giant white-and-gold Buddha is visible for miles.
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 Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen)
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)