Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today

Wat Khantha Phueksa

Mae Kampong's only temple, carved golden teak beside the stream, with an ordination hall standing in the water. Free, with a small car park.

4.6(470)
Directions

Why go, and how to do it well

Wat Khantha Phueksa, also written Wat Kanthaprueksa, is the only temple in Mae Kampong, set beside the stream in the middle of the village. It began as a hermitage at the foot of a hill outside the village and was moved here in 1925. The buildings are golden teak, carved with fine Lanna patterns.

Down by the stream, its ordination hall stands in the water, one of only two built that way in Thailand, and the sound of the water makes it a calm stop away from the village's main lane. Entry is free. The temple's car park has about 20 spaces, a useful option in a village short on parking, so leave a donation in the box when you go.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

Stay within reach of Wat Khantha Phueksa

Sponsored

Search Chiang Mai hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.

See hotels near Wat Khantha Phueksa

Opens Booking.com with your dates

Also compare on Expedia · Trip.com

Tours that include Wat Khantha Phueksa

Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Khantha Phueksa.

Sponsored · GetYourGuide

Around here, on foot

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

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Huai Kaeo, Mae On District, Chiang Mai 50130, Thailand

Open in Google Maps

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 Khantha Phueksa: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wat Khantha Phueksa worth visiting?

Wat Khantha Phueksa holds a 4.6★ rating from 470 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Mai.

When is the best time to visit Wat Khantha Phueksa?

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 Khantha Phueksa located?

Wat Khantha Phueksa is at Huai Kaeo, Mae On District, Chiang Mai 50130, 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
Sponsored

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai

4.6(2,560)$$$$
119/10 Tha Phae Road, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
No riding and no tricks, just a day of feeding and mud with rescued elephants in the Mae Wang hills.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

4.3(27,259)
Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Nearly a kilometer of stalls on Chang Khlan Road, open every night from about 17:00 to 23:00. Come at 19:00 and walk the whole strip before you buy.
Han Teung Chiangmai

Han Teung Chiangmai

4.8(10,731)$$$$
63, 9, Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai
A northern Thai restaurant in Su Thep with a market-style setting and its own herb garden, known for its ant egg omelet. Over 10,000 Google reviews.
Calm Massage and Spa ( Inthawarorot branch )

Calm Massage and Spa ( Inthawarorot branch )

4.8(3,284)
18, 3 Khang Ruan Jum Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Pay a bit more than the Old City average and you get lemongrass tea, an indigo-toned room and a proper therapist.

Similar Temples & Culture across Thailand

Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)

Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)

4.6(27,037)
306 หมู่ที่ 2 Maekok Rd, Tambon Rim Kok, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Chiang Rai's Blue Temple, sapphire and gold from floor to ceiling, 3 km north of town. Free to enter, open daily 07:00 to 20:00.
Wat Phra That Mae Yen

Wat Phra That Mae Yen

4.4(1,639)
8FX3+VHX, Mae Hi, Pai District, Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand
Come for the valley view from the top of 353 steps, not for the Buddha, which is under restoration.
Wat Chai Mongkron

Wat Chai Mongkron

4.5(4,169)
27 หมู่ที่ 10 Thanon Pattaya Tai, ตำบล หนองปรือ, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
A free, genuinely quiet royal monastery in south Pattaya, complete with resident cats and cheap cold drinks.
Wat Khao Phra Angkhan

Wat Khao Phra Angkhan

4.5(1,071)
GRMM+PQH, Charoen Suk, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Buri Ram 31170, Thailand
A hilltop Buddhist temple in Buriram offering scenic views and traditional religious architecture.