Wat Khuan Khama
A quiet, horse-themed Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai's Old City, dating to 1492 with striking golden interiors.
Details
Tours that include Wat Khuan Khama
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Khuan Khama.
Why go, and how to do it well
Tucked along Sri Poom Road on the north side of Chiang Mai's Old City, this small Buddhist temple carries a distinctive identity rooted in its founding legend. Established in 1492, Wat Khuan Khama is associated with a touching historical tale involving a horse groom, and that heritage is reflected throughout the grounds in the form of horse figures and motifs that set it apart from the many other temples in the area. A notice board at the entrance retells the story, giving visitors meaningful context before they step inside.
The shrine hall is compact but visually striking, with a colorful golden interior that surprises many first-time visitors. Because it draws far fewer tourists than Chiang Mai's headline temples, the atmosphere remains genuinely calm and contemplative. Locals visit to pay their respects as part of daily worship, and the temple's quiet energy makes it a natural stop for those seeking a moment of reflection or meditation away from the busier sites nearby.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Aug 2026
Stay within reach of Wat Khuan Khama
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 Khuan KhamaOpens Booking.com with your dates
Tours that include Wat Khuan Khama
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Khuan Khama.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Khuan Khama, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 1 minKhao Soi Khun YaiRestaurants & Food · 70 m · 4.6★
- 1 minReform Kafé - Vegan Garden RestaurantRestaurants & Food · 100 m · 4.7★
- 1 minWat RajamonteanTemples & Culture · 110 m · 4.7★
- 2 minWat Lok MoliTemples & Culture · 160 m · 4.7★
- 2 minSuki ChangphuakRestaurants & Food · 170 m · 4.4★
- 2 minKhao Kha Moo Chang PhueakRestaurants & Food · 190 m · 4.2★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Khuan Khama, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Wat Khuan Khama lies on the north side of Chiang Mai old town. Its beautiful and you not miss the opportunity to visit if passing by. The inside surprised me with its coloirful golden appearance. There is also a quite large stupa. Please remember to dress accordingly if entering the temple.
Wat Khuan Khama has a distinctive horse theme due to a touching tale which led to the establishment of the temple here in 1492. The notice board at the entrance retells the story of a horse groom and soldier serving under General Jaomun Damtuang who, when his much loved horse died, decided to donate his land for the building of a new temple in commemoration of the horse. He named the temple “Khuan Khama” (or “Khunkama” or “Khuan Kama”).Wat Khuan Khama has a distinctive horse theme due to a touching tale which led to the establishment of the temple here in 1492. The notice board at the entrance retells the story of a horse groom and soldier serving under General Jaomun Damtuang who, when his much loved horse died, decided to donate his land for the building of a new temple in commemoration of the horse. He named the temple “Khuan Khama” (or “Khunkama” or “Khuan Kama”).
We visited this temple near our hotel. The temple has horse figures which is unique. The temple was pretty quiet when we visited. The shrine hall isn't very large but it's good to pay respects here.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 158 reviews on Google.
143 Sri Poom Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within a 4-minute walk of Wat Khuan Khama.

Wat Rajamontean

Wat Lok Moli

Fahlanna Art Museum

Chang Phueak Gate
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 Khuan Khama: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Khuan Khama worth visiting?
Wat Khuan Khama holds a 4.2★ rating from 158 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Chiang Mai.
When is the best time to visit Wat Khuan Khama?
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 Khuan Khama located?
Wat Khuan Khama is at 143 Sri Poom 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 center).
Also popular in Chiang Mai

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai

Jing Jai Market Chiang Mai

Khoei Chiang Mai - Northern Food (Chiang Mai Restaurant)

Refresh Thai Massage – Old City Chiang Mai
Similar Temples & Culture across Thailand

Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)

Wat Nam Hu

Wat Pho Chai Phra Aram Luang




