Wat Khuan Khama
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 colourful 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.
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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.
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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: March – May (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 centre).
Location Info
143 Sri Poom Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, 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 Khuan Khama
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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
Wat Rajamontean
A peaceful 15th-century Lanna-style temple in Chiang Mai's old town, known for its ornate décor and imposing Buddha statue.
Wat Lok Moli
Come twice, once in daylight and once after the lights come on, and you'll see two different temples.
Fahlanna Art Museum
An immersive multi-room art museum in Chiang Mai's old city blending traditional Thai culture with contemporary and digital art.
Chang Phueak Gate
Ancient northern gate of Chiang Mai's walled old city, decorated with elephant sculptures and steeped in Lanna history.
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 Khuan Khama
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)