Wat Phantao
All teak, all quiet, and right next door to the temple everyone else is lining up for.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 08:00–19:00
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.
Details
- Phone
- +66 53 814 689
Full opening hours
Tours that include Wat Phantao
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Phantao.
Why go, and how to do it well
Most of Chiang Mai's old city temples are brick and plaster. This one is dark teak, and that single fact makes it worth the ten minutes it takes to walk through. The viharn dates back to a 14th-century foundation and it's the woodwork that holds you, with carved panels, gilded accents, colored glass mosaics, and a peacock above the entrance that everyone ends up photographing. Go close. The detail is the point.
It sits on Prapokklao Road right beside Wat Chedi Luang, so most people arrive having just seen the enormous ruined chedi next door. That works in your favor. Crowds thin out here and the mood drops several notches, which is the main reason I'd rather spend time in this one. It's a working temple, not an exhibit, so keep your voice down and don't rush it. Mornings give you softer light and fewer tour groups.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Stay within reach of Wat Phantao
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Tours that include Wat Phantao
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Phantao.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Phantao, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 1 minChiangmai Smiley TourActivities & Tours · 60 m · 5.0★
- 1 minChiangmaiCottonMarkets & Shopping · 80 m · 4.8★
- 1 minU Chiang Mai HotelHotels & Resorts · 100 m · 4.8★
- 1 minDrink Rooftop BarNightlife & Bars · 100 m · 4.0★
- 1 minMakkha Health & Spa Chiang Mai (Rachadamnoen)Wellness & Spas · 120 m · 4.9★
- 2 minThe Treasury Museum Chiang MaiTemples & Culture · 120 m · 4.7★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Phantao, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
ตําบล พระสิงห์, Wat Phan tao Chiang Mai Thailand, 105 Prapokklao Road, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within a 3-minute walk of Wat Phantao.
The Treasury Museum Chiang Mai
Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Duang Di
Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang
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 Phantao: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Phantao worth visiting?
Wat Phantao holds a 4.6★ rating from 2,187 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Wat Phantao?
Wat Phantao is typically open 08:00–19:00 — 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 Phantao?
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 Phantao located?
Wat Phantao is at ตําบล พระสิงห์, Wat Phan tao Chiang Mai Thailand, 105 Prapokklao Road, 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).
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